How to Clean Basement Drain Tile


Drain tile systems (also called perimeter drains or weeping tiles) help control the flow of water around and beneath your house, helping prevent pooling of water that damages basement walls and direct it toward a sump pump for disposal. In order to function correctly, these drain tile systems need to be free from debris; otherwise they don’t function and instead allow water to accumulate inside of them or flood other parts of your home such as crawlspaces or basements.

Your interior drain tile system can remain clear by taking several precautions and performing regular maintenance, however sometimes clogging occurs and needs to be cleared away immediately. In these instances, professional services must be sought out.

If your drain tile has become blocked, the first thing you should do is switch off its water source immediately to prevent further damage to your drainage system. Doing this will prevent further complications with any potential backups occurring due to continued running water entering it and drains.

Once the clog is clear, use something such as a cable machine to remove it. These flexible rods feed into your drain pipe to break up and clear obstructions such as roots or debris from your system – although effective, using one may require much effort and time.

For an easier and less labor-intensive option, consider renting a plumbing auger snake from most hardware stores or home improvement centers – these long rods with handles are fed through your drain pipe to dislodge and break up clogs. Renting one may prove more effective and less costly than using cable machines for this task.

Drano may tempt you, but this is not recommended. Chemicals poured down your basement drain can do irreparable harm to the floor, foundation, or other parts of your home. If this approach works for you, make sure that spraying takes place from an area without blocking access to your pipe and that rubber gloves and eye protection are worn to avoid splash back damage.

Hydro jetting services offer another effective means of clearing your basement drain tile: they offer hydro jetting service that uses high pressure water jets to thoroughly cleanse drainage systems and is often combined with mechanical snakes or chemical drain cleaners for thorough drain clearing. When choosing this method, be sure to have someone accompany you as this task can be extremely laborious.

Blocked basement drain tiles can lead to numerous issues, from soggy soil surrounding your home and mildew/mold growth inside, to saving money and giving peace of mind. Repairing or clearing away clogged drain tiles as soon as possible will save money while giving peace of mind; keeping them clear also extends the lifespan of waterproofing systems in basements – so if your drains are blocked call in an experienced local repair team as soon as possible to get them fixed!