Regular and proper French drain cleaning can help prevent blockage and disruption to the flow of water. It is especially important to clean this drain before a heavy rain to ensure that it can effectively work to move water away from your home. 

At DN Sprinklers, we recommend taking the following steps to ensure your French drain is cleaned properly to restore its functionality.

Steps to Cleaning Your French Drain

• Remove the grate or drain lid to access the pipe.
• Use a garden hose to flush all the minor clogs and debris in the drain. More stubborn clogs can be removed with the help of a power washer.
• More even more difficult debris, use an electric sewer snake.
• Move the sewer snake down the drain to remove any potential clogs. It will have to go around bends in the drain. Retract it to remove any debris. 
• Use the garden hose to flush the system out with water.

It is recommended to repeat the process until all the debris and clogs have been removed. 

While this can seem like a simple and straightforward process, it takes a lot of time and effort. It is recommended to get the help of professionals to clean your French drain.

Tips for French Drain Cleaning

If you want to get the most out of your French drain cleaning project, it is recommended to follow these tips:

i. Regularly Evaluate the Drain’s Condition

French drains are one of those fixtures in your home that aren’t meant to be installed and forgotten. They are also likely to clog after some time.

• Make sure your French drain is cleaned annually
• Once cleaned, test the French drain by flooding it. This should provide you an insight into the effectiveness of the cleaning.

ii. Regularly Inspect the Ground around the French Drain

There are times when your French drain problems are not caused by clogs inside the pipe. Sometimes, the problem originates in the area surrounding the drain. For example, sometimes the French drain can become less efficient due to soil compaction around it. 

Another issue originating from the surrounding area can be tree roots that affect the drain’s pitch. It is recommended to check the drain periodically for any signs of roots near the surface. 

iii. If Possible, Use Pressure Washing

It is recommended to use pressure washing to clean your French drain because it makes the process easier. Besides being effective, a pressure washer will not damage your drain. The pressurized water should break down and move out most debris until it is solidified.

As mentioned above in the steps, make use of an electric sewer snake to remove all the stubborn clogs. This is often required because pressure washing is not able to break down and remove plant roots, compacted mud, and small rocks. 

So, it is recommended to follow these tips and steps to clean your French drain. For more tips and professional assistance, it is recommended to get in touch with DN Sprinklers. You can reach us at (210) 765-8667 or send us a message via this Online Form.