When your French drain becomes bogged down with grime, you’ll want to clean it out completely. The easiest way to do this is to run a snake through the system. There may be times that you will need to call in a professional to complete the job. If you aren’t comfortable running the snake, allow them to handle the task. Another common issue is tree roots that push into the system and block the water from exiting your yard. Although you could tackle it as a DIY project, in this situation it might be best to let the pros remove the roots and repair the French drain. Eventually, portions of your French drain may crack or break and require replacement. This is another time that you will need to decide whether to hire a pro or tackle the project yourself. Your local municipality may offer these services so it’s worth giving them a call. As the landscape changes over time you may find your home’s drainage systems have become overgrown, buried, or broken. If the landscape has dipped or shifted, you may need to change the slope of the area surrounding your home. Watch for pooling water throughout the yard, which can indicate a broken pipe. Areas that look lush and green are another indicator.
WATER CATCHMENT
If you’re installing a new drainage system or making changes to an old one, it’s a good time to add some innovative and environmentally-friendly components to the process. Water catchment systems take a few forms so you’ll need to decide what works best for your situation. In general terms, though, these systems revolve around rainwater harvesting and greywater reuse. Surprisingly, rainwater harvesting is not legal in some areas. Check your local regulations. If it is allowed, collecting and storing rainwater can save you a significant amount of money and preserve a valuable natural resource. You can use it for watering the garden or tap into it for home consumption. Greywater recycling systems work a little differently. Basically, they divert water away from the washing machine, dishwasher, kitchen sink, and showers so it can be filtered and returned to the home for reuse, most commonly for flushing toilets. Although these systems require upfront costs, the benefits to the environment and your water bill are easy to see.
REVIEW THE OVERALL SYSTEM
It’s common for older homes to need some attention in the drainage department. Look at the location where the downspout meets the ground. Make sure water is moving freely and flowing away from the foundation of the house.
Repairing problems with drainage can take many forms.
The movement of water is predictable thanks to the laws of physics. However, when the flow is diverted, blocked, or overwhelmed by extreme weather, disruptions in the water flow can cause chaos. When water pools or reroutes through areas it’s not supposed to be, the damage can be expensive. It’s worth the effort to understand your home’s drainage systems, invest in their maintenance, and keep an eye out for signs of drainage issues to ensure that your home stays safe and dry. DRAINAGE TAKEAWAYS
You may need to start at the top with new gutters or downspouts. At ground level, you may need to reroute buried pipes by digging them up, trenching new routes, and relaying pipes. It may also be necessary to add French drains or a drain field to divert water runoff.
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