How Often Should French Drains Be Cleaned?

French drains are a necessity for any building that has a basement or is in an area that is prone to flooding.  We probably don’t need to explain to you why water seeping into your basement is a bad thing, but even structures without basements can be damaged if water builds up around their foundations.  French drains divert water away from your home or other building, ensuring that your basement stays dry and your foundation stays firm.

Like any other part of your home and yard, french drains need maintenance.  They are buried in the ground with openings and weep holes in them, so dirt and debris are going to get inside.  While a few leaves are not going to cause a problem, your drain can become clogged if it is left unattended for too long.

To ensure that your French drains always function properly, we recommend cleaning them at least once a year.  Fortunately, a well maintained drain is relatively easy to clean.  If it is free of clogs, it only takes a few minutes to flush everything out of a French drain with a pressure washer.

Before cleaning, however, you should always check for clogs.  First, locate the top of your drain.  This should be at ground level, often near a gutter downspout.  It may be covered by a grate, or may simply be a pipe sticking out of the ground.  Remove the grate if there is one, then run water into the drain with a garden hose.  If the water backs up and flows over the top of the drain, you likely have a clog.

Some clogs can be removed with a pressure washer, while others will require a drain snake.  Regardless of your method, always work on the clog from the drain’s exit - working from the top can cause water to back up!  If you are using a drain snake, take it slow - forcing a snake forward could damage the drain.

If a heavy-duty snake does not resolve the issue, the drain may have been damaged by tree roots, heavy equipment, or shifting bedrock.  Connections between pipes may have been broken, the slope of the pipe may have changed, or the soil above the drain may have become so compact that water cannot reach the drain.  In any of these cases, we recommend enlisting the help of a professional to repair or replace the drain and the lawn around it.

For most property owners, French drains are a simple solution to a problem that, if left unchecked, can cause huge amounts of damage. With minimal maintenance, a French drain will keep your basement dry and your foundation safe for many years.  Clean your drain with a pressure washer at least once a year, and if you notice standing water or protruding tree limbs near your drain, don’t wait to take action.  If you ever need a hand with cleaning or repairing your French drains, give our landscaping experts a call.  We are always ready to help!