Florida is known for its hurricane season, and with hurricane season comes buckets of rain. That rain will push sludge and debris off your roof and into the roof drain. Without regular cleaning and maintenance, your drain will clog and break. Follow these tips so you can prevent drainage issues before they happen.
How To Clean Your Roof Drain?
There are a few steps involved with cleaning your roof drain.
Inspect The Drain
The first thing you should do is inspect the drain. If you feel comfortable, you can check it yourself. If you have any hesitation, call a professional, and they will inspect it for you. Then, you can determine the cause of the blockage and move forward.
Remove The Debris
Remove any debris from the top so it’s easier to access the drain. Then, you can proceed to snake the drain and remove the blockage. For more severe clogs, you may have to snake the drain several times to be effective.
You can also try to use a hose to push the clog through. Feed your hose through your drain until it hits the clog, and it won’t go any farther. Turn your hose on full force and allow the water pressure to build. The water might overflow at first, but eventually, the pressure should force the clog out the bottom.
Clean The Drain
After the clog is gone, get your pipe brush and clean your roof drain. Brush cleaning will get rid of any remaining pieces of debris. When you have finished, rinse the drain out with the hose. Monthly cleaning is the key to maintaining your drain and preventing clogs in the future.
When To Call A Roofer?
In some cases, the clog may be too severe for you to fix yourself. Other times, it may not be safe for you to climb a ladder to reach your roof. If you ever feel like you cannot safely perform a drain cleaning, don’t hesitate to call a professional roofer. They can do the job safely and often more efficiently.
Roofers will have access to specialized equipment like blow bags and sewer jetters. The equipment makes drain cleaning faster, more efficient, and safer for your drains. If the previous do-it-yourself methods didn’t work, it’s also possible that you’re dealing with a larger problem.
When clogs refuse to budge, it could be due to improperly installed drains or cracked and broken pipes. In either case, you will have to call a professional to reinstall your roof drain properly. The longer you wait, the worse the clog can become.
When the clog is severe, water can back up onto your roof and cause other problems. Standing water will cause wood rot, mold, and it will negatively impact the structure of your roof. In the end, it’s more costly to wait than it is to have the problem fixed.
Other Hurricane Preparedness Tips
Before and after hurricane season, it’s best if you get your roof inspected. That way, you can fix any cracks, holes, or damage before the storms exacerbate them. Fixing the small problems with your roof will also help prevent any leaks or water infiltration.
As much as you should be protecting your home, you and your family are the main priority. Have an evacuation and emergency plan ready before the first hurricane of the season. Be aware of the shelters closest to you and have a plan for how to get there. Consider also pre-packing an emergency bag so all of your essential items are ready in case of evacuation.
Roof Drain Assistance In South Florida
When you need help clearing your roof drain, or you need to replace it, call AABCO Roofing Inc. at 954-426-8500. We’ll send an expert out as soon as possible to determine the best course of action. We can help you with repairs, replacements, and maintenance.