French Drain Maintenance: How To Clean Your French Drain

French drain maintenance is essential for protecting your property against water damage and ensuring the longevity of your drainage system. The right DIY protocols paired with regular visits from a French drain specialist can help you get the most from its lifespan. This guide will cover everything you need to know about maintaining your French drain. 

Why Do I Have to Keep Up With French Drain Maintenance? 

Maintaining a French drain is essential to ensure its function and longevity. Over time, a French drain can get clogged with mud, debris, sediment, and organic matter, reducing its ability to effectively redirect water away from your home's foundation or landscape.

Regular maintenance helps prevent water accumulation and potential water damage. Proper upkeep also extends the drain's lifespan, saving you from costly repairs or replacements in the future. That’s why it’s important to inspect for clogs, clear debris, and check the drain's slope and condition regularly.

How to Determine If Your French Drain is Working Properly

To maximize your French drain’s lifespan and ensure it functions properly, it’s important to know how to spot potential issues. One way to check if your French drain is working is to observe your lawn or basement. If you notice water pooling, there may be an issue with the drain, possibly caused by clogging. You should also check your French drain exit point and access point to ensure water is flowing smoothly without any blockages.

Another method to assess the effectiveness of your French drain is to schedule regular professional inspections. A local French drain specialist has the skills and equipment to identify buildup or blockages that could compromise the effectiveness of your drainage system.

How to Clean Your French Drain

When it comes to French drain maintenance, a pressure washer is the best tool to have in your arsenal, but stubborn clogs may require an electric sewer snake. Don’t hesitate to hire a local French drain specialist to handle cleaning and maintenance tasks for you.

Use a Pressure Washer

1. Locate the access point to the drain and remove the grate.

2. Put on rubber or waterproof gloves and safety goggles to protect yourself from any splashback or debris.

3. Clear out any leaves, dirt, debris, or sediment from the opening.

4. Put the debris in a bucket to discard it elsewhere, preventing it from washing back in.

5. Insert the pressure washer wand into the French drain pipe as far as possible.

6. Start the water pressure at a low level to avoid damaging the pipe, and gradually increase it if needed. Stand to the side of the pipe at a safe distance to avoid getting sprayed.

7. Slowly move the nozzle back and forth to clean the pipe and dislodge any clogs.

Use an Electric Sewer Snake

1. Put on sturdy work gloves to protect your hands.

2. Uncover the French drain’s lid and, if it’s connected to a gutter downspout, remove the downspout from the drain’s entry point.

3. Turn on the snake and carefully feed its cable into the French drain.

4. When the snake cable encounters an obstruction or a turn in the drain, hold it back as it turns in the pipe. 

5. Once the snake passes the turn or obstruction, gently feed it forward.

6. Continue feeding the cable into the drain until it reaches the other side, allowing the snake to turn inside the drain when it encounters resistance from tree roots, clogs, or other obstructions.

7. Continue feeding the cable into the drain until it reaches the other side, allowing the snake to turn inside the drain when it encounters resistance from tree roots, clogs, or other obstructions.

8. Once finished, retract the snake and return it to its device.

9. Use the pressure spray setting on a garden hose to test the drainage.

Taking Care of Your French Drain

Follow these tips and tricks for maintaining your French drain system like a pro.

• Periodically inspect the drain for clogs, blockages, or signs of damage.

• Remove any leaves, dirt, or debris that accumulate around the drain opening to ensure proper water flow.

• Cover your drain with the best rock for French drains, which is round, natural stone at least one inch in diameter.

• Hire a professional who installs French drains to inspect and maintain the drainage system to ensure it functions properly.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Learning how to clean a French drain is possible, but if you’re unfamiliar or uncomfortable working with the equipment involved, or if you just want the drain cleared ASAP, it’s best to hire a professional. Even if you are taking this project into your own hands, hiring a French drain professional for an annual inspection is strongly advisable to ensure your drain stays clear and damage-free.