At some point, even the most careful homeowner will have to deal with a clogged drainage system. According to the contractors at Stan Young Drainage, thorough cleaning is key to extending your drainage system’s lifespan and maintaining its performance. But how often should you schedule drainage cleaning?

Well, the answer to that question partly depends on the type of drainage system you have. Let’s examine three of the most common ones:

• Gutter Drain: This drain is attached to your home’s downspout and flushes away excess rainwater from your roof. Professionals recommend cleaning a gutter drain twice a year: once at the end of summer and again at the start of autumn, as fallen leaves can obstruct it. But if you live in an area with dense trees, cleaning your gutters should be done every three months. Start by removing debris from the downspout that leads to your drain. Flush the pipe with a high-pressure hose to get rid of dirt. If there’s an obstruction, locate the clog, then clear the blockage with the use of a drain snake.

• Trench Drain: Trench drains are usually concrete-lined and covered with a steel filter. They carry water away from the surface of your yard. If you have trench drains installed on your property, you should clean them at least once a month to keep them functioning properly. When trench lines are clogged, high-pressure water techniques can be used to flush out the debris that is obstructing the pipe.

• French Drain: This type of drainage system is buried below a downspout to prevent water from accumulating at the base of your house. Unfortunately, most people neglect to clean this drain until tree roots, soil sediment, or outdoor debris clog the system and cause their basement to flood. To prevent obstructions, clean the drain at least once a year with a snake drain, power washer, or hose with a jet nozzle.

Because a blockage can occur at any time, your drain should be cleaned as needed. If you’re renovating or building a new house, Stan Young Drainage can help you install a drainage system that best meet your needs. Call (859) 816-5613, or visit their website for more details about their services