Understanding the Importance of Perimeter Drain Maintenance

Imagine waking up after a rainy night and finding water in your basement. It’s not just annoying, it can damage your home and cost a lot to fix. One of the most common reasons this happens is because of a blocked perimeter drain. These drains are underground pipes that help carry rainwater away from your house. When they get clogged with dirt, leaves, or even tree roots, water can’t flow properly, and it starts to build up around your foundation.

What Is a Perimeter Drain?

A perimeter drain is part of your home’s drainage system. It’s a pipe that runs around the outside of your house, usually buried underground. Its job is to collect water from the soil and direct it away so it doesn’t seep into your basement or crawl space. Most modern perimeter drains are made of plastic pipes with small holes that let water in. Older homes might have clay or concrete pipes instead.

In places like Coquitlam and the Tri-Cities, where it rains a lot, these drains are especially important. If they get blocked or damaged, water can leak into your home, causing mold, cracks in the walls, and other serious problems. If you are experiencing a problem like this, call us now for perimeter drain service Coquitlam.

Signs Something’s Wrong

There are two big clues that your perimeter drain might not be working:

• Wet or smelly basement: If your basement feels damp or smells musty, water might be getting in.

• Water pooling outside: If you see puddles near your house that don’t go away, your drain might be clogged.

If you notice these signs, it’s smart to call a professional for perimeter drain service Coquitlam. They can use special cameras to look inside the pipes and find out what’s wrong.

How Professionals Fix It

Drain experts have tools to clean out the pipes and get water flowing again. One method they use is called hydro jetting. It blasts water through the pipes at high pressure to clear out dirt and debris. They might also use video cameras to check for cracks or collapsed sections. Depending on what they find, they’ll recommend cleaning, repairs, or even replacing the whole system if it’s too damaged.

What You Can Do to Help

Even though professionals handle the big stuff, there are simple things you can do to keep your perimeter drain working:

• Keep gutters and downspouts clean so leaves don’t clog the pipes.

• Make sure downspouts point away from your house.

• Don’t plant trees too close to the drain—roots can grow into the pipes and block them.

These steps help prevent problems before they start. 

When to Get Help

If you’re not sure whether your perimeter drain is working, or if you’ve seen signs of trouble, it’s best to get it checked. Fixing small issues early can save you from bigger repairs later. A professional plumber or drainage technician can inspect your system and let you know what needs to be done.

For families in Coquitlam and nearby areas, our team is here to help. We’re trained to find and fix drainage problems so your home stays dry and safe, no matter how hard it rains.

KCs Plumbing, Heating & Drain Services

17 Fawcett Rd Coquitlam, BC V3K 6V2

(604) 873-3753

www.kcplumb.ca/drains/perimeter-drainage