How to Check If Your French Drain Is Actually Working After a Summer Storm
A simple homeowner check for confirming a French drain or grading fix is actually moving water the way it's supposed to.
What to Check During or Right After Rain
Walk the drain's discharge point during or immediately after a heavy storm and confirm water is actively flowing out. A dry outlet during active rain usually means a clog or a pipe that's been crushed or disconnected somewhere along the run.
Signs the Drain Isn't Doing Its Job
Standing water still sitting near the intake more than a few hours after rain stops, soggy ground tracking the pipe's path, or a discharge point that only trickles are all signs the system isn't moving water efficiently.
When to Call a Pro Instead
If the drain was installed correctly but still isn't keeping up, the problem is usually undersized pipe or a grading issue upstream of the drain, not the drain itself, and that needs a contractor to diagnose properly.
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