French drains are used to channel groundwater from a location through perforated pipes. French drains have relatively low maintenance costs but need a clean-up once in a while. It is important to perform cleaning of these drains since debris and dirt can quickly accumulate and create clogs. A once in a year cleaning activity is advised, but if it has not been done for a long period, then the work of cleaning it up will be more tedious. Below are easy steps to follow when cleaning French Drains in Natick MA.
Step 1
Ensure that gloves are acquired and worn appropriately. These gloves can protect people’s hands from any sharp debris or sharp objects that might be caught in the drains. Similarly, the hands would be protected from small living creatures within and around the French drains.
Step 2
After preparation, a user should locate the start of the drain. Most times this would be located outside. If it is, most likely the hole would be covered by weeds and long grass which might have fallen into the hole. Although it isn’t much of a problem, one needs to remove this vegetation.
Step 3
Test whether the drain has clogs by sending in a steady supply of water into the drain. Initially, use low pressured water to prevent overflowing and water firing back in case there are dense clogs in the drain.
Step 4
Next is to try cleaning the French drain by sending in pressured water first at an angle to hit the drain bottom and then the sides of the drain. If one suspects that there are existing clogs, then it would be prudent to stand a distance away from the drain. If there are signs of unrelenting resistance, then it’s time to use a sewer snake.
Step 5
A sewer snake is a flexible long tube used to deal with clogs. Use it to shuck and loosen the clogs. Once it feels a bit loose, send in pressured water. Repeat the process until it is cleared.
Step 6
Check whether the landscaping cloth is in place. It would be located underneath the gravel and prevents dirt from entering the drain. You will need to replace it if it’s missing.
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