How to Properly Maintain Your Outdoor Drainage Systems

Drainage systems are some of the most effective products in keeping your property safe from water infiltration, flooding, and associated damage. If you have any type of outdoor drainage system on your property, you can enjoy greater protection and peace of mind. However, outdoor drains do require routine maintenance to ensure they operate at peak effectiveness, particularly at the moment you need them. This is especially true if your property features lots of trees and bushes, if you have pets or wildlife in your yard, or your area experiences a lot of inclement weather.

Things like French drains, trench drains, cut-off drains, and catch basins can become clogged or blocked, which will compromise their function. If you want to protect your drainage systems and this important investment in your home, plan to do regular inspections and maintenance!

Here are a few basic steps to follow, to take care of your drains:

Step 1—Find your yard drains and look for anything blocking the grates or filters. Remove obstructions like leaves, mud, toys, rocks, trash, etc. If the grate is removable, take it off so you can look down the pipe for any potential clogs. Use your garden hose to flush through the drain.

Step 2—Locate your drainage inspection and cleanout portals. Most properties have at least one of these access points, sometimes near the house or near the street. A plumber or Denver yard drainage specialist can help you locate these if necessary. If you leave the hose on at your yard drain, you should see water coming out of the portals toward the storm sewer.

Step 3—If you have the skills and capability, use a drain snake or hydro-jet to mechanically clean out your drainage pipes. This is especially helpful when you have a stubborn clog that is hard to reach from the yard surface. Do NOT use chemicals to remove clogs.

Step 4—Call your local Denver drainage experts! Companies like Van Matre Construction offer installation, repair, and maintenance of exterior drainage systems, and can help you take care of your home.

Reach out to us at Van Matre Construction today to learn more about our drainage services!