Cleaning the outside drain

[lizzy33]

I'm helping a local charity who have acquired a new site. We are needing to clean the outside drainage (see pics - yes, that is our drain lol)
Before our team of volunteers start any work, anyone got any advice on preparation and things that should stumble us?

We were planning on opening it up and just putting out any mud and roots and bushes and putting them in a tip.

Thanks in advance

 

[SFK]

There is no point emptying that culvert drain of soil if the drain it is connected to is blocked.

Start at the end (or middle) where the water should drain away from this culvert drain (its lowest point).
Work to first ensure that that the drain that the culvert drains into is clean and working.
And I would simply use normal garden tools (a screwdriver to break up the soil a trowel to lift soil).

SFK

 

[foxhole]

As SFK, work carefully around drain outlet to avoid causing further blockage ( it probably drains to a soak away ).

 

[Stephan17]

Clear the bushes and loose debris first, then work through the mud gradually rather than digging too aggressively.
Be careful with larger roots, as they can sometimes be wrapped around damaged pipework.
Also, don’t let anyone climb into a deep chamber, as old drains can have hidden hazards.
Good gloves, boots and eye protection are definitely worth having for a job like this.
If the blockage looks more serious than expected, you could always get some advice from a company that handles drain cleaning Temecula, CA before going further.