French Drain Cleaning 101

French drain cleaning can be a fairly easy task, here are a few tips on how to clean out your French drain. A French drain is a great way to keep flooding and water damage in your yard at bay. A French drain is a perforated drain that you place in a trench. In order to keep the drain in place it typically has gravel around it. French drains are generally easy to maintain, and typically only need to be cleaned out once a year. 

Just like any other type of drain, French drains can also become clogged. Due to the holes having to be large enough to move enough water in an efficient way, the drain will fill with dirt & silt. Due to water in the drain, roots tend to grow into the pipes and cause blockages. 

If the drain doesn’t need to be snaked, then this can be a DIY project. It is best to leave snaking your French drain to the professionals. Here are a few tips on how to clean out your French drain. 

First Things First

There are a few things to do before you attempt to clean out your French drain. The first step is to locate the drain, French drains are typically around the perimeter of your property. Once you’ve done that, clear off any surface debris and remove the cover.  Once the drain is visible, check for any damage, like a broken pipe or roots growing in the pipe, that may be causing the issue. 

There are two methods you can use to DIY a French drain cleaning. 

Using Your Garden Hose

In the event the clog is mud or silt and has yet to harden, it can easily be flushed out with your garden hose. To do this, turn your water hose on to its highest pressure and carefully clean it out. When doing both of these methods it’s best to make sure you move the hose at different angles to clean the whole French drain. A good idea is to test the water flow again, when you feel like you have cleaned it fully to make sure there are no other clogs further down the drain. 

Using a Pressure Washer 

The next step would be to use a pressure washer if the garden hose method does not work for you.  A pressure washer generally has a higher pressure than your standard garden hose. With this method we suggest making sure you have safety goggles on and that you do not stand near the drain opening. Water can hit the clog and come right back out, or come out of any of the perforation holes. 

After you find your safe spot & have your safety gear on, the method is the same as the water hose method. Aim the water towards the opening, and make sure you adjust the angle every so often to get the whole clog. 

None of Those Work?

These options may not fully clear the clog, then the likelihood that you will need your French drain professionally snaked. When you use a heavy duty snake, it can be unpredictable and can cause you injury.

Call 1-Tom-Plumber

Don’t hesitate to contact us or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) if your French drain needs to be snaked. We will immediately handle any emergency plumbing, drain, and water damage problems, including excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines.