American Sewer Specialist
French Drain Repair |

September 05, 2025

How Can I Tell if My French Drain Needs Maintenance or Repair?

How Can I Tell if My French Drain Needs Maintenance or Repair?

French drains are an excellent drainage option for many properties throughout Latrobe. They generally require very little maintenance, but this doesn’t mean they are maintenance-free. There are some key issues to keep in mind when it comes to how well your French drain is performing. If you have questions or concerns, you shouldn’t wait to consult with an experienced Latrobe French drain professional at American Sewer Specialist.

You Shouldn’t See Standing Water

French drains are designed to effectively drain water away from your yard or property, and when they are working well, that is exactly what they do. If you notice standing water in your yard after a rain or notice that the ground is becoming waterlogged, it’s time to call in the French drain pros.

Check for Debris in the Drain Outlet

Because most of your French drain system is underground, it can be difficult to spot issues as they arise. One important place you can check, however, is the drain outlet. If you spy excess debris in the outlet, it should concern you.

While some debris is natural, there shouldn’t be a visible buildup. If you do notice excess debris, it could mean that you have an issue farther back in the drain system. Be on the lookout for clumps made up of the following:

Your French drain is intended to filter out the majority of debris before draining away excess water. If you’re seeing more of this stuff in the outlet than you did in the past, it’s a warning sign.

Be on the Lookout for New Pests

Any standing or excess water in your yard or on your property is a real attraction for insects and rodents. If you’re experiencing an uptick in pests, pay attention. This is a problem that you don’t want to go unchecked.  

A Lush Yard Isn’t Always a Good Thing

You naturally want your yard or property to be as lushly green as possible, but if you have a patch of ground that is more fertile than the rest, it should concern you. If this area is near your French drain, it could signal a clog or damage to the drainage system itself.

Maintenance and Repairs

If you have reason to believe that your French drain isn’t working as well as it used to or as well as it should overall, it’s time to consult with drainage professionals. Often, maintenance is all that’s required. Even if repairs are necessary, the sooner you address the matter, the better protected your property will be.

Seasoned Latrobe French Drain Specialists Can Help

The well-respected Latrobe, PA, French drain professionals at American Sewer Specialist are well prepared to get to the bottom of your French drain concerns and to get your system back in excellent working condition. Learn more about what we can do to help by contacting us online or calling us at 724-879-8130 today.

Happy Clients

Browse through some reviews from happy customers and clients.

  • "When American Sewer Specialist arrived to our home, we were so relieved. Not only because they showed up so quickly, but because they were able to figure out the problem with our leaky basement within a half hour. I have recommended American Sewer Specialist to our family and friends and will continue to do so.…"

    Dan D.

  • "Deal directly with the owner, Kurt! Excellent work, reliable, and great quote. I highly recommend! Comes right out while the others make you wait."

    Justin N.

  • "I was recommended American Sewer Specialist by my co-worker. We had quite the emergency with our sewer line, and they helped us right away! I’ll definitely call American Sewer Specialist if I am ever in need of their services again."

    Jessica L.

  • "Rick and his team did some extensive work on my property, relining and fixing the 75-year-old system. They did a great job at a fair price and cleaned up nicely after the project. You need a sewer system checked out or repaired? Do not hesitate to call Rick, he is honest, upfront and will take care of the job from start to finish. Just a great family owned company."

    Howard Effron

  • "We used American Sewer Specialist to divert a natural spring away from the house and into the storm drain. We had two other companies come out to try and fix our water drainage problem but they were unsuccessful. Rick was very professional and did a great job. He answered all of my questions and fixed our water problem! I highly recommend Rick and American Sewer Specialist!"

    Brianna

  • "We owned a property in Latrobe that was under contract. The dye test failed and Rick was there the next day. He worked on our fairly massive problem and we closed on the property without a delay. He was so patient with us as we were so panicked and living 70 miles away. Big problem-big job...BUT fair price!! Many thanks Michelle and Rick!!!!!!"

    Christine DiVecchio
  • A collection of plumbing tools and copper pipes, including a wrench, fittings, and valves, arranged on a textured dark surface.
  • A close-up view of a construction site showing an excavated hole with plumbing equipment and orange hoses, alongside a backhoe..
  • A spacious basement with a vintage air compressor on wheels, stairs leading up, and construction materials scattered across the concrete floor.
  • A snow-covered outdoor scene featuring a white pressure tank, colorful traffic cones, and a festive candy cane decoration on a brick wall.
  • A construction site showing a variety of pipes and hoses, a white bucket with a red handle, and tools on a wooden surface.
  • A worker in a camouflage hat operates a large machine on a grassy hillside, with hoses and buckets around, under a clear blue sky.
  • A worker connects colorful hoses to a machine beside an open excavation, with an orange pipe extending into the ground.
  • A large, hollow pipeline lies in a sandy trench, with another pipe visible in the background, indicating construction work in progress.
  • Two workers in safety attire operate a machine with colorful hoses in a construction area, surrounded by materials and tools.
  • A partially excavated trench filled with gravel, bordered by mounds of dirt, with construction equipment visible in the foreground.
  • Construction site with a excavator, a red spray machine, and construction materials against a clear blue sky.
  • A red and black portable machine sits on a gravel driveway in front of a brick house, surrounded by construction materials and tools.
  • A worker stands at a garage entrance surrounded by construction equipment, hoses, and tools on a sunny day. Safety cone nearby.
  • A concrete trench reveals a blue water pipe, surrounded by tools and a fan, in a construction corridor.
  • A deep hole filled with water in a basement, featuring red and black hoses linked to plumbing equipment against a concrete wall.
  • A trench with exposed pipes and tools outside a house, surrounded by orange cones and construction materials.

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