Basement Flooded? Check That Drain!

5/20/2020 (Permalink)

With the impressive amount of rain South Carolina has received recently, we’ve noticed an increase in flooded basements. The majority of those homeowners have linked the flooding to a clogged French Drain. During your increased time at home as of late, we’re sure you’ve done lots of cleaning – baseboards, blinds, closets you forgot you had… But have you checked on that drain that provides crucial water run-off control for your yard? If dirt and debris fill up the drain, water is unable to flow in and out. A clogged exterior drain causes water to backup and will not allow proper drainage in your yard, often forcing the water into your home. If there is a clog, you’ll need to be able to fix it, here are some steps you can take to do so:

1. Locate an end of the French Drain: you’ll notice a hole in your yard where the drain ends and begins. If you’re unsure of its location, look to the highest point of the yard.
2. Use a garden hose to run water through the drain: If you notice water backing up rather than flowing through, you’ve got a clog somewhere in the line.
3. Use a pressure washer to remove the clog: Standing to the side of the drain, aim the nozzle at the bottom of the drain to force the clog out. Be sure to move the nozzle around all sides of the pipe to clean any remaining dirt or debris.
4. Use a sewer snake on stubborn clogs: A snake can be purchased at most hardware stores and is essentially a long pipe you stick down the drain to reach the clog. Using gentle pressure, you can push the clog with the snake. If you feel that it has broken free or loosened, continue to use the pressure washer wand to push it all the way through your drainage system.

If you find yourself standing in water in your basement, be sure to call our 24/7 Response Team at 803-749-0178