Outdoor Drain Maintenance Tips Every GTA Homeowner Should Know

Out of sight, out of mind — until your backyard turns into a swamp.

Outdoor drains are one of those parts of your plumbing system that work quietly in the background… until they don’t. When they’re clogged, cracked, or neglected, they can flood patios, destroy landscaping, and even push water toward your foundation.

At UPR, we’ve seen how a small outdoor drainage issue turns into a big interior mess — especially in Toronto and surrounding areas, where seasonal rainfall and melting snow put a real strain on your home’s exterior systems.

Let’s talk about keeping your outdoor drains clear, clean, and working the way they should.

What Causes Most Outdoor Drain Problems?

The number one culprit? Debris.

Leaves, dirt, twigs, and even plastic waste can clog the grates and pipes. Once blocked, water pools — sometimes for hours, sometimes for days — eroding soil, rotting wooden decks, and attracting mosquitoes.

In older neighborhoods, we also see collapsed or corroded outdoor lines — especially if the pipe material is outdated (like clay or thin plastic). Roots love to grow into these lines, and without regular checks, homeowners don’t notice until the water has nowhere to go.

How to Keep Your Drains in Top Shape

A little attention a few times a year goes a long way:

• Lift and clean surface grates every spring and fall.

• Clear out leaves and buildup from around patio and stairwell drains.

• Flush the line with a garden hose to make sure water flows freely.

• Trim nearby roots or shrubs that can grow into or over the drain.

• Check for pooling after rain — that’s a red flag.

• And if water seems slow or doesn’t drain at all? Call before it backs up.

We tell homeowners all the time: don’t wait for a thunderstorm to test your outdoor plumbing.

When to Call UPR

If you’ve got a drain that’s not draining — or if water is sitting near your home’s exterior — it’s worth having us check it out.

We’ll use small cameras to inspect outdoor lines without digging. If it’s blocked, we’ll clear it. If it’s broken, we’ll fix it right the first time. And if the layout of your yard needs better grading or drainage planning, we’ll give you options.

From Mississauga to Scarborough, Etobicoke to Vaughan, UPR protects more than just your basement. We protect your property from the outside in.

Call 647-833-6743

Contact UPR

Don’t let water stay where it doesn’t belong — UPR keeps your drains clear all year long.
Serving Toronto & the GTA with fast, clean, and reliable outdoor drain maintenance.