A perimeter drain is an underground perforated pipe that runs around the outside of your home. The perforations, or holes, in the pipe pull water in from the surrounding soil and carry it away from your home’s foundation. If you have an older home, the perimeter drain may be made of clay or concrete weeping tiles. 

A well-functioning perimeter drain is important because it stops moisture from building up in the soil around your home. A clogged drain can lead to a wet basement and serious foundation problems if it is not addressed. 

Dirt, roots, leaves, sticks, and other debris can build up over time in your perimeter drain, blocking the flow of water. When that happens, the water does not drain away and can end up seeping through your basement walls. 

Your first line of defense against a clogged drain should be a tool known as a jetter. It uses a high pressure stream of water to blast away buildup. 

For thick clogs, a jetter on its own may not do the trick. The next step is to try a needle nose drain cleaner, which affixes to the jetter and can more forcefully target the clog. If you go this route, be sure to wear the proper safety equipment, including safety goggles and work gloves. Also, this process can take a while, so it’s important to plan accordingly. 

After connecting the needle nose drain cleaner, point the nozzle inside the drain and direct the pressurized water flow toward the clogged area. When you finish washing away all the silt, sand, dirt, and debris from the pipe, make sure that you turn off the jetter before pulling it out of the drain. 

If you find that water still isn’t properly draining away from your home, contact a residential pressure washing professional. There could be other issues affecting the pipe, such as overgrown roots, that require specialized skills to address.