Saving Drains From April Rains
Rainstorms are one of the first signs that spring is coming. While that means green lawns, gorgeous flowers, and outdoor fun is near, storms also come with a few worries for homeowners. Spring rain showers are often the cause of clogged drains and plumbing problems for many homes, some of which can cost thousands of dollars to repair.
But, there are steps homeowners can take to prevent drain clogs from ruining their spring. Keep reading to discover key signs of clogged drains and how to take care of them!
Evidence of Clogged Outdoor Drains
Outdoor yard drains typically serve to direct water away from the yard, driveway, and home. They are usually located on a downslope to allow gravity to do most of the work for the drain. When they become clogged, flooding and other water-based damage are more likely to occur in and around the drain area. The good news for every homeowner is that clogged outdoor drains leave lots of signs for them to find. - Standing or Pooling Water: The first and often most noticeable sign of outdoor drain clogs is standing water. Immediately after a rainstorm, puddles are normal. But if large pools of water can be seen around the yard for days after rain, there may be a drainage issue.
- Excessive Mud: If it seems like an area of the yard is always muddy, even after several days of sunshine, there’s probably a drainage issue keeping water around longer than it should be.
- Grass and Weed Overgrowth: Standing water feeds grass and weeds like nothing else. If the grass has begun to grow taller in areas surrounding a drain than the rest of the yard, there’s probably a drainage issue going on that needs investigating.
Professional Drain Cleaning Methods
Homeowners can fix some outdoor drain clogs with a bit of elbow grease and some time in the mud. However, moderate to severe clog problems need to be addressed by a professional plumber. Professionals are equipped to handle various clog causes while maintaining the integrity and safety of the plumbing around it.
Plumbers use specific tools to fix clogs, usually with a drain auger or sewer cleaning machine. These machines operate using thin hoses that are moved through the drain and use rotating movement at high speeds to clear the clog. Some plumbers will use a hydro-jetter, essentially a super-powerful hose, to clear clogs using only water. These tools are highly dangerous when misused and should only be handled by a certified plumbing professional.
Prevention of Future Drain Clogs
Preventing drain clogs can be done by applying some of these steps:
- Keep the Lawn Trimmed: Long grass makes it easier for outdoor drains to clog. Homeowners should keep the grass trimmed and neat to prevent any clogs from occurring.
- Keep the Yard Clear: The presence of toys, lawn clippings, and garbage spells trouble for outdoor drains. Keep the yard clean and free of debris to prevent drain clogs.
- Schedule Annual Drain Maintenance: Annual drain maintenance isn’t just for indoor drains. Plumbers should inspect outdoor drains, too, especially before the rainy season arrives. Regular maintenance will keep any minor clogs cleared out before they become significant issues, too, and basic upkeep is cheaper than having a drain flushed out by a professional.
Homeowners can easily take care of and prevent drain clogs with the assistance of a handy local plumber by following some of these tips and tricks!
About JD Precision Plumbing & Air
At JD Precision Plumbing & Air, the client comes first. Since its opening in 2010, JD Precision Plumbing & Air has provided affordable plumbing solutions to their Conroe neighbors. Their team is fully licensed and certified and will always arrive on time for the job. Contact them today to schedule drain cleaning in Conroe, TX!
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