Leaves falling from trees can be a real pain when it comes to keeping your drains clear. If you live in an area with a lot of trees, you know that leaves seem to find their way into every nook and cranny – including your drains. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help keep leaves out of your drains and reduce the risk of clogs.
- rake the leaves regularly to prevent them from building up and blocking the drain 2
- clear the drain of any debris that may be causing a blockage 3
- pour boiling water down the drain to break up any clogs 4
- use a plunger or plumber’s snake to remove stubborn blockages
How to prevent leaves from blocking drains
Drain Covers to Stop Leaves
If you have a problem with leaves clogging up your drains, you may want to consider using drain covers. Drain covers can help keep leaves and other debris from entering your drains, which can cause a clog. There are a variety of different types of drain covers available, so you can find one that fits your needs.

Credit: plumbernw.com
How Do You Get Leaves Out of Drain Pipes?
One of the most common ways that leaves end up in drain pipes is from yard waste being disposed of in them. When leaves and other organic matter decompose, they release a sticky substance called mucilage. This mucilage can build up on the inside of pipes and eventually lead to clogs.
To remove leaves from drain pipes, you will need to use a plunger or a drain snake. Plungers work by creating a seal around the drain opening and then using air pressure to push the blockage through. Drain snakes are long flexible rods with a spiral tip that can be inserted into the pipe to physically break up the clog.
Can Leaves Clog Drains?
Yes, leaves can clog drains. When they decompose, leaves release a variety of organic compounds that can bind to and clog pipes. Additionally, when leaves decompose in an anaerobic environment (such as a drain), they produce methane gas, which can also contribute to pipe clogging.
Conclusion
If your gutters are full of leaves, there’s a good chance that they’re also blocking your drains. This can cause all sorts of problems, including flooding and water damage. But don’t worry, there are a few things you can do to prevent this from happening.
First, make sure you clean your gutters regularly. This will help to keep them clear of debris and leaves. You can do this yourself or hire a professional to do it for you.
Second, invest in gutter guards or covers. These will help to keep leaves and other debris out of your gutters so they can’t clog up your drains.
Finally, if you do find that your drains are blocked, don’t try to fix it yourself.
Always call a professional plumber to come and take care of the problem for you. They have the tools and experience necessary to safely unblock your drains without causing any damage.