If you have French drains for your basement then you need to know how to properly take care of them. Like any other type of drain, French drains require maintenance from time to time if they are to function effectively. If your French drain becomes clogged your basement may not be protected and you could be faced with water damage. If you are not quite sure how to go about maintaining your French drain. Here are some tips to help you get started.
Test the Drainage
Before you even clean your drain, you should find out about its current condition. One of the easiest ways to find out about the current condition of the drain is to flood it with water.
Find the opening of the drain and remove any cap that may be over it. You can then turn your hose into the drain at full force. If your drain is functioning properly, it will easily manage any flooding. If water does not flow freely back out of the drain, it means that there is some kind of blockage in it.
Apply Pressure Washing
If after doing the test with your hose you notice that the water is not flowing freely you should consider pressure washing. Pressure washing is something that can be done whether or not there is a blockage in the drain. Even if there is no blockage you can get a good clean for your drain with pressure washing.
Pressure washing is relatively easy to do. All you have to do is place the nozzle of the pressure washer into your French drain and put it on full force.
Try a Drain Snake
Along with using a pressure washer, there are other ways that you can remove clogs from your French drain. Sometimes pressure washing may not be sufficient for removing clogs from your French drain.
If you find that a clog is difficult to remove then you can use a drain snake to help remove them. It may be that a root of a tree is blocking the drain or even tiny rocks. Following up your pressure washing with a drain snake may be just what you need to remove the blockage.
Keeping your French drain clean is something that you must have high on your to-do list. French drains are not difficult to maintain and can be done in an afternoon when you have some free time. Maintaining these drains regularly will ensure that you prevent water damage to your home.
For more information, reach out to a company such as Drain Designs.
