Yard or area drain is clogged

Symptoms

• Water pools around the drain grate instead of flowing in
• Standing water after rain near a low spot with a drain
• Grate is visibly covered in leaves or debris
• Drain worked fine before a recent storm or lawn work

Likely causes

• CommonLeaves, dirt, or grass clippings clogging the grateYard debris is the most common cause of blocked area drains.
• CommonSediment settled inside the drain pipeDirt washed in by rain can accumulate and harden over time.
• PossibleRoots growing into the drain pipeNearby tree or shrub roots can intrude into underground drainage pipes.
• PossibleCollapsed or disconnected pipe sectionGround settling or old age can damage buried yard drain pipe.

What to do

1. Remove the grate and clear out visible leaves, dirt, and debris by hand or with a small trowel.
2. Use a garden hose to flush water into the drain and see if it flows freely once the grate area is clear.
3. If flow is still poor, use a hand-crank drain snake or a hose-based drain-clearing attachment to clear the pipe a few feet in.
4. Check nearby landscaping for grading that funnels excess debris toward the drain and consider redirecting it.
5. If water still won't drain and there's a nearby cleanout access point, a plumber can snake deeper into the line.
6. Regularly clear the grate, especially in fall, to prevent recurring clogs from leaves.

Tools and parts

• Garden hose
• Trowel
• Hand-crank drain snake

When to call a pro

Call a plumber or landscaper if the clog is deep in the pipe or you suspect a collapsed section or root intrusion.

Safety