So my french drain's been doing its thing for a couple years now, but lately it's been kinda sluggish, you know? I'm thinking it's probably just clogged up with leaves and dirt and stuff. Question is, should I roll up my sleeves and tackle it myself (how hard could it be, right?), or is this one of those things better left to the pros? Curious what route most of you take and why.
"I'm thinking it's probably just clogged up with leaves and dirt and stuff."
Yeah, that's usually the culprit. French drains aren't rocket science, but you'd be surprised how quickly a simple job turns messy—especially if it's been a couple of years since your last cleanout. If you're comfortable digging around and don't mind getting muddy, you could give it a shot. Just be careful around any buried lines or utilities; I've seen some DIY cleanouts turn into expensive repairs because someone got a little too enthusiastic with their shovel.
If you're unsure about what's down there or haven't done it before, might be safer to call in a pro. They have the right tools to scope things out first and can handle any surprises safely. Either way, good luck—keeping water away from your foundation is always worth the effort.
