In Southern California, we’re fortunate to enjoy sunshine most of the year. But when the rain does come, it often arrives quickly and heavily. That sudden surge of water can expose hidden issues in your home’s drainage system — issues that may have been building quietly for years. That’s why before the rainy season, it’s essential to service your drains with both hydrojetting and a professional camera inspection.
Drain maintenance isn’t something most homeowners think about regularly. If water appears to be flowing, it’s easy to assume everything is working properly. However, drainage systems can develop buildup, cracks, root intrusion, or slope issues over time. These problems may not cause immediate backups, but they can significantly reduce efficiency and eventually lead to serious damage.
Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Even if your drain is still slowly draining, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s healthy. In many cases, slow drainage is an early warning sign. If one side of your property seems to drain more efficiently than the other, that’s another indication that something may be obstructed or improperly sloped. Catching these signs early can prevent water from backing up into your home, garage, or landscaping during heavy storms.
Beyond the underground drains, it’s also important to ensure there is proper drainage from your home to the curb. Water should flow away from the foundation, not toward it. Gutters must be cleared and functioning properly, feeding water safely into planters or designated drainage systems rather than allowing overflow near the structure. Improper drainage can lead to foundation damage, soil erosion, and costly structural repairs.
How to Maintain Your Drains
A professional camera inspection allows technicians to see exactly what’s happening inside your pipes. By sending a high-resolution camera down the drain line, they can identify blockages, corrosion, misaligned pipes, standing water, or tree root intrusion. This technology removes the guesswork and ensures any problem is diagnosed accurately and before it becomes costly.
Hydrojetting is the next critical step. Unlike traditional snaking, which only punches a hole through debris, hydrojetting uses high-pressure water to clean the interior walls of your pipes thoroughly. It removes grease, sludge, mineral buildup, and even invasive tree roots. This restores your pipes to near-original condition and allows water to flow freely.
Preventative Maintenance Saves Thousands
At Geers Plumbing, we recommend scheduling a drain camera inspection every five to six years as preventative maintenance. In areas with mature landscaping or older plumbing systems, inspections may be beneficial even sooner. Preventative service is far less expensive than emergency restoration after flooding or pipe failure.
In a region where rain is infrequent but intense, preparation is everything. Taking the time to inspect and hydrojet your drains after the rainy season ensures your home is protected year-round. A clear, properly functioning drainage system not only preserves your property, but it also provides peace of mind when the next storm rolls in. Give Geers Plumbing a call. We’re ready to help.
