Why Drain Cleaning During the Rainy Season Is So Important

Outdoor Drains Need Protection from April Showers

For most homeowners, spring rains are a delightful and welcome natural occurrence. They boost lawn and garden growth, bring gorgeous flowers and vegetation, and help wash away any grime and debris leftover from winter. But for those with outdoor drains in their yard, the rainy season can be the harbinger of flooding, landscape disasters, and messy, expensive yard excavations.

Outdoor drains are there to help keep water from pooling in the yard or around the house, but when they become clogged with leaves, mud, or underground roots, they’ll do just the opposite. Read on to discover how to spot outdoor drain clogs, how the pros go about clearing them, and how to prevent them in the future.

Signs that an Outdoor Drain Is Clogged

There are a few different types of outdoor drains, each of which has different risks for clogging. Downspout drains typically consist of a corrugated plastic pipe that runs just below the ground and lets out several feet from the house. If it’s raining, but no water is issuing from the mouth of the pipe, there’s likely a clog somewhere between the gutter and the drain outlet. This usually occurs when the gutters haven’t been cleaned often enough.

Some drains are sunk into the concrete in the driveway or near the edges of the house. These usually carry water via PVC pipe directly to the street gutter, where it flows into a nearby storm drain. Landscape drains are similar but are located in low spots in the lawn or yard. Standing water in the yard or driveway is the clearest indicator of a clog in this type of drain. 

How Professionals Clear Drains

In most cases, yard or landscape drain clogs are caused by an excess of organic materials flowing into the drain and becoming trapped. Leaves, twigs, silt, and drifting garbage can all gum up the works. Most drains have grates or built-in trappers to prevent this, but these can often become jammed themselves or fail to stop some materials. Plumbers and drain specialists have tools to clear even the deepest clogs without damaging the pipes.

Hydro-jetting is probably the most commonly used method for clearing outdoor drains. This involves mechanically feeding a high-pressure hose into the drainpipe to break apart and wash away blockages. If roots have grown through the pipe and are obstructing water flow, a pro will use a sewer cleaning machine, which features sharp blades on the end of a metal cable, to cut away the invading roots.

Steps for Preventing Outdoor Drain Clogs

The best way to prevent clogs in outdoor drains is by keeping them clean. This simply means gathering any leaves that pile up around the drain, cleaning the gutters regularly, and periodically washing out drains with a garden hose. Installing grates or screens over any exposed drains will also help, but only if they’re kept clean. It’s also a good idea to have all outdoor drainage systems inspected annually for problems like root interference or cracked pipes.

About RupCoe Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning

The family-owned and operated RupCoe Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning has over 30 years of experience providing excellent drain cleaning service in South Plainfield, New Jersey. Their friendly and attentive technicians are licensed, insured, and background-checked for the safety and comfort of every customer. All of RupCoe’s services are priced up-front and backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

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