The Importance of Keeping Your Yard Drains Clear

At Drain My Lawn, we know that even the best drainage systems require a little maintenance to keep them working smoothly—especially after a heavy rain. I wanted to share a quick story from a job site we completed last week that illustrates just how crucial it is to keep your drains clear.

The Situation: Heavy Rain and Clogged Drains

We had just wrapped up a drainage project when a tropical storm rolled through, bringing a substantial amount of rain with it. The light rain we were experiencing on-site that day was nothing compared to the downpour we’d just had, which had caused quite a bit of disruption.

As I arrived at the site, I noticed that a lot of the straw we had laid down had washed away, especially in the main path where the water was running. This straw had ended up clogging the catch basin, which is the low point where water is supposed to collect and then be channeled away.

The Challenge: Locating and Clearing the Drain

The first step was to locate the drain, which was easier said than done. With all the debris and standing water, finding the exact spot was tricky. Once I located the drain, I removed the grate and immediately saw the problem: the system was clogged with debris, primarily straw that had been washed into the basin by the rain.

I quickly cleared the debris, and as soon as I did, water started rushing out of the system. What had been a ponded area with standing water began to drain rapidly, and within minutes, the water level had dropped significantly.

The Lesson: Regular Maintenance is Key

This situation is a perfect example of how quickly a drain can become clogged, especially after heavy rain. Catch basins, which are often recessed in low points of a yard, naturally collect water—and unfortunately, they also collect any loose debris that comes with it. In this case, straw was the culprit, but leaves, dirt, and other materials can just as easily clog your drainage system.

Even though we hadn't touched the other catch basins on the property, they were functioning properly because they hadn't been overwhelmed with debris. But it only takes one clog to cause significant water buildup.

The Result: A Clear Drain and a Dry Yard

After just a few minutes of work, the catch basin was clear, and the water that had pooled around it was gone. I replaced the grate, and the drainage system was back to working as it should.

This experience highlights the importance of regular maintenance on your drainage systems, especially in the aftermath of heavy rain. Keeping your drains clear of debris can prevent water from ponding in your yard and ensure that your drainage system functions efficiently.

Conclusion: Don’t Let a Clog Ruin Your Yard

At Drain My Lawn, we’re committed to helping you keep your yard dry and your drainage systems in top shape. Whether it’s routine maintenance or a full system installation, we’re here to help you avoid the headaches that come with clogged drains.