When Should We Clean our French Drain?
December 18th, 2020
When it comes to maintaining French drains or weeping tiles on our property, the old adage “out of sight, out of mind” does NOT apply. In fact, the very fact that these important drainage pipes are buried beneath the ground and unseen is why it is so important to keep them clean and clear so that they can do their drainage job effectively.
The plumbing specialists at Plomberie Lalonde in Gatineau share their insights about weeping tiles, also known as French drains to answer these commonly asked questions:
- What is the difference between a French Drain and weeping tiles?
- How do I know if my property needs a French drain?
- When should French drains be cleaned?
- Who can I call to clean my French drain?
What is the difference between a French Drain and weeping tiles?
If water pools consistently after rainfall in the same low spot on your property, or if the ground is always “muddy” due to inadequate natural drainage, a French drain might be the drainage solution you are looking for. The use of a ditch and weeping tiles is an effective way to direct water away from a foundation in order to avoid water infiltration and even flooding in a basement.
While some low points in property can be built up or reshaped with clean fill to redirect water runoff, other areas cannot due to the slope of the property in relation to the foundation. In these cases, French drains are a great solution for draining water from soggy and sodden areas of your property.
When should French drains be cleaned?
Much like the eavestroughs and rain gutters on your roof, French drains/weeping tiles should be kept clear of debris in order to effectively drain water away from your home. The fact that French drains/weeping tiles are dug in trenches in the ground positions them for easy infiltration by small sediments and debris. As such homeowners should clean or flush their French drains on an annual basis to keep them flowing and draining properly.
Longer drains, or those with bends and curves are especially susceptible to clogs and blockages and it is not always possible to flush away the debris with a garden hose or pressure washer. If your weeping tiles are clogged beyond the point of a DIY fix, it’s important to reach out to professionals to have your French drain cleaned with the necessary tools before it backs up and causes significant pooling and even flooding.
Who can I call to clean my French drain?
When looking for a plumbing company that can clean your French drain, look for professionals who have the necessary equipment to assess the blockage without having to dig or disrupt your property.
Our team at Plomberlie Lalonde in Gatineau offers French drain analysis and cleaning using our no-dig technology. If you suspect that your weeping tiles are not draining as efficiently or effectively as they should, don’t hesitate to reach out today, we’re here to help!
