How To Clean Outside Drain |top| -

Next Saturday morning, grab a cup of coffee, put on those gloves, and show your outdoor drain some love. Your future self—standing dry in your basement during a hurricane—will thank you.

Outdoor drains—whether they are trench drains, channel drains, pop-up emitters, or simple downspout extensions—are the unsung heroes of home waterproofing. They divert rainwater away from your house, prevent soil erosion, and stop your basement from turning into an indoor pool. how to clean outside drain

However, because they live outside, they collect everything: autumn leaves, spring mud, summer grass clippings, and even the occasional tennis ball or frog. Next Saturday morning, grab a cup of coffee,

If the water isn't moving, feed a manual auger into the pipe. Crank it until you feel resistance (a clog). Push and pull to break it up. Pull the snake out and clean off the gunk. Repeat. They divert rainwater away from your house, prevent

Disclaimer: Always call 811 (Dig Safe) before digging near underground pipes to locate utilities. This guide is for general maintenance, not major excavation repairs.

Set your wet/dry vac to "wet mode" (remove the filter bag). Put the hose directly over the drain opening or fit it into the pipe. Seal the gap with a wet rag. Turn it on. You will be amazed at the disgusting slurry that comes out. This is the most effective method for most homeowners.