GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS
Rainwater, hail, and melting snow all collect on the roof before running down and away from the house. One primary mode of transport for your water is your gutter and downspout system. Not all systems are created equal, but they do have one thing in common-- debris build up. Whether it’s residual grit from your asphalt shingles or leaves from nearby trees, all kinds of things gather on your roof and in your gutters. When the rain washes it down, that debris often creates blockages in the downspouts. Send a bucketful of water through the downspout to find out how well the water is flowing. If there are clogs, use a drain snake to open it up. You can also try to blow it out using a hose and an air compressor or a garden hose with a nozzle that intensifies pressure.
FRENCH DRAINS
A French drain is a pipe that runs underground from one area of your property to another to help minimize excess water that can cause flooding. This commonly takes shape as a pipe where water flows from the backyard to the storm drain on the street out front. French drains may be the last segment of a system that is attached to your gutter system, placed right below your downspout, or laid along the outside of your yard. Regardless of placement, the design allows water into the drain while filtering out dirt and other debris. It typically slopes downhill to allow gravity to transfer the water. Over time, however, materials will find their way into your French drain so you should check them annually, preferably before the rainy season hits. Once the rain arrives, heavy water flow can force more debris into the pipes or create issues with a partially- clogged drain.
DRAIN FIELD
Before that happens, give your French drain a little TLC.
The easiest way to locate your French drain is to start at the street. Most suburban houses will have one or two in front of the house. Look for a tube opening in the side of the sidewalk or curb. Since the goal is to flow the water toward the storm drains, the French drain will be close to the ground. Even if leaves and dirt haven’t traveled through the tube, road debris or dropped leaves may have collected in front of the drain. Remove any gunk from the front of the French drain, along with anything you can reach inside the opening. Unless you’re standing in front of the drain during a rainstorm, you may be unsure how effectively it’s working. To test it, go into the back yard and run a hose directly over the area of your French drain. Wait a minute or two and head back to the street to see if the water is running out. If you have good flow and the water looks clean, your drains are probably fine. Most French drains are covered by gravel so make sure the pipe is still protected. If your pipe’s coverage is wearing thin, redistribute or lay down more gravel for protection.
If your home relies on a septic system, you have some form of drain field. This is the location where the water runs after being filtered through your septic tank. If you have an issue with liquids making their way to the drain field, it causes your septic tank to fill prematurely and can back up all the way to the showers and toilets within the home. If you notice a marshy area over your drain field, smell an unpleasant odor, or have sewage backing up into the home, it’s time to address the situation. This might mean dealing with a broken pipe or clog. On the extreme end, older drain fields may require a complete replacement, which involves digging everything up and re-laying pipes and other components.
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July 2023
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