As the weather starts to turn, we’re treated to some incredible fall colors. But as the leaves change color, they also start to fall. And while you might enjoy crunching along those colorful leaves on the ground, the ones that fall into your gutters and drains are more of a problem. These blockages can lead to rainwater backing up and potentially causing flooding and damage to your plumbing.

So, in preparation for the fall season, let’s look at some tips to help you prevent your plumbing from getting blocked by leaves and other debris.

Add drain guards

Placing drain guards over your outdoor drains helps to keep leaves and other large pieces of debris out of your drains. These are available in different shapes and sizes to fit your drain. They are effective at blocking debris while still letting water flow freely. It’s also a good idea to place guards or covers over your downspouts, or you can even find covers for your gutters.

Check your drain guards

Leaves can build up on top of the drain guard during the fall though, so make sure you check them regularly to remove any leaves that might be blocking the flow of water. And if you have drain guards that have already been there for years, check them before the fall season to ensure they’re not damaged or need replacing, as broken drain guards could still be letting leaves through

Trim your trees

If you have tall trees in your backyard or around your house, it’s a good idea to keep them trimmed and under control. Especially look for branches stretching over your roof and consider cutting those branches down. Even smaller trees could be trimmed to prevent your ground drains from becoming blocked.

Clean your gutters before fall

You don’t want fall leaves piling up on already existing debris in your gutters, and it can be easy to forget about your gutters throughout the year since they are out of sight. So, before the season changes, get out the ladder to check and clear out your gutters, or hire a professional to clean and maintain your gutters to make sure they’re in good condition.

If you’ve got a blockage in your home plumbing or are in need of preventative maintenance, contact Brandon Plumbing for our repair, maintenance, and installation services around Clemmons, Lewisville, and Winston Salem, NC.