Protect Outdoor Drains from Spring Showers
After a cold winter of snow and ice, plenty of homeowners are looking forward to spring showers and sunshine. While warmer weather is a blessing after winter, it comes with a whole new set of worries for homeowners to think about with their house. Spring showers bring more than flowers to plenty of homes. Clogged drains are a common problem faced when spring rains start to fall, and they can be dangerous and expensive problems if left to grow.
Keep reading to discover how to locate and handle a clogged outdoor drain and the importance of regular drain cleaning for the home.
Spot the Signs of a Clogged Outdoor Drain
Usually, when homeowners hear “clogged drain,” they think of the toilet or tub. Indoor drain clogs are annoying and common, but outdoor drain clogs are often undetected until they become a bigger problem. Outdoor drains keep water away from the home’s foundation and prevent flooding. When they clog, water can overrun a home’s yard, garage, and basement. Still, there are plenty of signs homeowners can look for to detect a clogged outdoor drain.
- Standing Water: If puddles have become a frequent problem in the yard, there’s probably a clogged drain somewhere. Outdoor drains are designed to help prevent standing water in a yard, which can lead to bugs, pests, and bacteria issues in the yard.
- Mud: Frequently muddy yards are a sign that there’s a clogged outdoor drain.
- Excessive Debris: Are leaves, twigs, or trash collecting around the yard? Their presence is a risk for clogged outdoor drains.
When these signs start cropping up, homeowners should check on their outdoor drains and have the problem addressed by a professional.
How Professional Clean Outdoor Drains
Professionals handle clogged drains all the time. They have special tools and techniques to make things fast and efficient. It’s fairly common for homeowners not to know precisely where the inlet or outlets of an outdoor drain are. A plumber will have the expertise necessary to locate them, remove any coverings on the drain, and get to work assessing the clog. Occasionally, video equipment is needed to identify and determine the severity of a clog.
Once a clog is located, the plumber can get to work removing it. During a professional cleaning, the plumber may employ a run-of-the-mill garden hose to assist in flushing out the system. If clogs are extensive, a plumbing auger or sewer machine may be used to break them up.
Tips To Prevent Outdoor Drain Blockages
When it comes to preventing outdoor drain clogs, homeowners have a few easy steps they can take that won’t break the bank or require a ton of elbow grease.
- Keep the Yard Clean: Raking up leaves, throwing away any stray trash, and keeping other debris out of the yard not only makes the yard look nicer but also prevents drains from becoming clogged with those undesirable materials.
- Trim Grass: Keeping grass short and manageable allows homeowners to notice any irregular growths from standing water, puddles, or mud-related issues that might indicate a drain. Shorter grass is also less likely to contribute to draining clogs or blockages.
- Keep An Eye on Drain Locations: Homeowners should ask a professional where their outdoor drain system’s inlets and outlets are. Knowing where these areas are located will allow homeowners to keep an eye on the most likely spots for drain trouble to develop.
- Schedule an Annual Inspection: Every year before rain and snow season, have a plumbing professional come out to check the drains. Early detection of any clogs or blockages will help ensure a home is safe from a flood caused by drain clogs.
Don’t let April showers bring a surprise flood to the home; take care of drain clogs as soon as they are detected with the help of a reputable local plumber.
About Sheely Plumbing Inc.
At Sheely Plumbing Inc, customer satisfaction is their priority. Decades of experience and dedication to excellence have made them the number one plumber for their Alto neighbors. They offer competitive flat-rate pricing, same-day service, and honest recommendations for every job. There’s never a plumbing project too small or too big for their team to handle, so call Sheely Plumbing today for Alto drain cleaning services!
