Tips for Outdoor Drainage Maintenance
Outdoor drainage is important for year-round management of excess rainfall. Unfortunately, when they’re not maintained properly, you can get a magnitude of issues that can really cause a headache. We always recommend checking your entire drainage system at least at the change of a season.
Here is a useful outdoor drainage maintenance checklist to ensure you have everything covered.
Check the Landscape slope
The slope of the ground surrounding your property plays a significant role in managing water flow. It’s important to ensure that the landscape is properly sloped away from your home or other structures. This helps prevent water from pooling near foundations, which can lead to moisture problems and potential structural damage. Consider grading your landscape to create a gentle slope away from the foundation and direct water towards drainage areas or natural slopes.
Clean the Gutters
Be sure to remove leaves, twigs, and other debris that can obstruct water flow. Check that downspouts are directed away from the foundation to prevent water pooling near your home. By keeping your gutters and downspouts well-maintained, you can effectively manage roof runoff and protect your property from water damage.
Specific Outdoor Drainage Maintenance
French Drains
Maintaining regular outdoor drainage maintenance on your French drains is extremely important. We recommend checking the grates of your box drains and the gravel of your French drains (with gravel to the surface) regularly and removing any debris. Check your drains more often in the fall or other times when debris can quickly cover your drains. Debris over a drain can make your drain ineffective and cause major water problems.
Outdoor Box Drains and Your Yard
Box drains are designed to allow debris to settle into the bottom so it does not clog the drain pipes. This is why you may see a small amount of water remain at the bottom of a drain after a rain event. This debris should be cleaned out 1 to 2 times per season, depending on how much debris you have moving into the drain. Open the grate of each box drain (this usually involves taking out a few screws) and clean out any debris that may be in there. A wet/dry shop vacuum is generally recommended because it can reach further than your hands to remove more debris. Next, flush the drain with a garden hose. Put the hose in the drain box and a few feet into the drainpipe if you can. Allow the water to run for about two minutes per drain. This step takes a bit more time, but it is essential in your outdoor drainage maintenance checklist.
Final Outdoor Drainage Maintenance Steps
If your drain system has a clean-out, remove the top of the clean-out and flush the pipe using a water hose. Still uncertain of the proper approach to outdoor drainage maintenance? Reach out to an Eichalaub consultant or project manager today! We can maintain your drains as part of the landscape maintenance program. Contact us today!
