The steady Seattle winter rains are arriving and a little preventative drain cleaning can save you from pumping out a flooded basement as the ground becomes saturated. Take the time now to clean out the following drains around your property for a worry-free rainy season.
Catch Basins and Storm Drains
The city keeps the storm drains clear on the street, but if you have one at the bottom of your driveway, that is your responsibility. Pull any weeds back that are growing up through the grate, rake the leaves, and remove any piles of dirt that prevent water from flowing into the drain. You may need to schedule a more extensive drain cleaning if you can see silt building up below the grate.
Gutters and Downspouts
A clogged gutter can cause water to pour down on your head by your door or straight down the stem wall into the basement. Use your power washer to remove all those built-up leaves and dirt from your gutters. Make sure that your downspout is still properly attached and that water drains away from your foundation and down towards the street. Adding a screen or gutter helmet can help prevent future buildup inside the downspout itself.
Driveway Grates and Drains
Seattle is full of hills and many homeowners have garages at the bottom of a slope from the street. The drain in front of your garage doors must be working properly to prevent water from flowing straight into your home. After removing leaves and dirt, run your garden hose for 20 minutes and check that the drain is properly directing all the water away from the house. If you notice puddles forming near the foundation, you may want to contact a professional plumber to discuss ways to improve drainage.
