During inspection, house detective Jim Rooney told Annapolis, Md., clients Sam and Emily Kutler to check for clogs in the storm line that drains the downspouts of their 1906 Queen Anne Victorian home. That's important, because good drainage from downspouts is key to keeping foundation and basement dry. Here's how to identify and remedy a clog.
- Checking for clogs in an underground drain line isn't exactly rocket science. One way is simply to wait for a storm, then check to see if rainwater backs up out of the drain opening.
- If there's no storm in the forecast, you can make one of your own with a garden hose. Just feed a foot or so of hose into the drain opening and turn it on. If it backs up, you've got a clog.
But clearing that clog may or may not be so simple. Try these ideas.
- First, try using a high-pressure hose nozzle to blast the clog out.
- If that doesn't work, consider using a plumber's snake to rooter out the clog, but be warned...the drain line will need to be made of heavy plastic or terra cotta to survive the snake.
- If all else fails, you might have to abandon the line, and put in a new one. If you decide to install a new drain line, think about putting it above ground where clogs can more easily removed in the future.
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