The Seattle winter rains are on their way, bringing almost daily drizzle and the occasional heavy downpour. As experienced homeowners know, some preventative drain cleaning can save you from having a flooded basement later on. Here’s an easy list of drains to clean around your property for a worry-free rainy season.
Catch Basins and Storm Drains
While the city keeps the street drains clear, the ones at the bottom of your driveway are your responsibility. Pull any weeds growing around the grate and clear away debris that prevents water from flowing into the drain. If you can see silt building up below the grate you may need to schedule a more extensive drain cleaning.
Gutters and Downspouts
A clogged gutter can cause water to run straight down the stem wall into the basement or foundation. First, check if any birds or rodents have taken up residence over the summer. Next, use a power washer to remove built up leaves and dirt from your gutters. Finally, check that your downspout is still properly attached and that water drains away from your foundation and towards the street. Adding a screen or gutter helmet can help prevent future buildup, or nesting, inside the downspout itself.
Driveway Grates and Drains
With the hilly Seattle terrain, many houses have garages at the bottom of a slope from the street. This means the drain in front of your garage doors must work properly to prevent water from flowing straight into your home. After removing debris, run your garden hose for 20 minutes and check that water is being directed away from the house. Also, be sure to check other outside drains and floor drains to be sure the water is not be re-directed to somewhere other than the street or storm system. If you notice puddles forming near the foundation, you may want to contact a professional plumber to discuss ways to improve drainage.
If any of your drains are not functioning properly, give Best Plumbing a call at (206) 785-2551 to schedule a professional drainage checkup. We serve the greater Seattle area and the East Side.
