French drains don't require a lot of maintenance, but they can get damaged.Rent an electric sewer snake to clear your drain.It's a good idea to conduct yearly inspections to make sure your drain is in good shape.Hire a drain specialist to take care of the maintenance and cleaning process if you don't want to do it yourself.
Step 1: Rent an electric sewer snake.
Hire an electric sewer snake, which is powered by a motor and has a two-pronged cutter at its tip, to clean your French drain.Call two or three rental locations.For a half day rental, prices should be around $65 or more.Choose between a 50-foot and 100 foot model, and choose a machine with 4 inch (1.9 cm) cable.
Step 2: Prepare for heavy lifting.
If you don't drive a truck, van, or SUV, you can borrow one or ask a friend for a lift, which is too heavy to be put into a car trunk.Ask a rental store employee to help you get the machine into the vehicle, and then ask a family member, friend, or neighbor to move it once you are home.If you are moving the snake on your own, use a ramp to get it out of the vehicle.Once on the ground, most augers have two wheels on their frame, which makes it easy to move them.
Step 3: The cable should be put into the drain.
Go to the entrance of the drain.The french drain should be disconnected from the gutter downspout.Slowly feed the cable into the auger.Gloves are required to protect your hands while handling the cable.
Step 4: If you feel resistance, stop.
When the cable reaches resistance, stop feeding it into the drain and just enough to free the cutter, if you can see it.Once again, ease it forward.Either the cable will find its way around the bend or it will turn and allow the cutter end to work through the obstruction.Move the cable back and forth to get it around the bend.
Step 5: If you encounter large obstructions, remove the cable completely.
Pull the cable gently and use the reverse switch on the snake motor to remove it if necessary.As it recoils to remove build up, wipe down the cable with a wet rag.The machine should be turned off when the cable is out.There are pieces of tree root and leaves in the cutter.
Step 6: Continue until the drain is clear.
The process of feeding the cable into the drain should be repeated.Water rush out of the pipe, as well as other debris, can be heard if large blocks are worked through.It is normal to be able to adequately clear a french drain after going through the process at least two or three times.
Step 7: Go out the drain.
Feed a garden hose into the drain and turn it on.The water should be allowed to flush out extra debris.The hose should be put into the drain at the same time as the auger to clean off the cable.The water should be run for 5 minutes.If you have a pressure washer, use it to clean the drain.
Step 8: Call a professional.
If you can't clear out a clog in the drain after a number of attempts, you should contact a professional drain cleaning service.If you want to compare prices and availability, look up several options.Standard drain cleanings can cost up to $250 per visit.
Step 9: The French drain needs to be cleaned regularly.
The French drain needs regular cleaning to prevent a build up of dirt and debris that could cause a problem.Every week or so, use a garden rake to clear the drain's surface of debris that could block the water flow.In the event of a storm, nearby construction, or another occurrence that may result in excess debris, clear the area as soon as possible to prevent backups.Remove the cover and clean the inside of the drain if you have louvers.
Step 10: The French drain should be inspected yearly.
French drains can operate for a long time without problems, but they should be inspected every year to make sure there are no problems.When the weather allows it, choose a time of year when your schedule will accommodate it.When there is no snow or excessive rain, you are on vacation.Before starting any other projects in the surrounding area, schedule the inspection.If you have to do repairs, planting a garden or building a deck is a good idea.If you get a lot of rain, inspect your drain system to make sure it's still draining fast.
Step 11: Rental of pipe inspection equipment.
If you want to compare rental prices for pipe inspection equipment, call several hardware stores.These small, cable-mounted video cameras coil into the drain and transmit recorded images to a video monitor, revealing obstructions, collapsed pipes, or other issues.Costs may vary greatly depending on your location and needs, as models range in features, quality, and availability.A less expensive model can be used to identify a simple problem.
Step 12: You should get a professional inspection.
If you want to be certain about the condition of your French drain, you should call a professional drain specialist.If there are any problems with your drain, experts can quickly and effectively check it.If necessary, drain specialists can handle cleaning and repairs.