How to Care for Your Roof Drains

Gutters, downspouts, and internal drains are roof drains designed to move water off your roof and into a gutter to drain away from the house. Eliminating standing water from your roof prevents damage, such as leaks and mold, that can lead to costly repairs. To keep your roof drains flowing properly, you should perform routine maintenance and know what to do when the drains become clogged. Your roof will last many years with properly functioning roof drains and gutters.

Install Drain Screens

Drain screens are an optional feature for gutter systems. It would be best if you considered them a must-have. These screens prevent leaves and other flying debris from clogging the drain and preventing water from reaching the gutter. Instead of falling into the drain, the debris accumulates on the screen. 

Check the drain screens first to see if your gutters are draining slowly or not at all. Use an outdoor vacuum to clean the screens and suction out the gutter. Your roof drain will be working like new. 

Install Leaf Guards

Leaf guards work like drain screens, but these are installed on the gutter and not the drain. These guards prevent falling leaves from clogging the gutter. 

Clear Out Drain Pipes

Drain pipes are the heart of your gutter system. Even with drain screens, particles, and small leaves will get into the pipes. Eventually, these small particles can form a large clog. If you notice your pipes draining slowly or not, you must clean out the pipe.  

You can use a plumber’s snake or water hose to push the clog out. This will allow rain to flow properly through the pipe and away from your roof.

Examine Drain Condition

Caring for roof drains should also include a visual inspection. Look for cracks in the drain, pipes, and fittings that can cause leaks. Repair these to keep water flowing. 

Clean the pipes with a drain solvent to wash away mineral deposits and built-up gunk that can cause slow drainage. Check with the gutter and drain manufacturer before using caustic material in your roof drain.

Call our professionals to inspect your roof drain and ensure it functions properly. We will make suggestions based on our inspection. Our trained crew has the tools to test for and remove clogs leading to standing water. Don’t leave your roof to chance with standing water that can cause expensive repairs.