The ‘Sunshine State’ is not as bright as the visible sunlight.
Florida’s downpour is a year-long struggle. Although the “bulk” of the storm in the state is in September, homeowners will likely see heavy rains from May to October. This can be very bad on a house drain.
When the sky starts to get dark, you should take the time to check the drain of your South Florida home. Otherwise, you will probably face groundwater damage during the spring and summer rains.
If you don’t know how to prepare your drain for rain, you’re in luck. In this post, we’ll talk about how you can withstand your gutters for the South Florida rain.
What is a Rain Drain?
See the metal material installed on the side of your roof? That's a drain. When it rains, the drain, with its top wide open, collects rainwater so that it does not flow into the structure of the house. Rainwater flows downwards which drains water into the ground. In short, drains are a catch everything that prevents water from damaging your home.
Why Do You Need to Clean a Drain?
Without drains, water will stagnate in various parts of your property. This can cause a variety of problems such as mold growth, rotting wood, and in general, damage. Water that has nowhere to go will eventually seep into your home, and this can cause severe water damage that requires thousands of dollars to repair. According to Home Advisors, homeowners will spend between $ 1,074 and $ 4,090 on repairs.
How Can You Prepare Your Home For The Rainy Season?
Do you want to pay thousands of dollars for repairs? We are sure that your answer is “no”, because who is going to do it?
There are several ways to make sure your real estate investment is ready for the rain. Here are some tried and tested tips from our professional property management agents:
#1 Clean the Drain
Your ditch may be full of goop and gunk (we know) that have piled up all this time. If this happens, your drain will not be able to do what it was designed to do because it is clogged with debris. You also can’t wait until the rain washes it away, as this will only cause more debris to accumulate.
Fortunately, you can restore the effectiveness of your drain with gloves and a garden trowel. Climb the stairs and slowly remove everything that is logged into your gutter, or alternatively, use a garden hose for hard-to-reach places.
Remember to be careful! If your roof is too high, you should not try to get rid of the debris yourself. It is safer to hire a professional South Florida property management company.
Generally, you need to clean the drain when the weather is sunny and when it is not raining. This is because it can be inconvenient to clean drains during wet dirt and debris. The gunk will stick to the drain, making it more challenging to get rid of it.
# 2 Clean the Downspout
The bottom hole is where the rainwater will flow after it flows from the drain. After cleaning the drain, don’t forget to clean the bottom as well. Remember that water drains can also be clogged with debris - besides, what’s the point of cleaning a drain if the water has no way out?
Give way to rainwater to get through it by removing any debris at the bottom. By doing so, you will be able to divert water from your home. Make sure you always check the bottom to make sure it is not sagging or mold growing. If you are rarely at home, your property management company can help you ensure that your downspout is working well.
#3 Check the Drain
Once your drain is free of gunk, check the structure for cracks, leaks, and so on. Basically, be wary of the damage that might cause rainwater to enter your home and cause underground flooding. Be sure to check the roof as well - if it collapses, it can be washed down a drain, which will clog it.
Again, for your own safety, it is wise to hire a property manager to coordinate a roof inspection for you. You also likely don’t know what to look for, so hiring a third-party contractor would be the best way to find these problem areas.
# 4 Cut the Tree
We highly recommend pruning your trees during the spring and summer. This is because small branches can build up your drain and clog it. But that’s not all - these branches will pile up and tempt all sorts of creatures and rodents to enter your home.
To avoid this, prune your tree and make sure it is not hanging in your gutter. You can do it yourself or hire a professional to do it for you.
#5 Consider Screens and Drain Controllers
If you don’t have time to clean your drain, invest in an old drain screen or a good drain protector. The first prevent your drain from being filled with debris, however, it should be noted that it will not be able to stop small debris such as pine needles, seeds, and dirt in general.
Drain guards, on the other hand, are better at blocking debris, but they can be difficult to install. The downside is that you still have to clean the drain barrier as it can get clogged.
Need Help With Drain Maintenance?
We know that you don’t want to go there to get rid of that gunk. That’s why we provide full-service property management to South Florida property owners that covers all aspects of property maintenance - yes, even your roof, gutters, and more.
Our team of professional property managers will coordinate repairs and inspections for you, so you don’t have to wonder if your home is ready for rain. Luxury Property Care will ensure it is always available.
For more information, please call us at (561) 944 - 2992 or call us online.
