Brantford Landscaping HeyTurf
HOW OFTEN SHOULD FRENCH DRAINS BE CLEANED?
As it is with anything else in life, there’s always a pro and a con. In relation to being a homeowner, a pro is the ability to create the home of your dreams. On the flipside, a con of being a homeowner is being fiscally responsible for things any time an uncontrollable event happens. This is where a french drain comes in. A french drain is a viable option for homeowners in Brantford, ON that have a yard that’s prone to flooding. However, just like any other drain, it does have a possibility of becoming clogged.
To avoid a blockage, our team of landscaping professionals here at Landscaping Brantford recommend cleaning your french drain with a pressure washer at least once a year. Keep in mind, however, that there may be more to it than just that. For this list, we’re going to map out the do’s and don’ts of cleaning a french drain. So without further ado, here’s instructions on how to clean a french drain.
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Everything you need to know about french drain maintenance in Brantford, ON.
How to test a french drain
As the most trusted landscaping company in Brantford, Landscaping Brantford always recommends testing the drain before you perform any type of maintenance on it. That way, you can see if the drain is able to handle any excess water before you add anything else into the mix. To do this, you need to find a grounded access point. Usually, there’ll be a grate visible above the ground. Remove the cap around the top, and then run a regular garden hose down the pipe. If the water gets backed up, the drain is likely blocked.
HOW TO UNCLOG A FRENCH DRAIN
It’s important to understand that there are a number of ways that can cause a french drain to be clogged. It could be as simple as debris from leaves and grass that got caught in the pipe, or it could be something more major such as weep holes or tree roots working their way into the pipe. Whatever the reason is, do not neglect a clogged french drain pipe! If you do, it could cause the pipe to back up with water and flood.
HOW TO CLEAN A FRENCH DRAIN
Once you’ve determined that the drain is clogged, the best way to clean a french drain is by pressure washing the debris out. If you’ve never used a pressure washer before, this tool comes with onboard pumps that force pressurized water out at the end of the wand. They’re a common tool that’s relatively easy to rent and use, nor will it damage your pipes.
THE BEST WAY TO CLEAN A FRENCH DRAIN
If you’re spraying from behind a clogged drain, then there’s a chance that the water may get backed up before removing the debris. With that said, Landscaping Brantford recommends spraying from the front. That way, there’s less of a risk of back up. Furthermore, once the debris is loosened, it’s likely to shoot up and out of the drain. For safety, in addition to wearing protective eyewear, we recommend standing to the side of the drain as you begin to pressure wash.
Need some help cleaning out or unclogging your french drain? We’ve got you covered.
Call us today at (226) 400-6419 to schedule a free consultation.