April Showers Can Cause Outdoor Drain Clogs
April is a beautiful month. Spring is here, and the weather is beginning to get warmer as winter recedes and summer begins to build up. But April is also a month known for rain showers, which can wreak havoc on many homeowners’ outdoor drains. Most people don’t realize that outdoor drains are often connected to indoor drains. They typically both feed into the same system, taking wastewater away to the municipal treatment plants.
And it’s easy to overlook outdoor drains until it’s too late. Small drains located throughout the property can clog and cause flooding of the yard and sometimes even the home itself. This is why April is the perfect time for homeowners to make sure their outdoor drains are clear and clean.
Clogged Outdoor Drain Signs
Standing water is the most common sign that an outdoor drain is clogged. But unwanted water outside isn’t the only indication that something is wrong. When water comes up through the drains inside the home, it could mean that an outdoor drain has created a clog. One inside drain clog doesn’t usually indicate a problem outside, but when all of the drains in the home are draining slowly, gurgling, or not draining at all, it’s likely a clog in the main sewer line. It’s also good to check the sewer cleanout, which is typically located outside of the house. This prevents sewage from becoming backed up and flowing back into the house. Instead, the sewage will flow out of the sewer cleanout. Homeowners should locate their sewer cleanout and check it periodically, especially during the rainy season.
How Professionals Clear Outdoor Drains
There are a few ways that professional plumbers clean outdoor drains. One is called hydro-jetting. Essentially, this entails using a high-pressure jet of water down the drain to clear the obstruction. This usually works for blockages made of leaves, dirt, and other debris. But, on occasion, an outdoor drain may experience a tougher clog. When that happens, the best option is often a drain machine, which can cut through even clogs caused by a root growing inside the drain pipe.
Preventing Outdoor Drain Blockages
Keeping outdoor drains clear of blockages is a fairly straightforward process. Once or twice a year, homeowners should practice proper drain maintenance techniques. This includes clearing away any overgrown plants, bushes, or trees nearby that could be contributing to the debris in the outdoor drains.
Most drains outside also have an area below the grate itself that is meant to catch larger items as they fall into the drain. These should be cleaned by hand on a regular basis. It’s fairly simple to remove the top grate of the drain, don a pair of gloves, and scoop out debris that has been caught underneath the grate.
Of course, an easier solution is to hire a professional company to clean all indoor and outdoor drains to prevent any drain emergencies.
About Twin Belle Plumbing
The friendly professionals at Twin Belle Plumbing have been offering expert drain services in Westchester County, NY, since 1999. They offer expert workmanship performed by highly-trained and courteous technicians. They also offer same-day service and up-front pricing, so their customers know just what they’re getting.
