How to Prevent Flat Roof Drains From Clogging

Monitor the condition of a flat roof at least two times per year, to make certain that it is not damaged and that any water fully drains from the roof. Make sure the drainage path and the drain itself are clear, to prevent standing water that can damage the membrane and lead to leaks. You can sometimes identify sunken flat roof areas that have experienced standing water, or ponding, due to poor drainage, by the presence of dirt collecting in these spots.

Ladder
Rubber gloves
Push broom
Dust pan
Trash bag
Saw
Garden hose

Instructions

- 1
  Steady the legs of a ladder on the ground beside the structure, and lean the ladder against the roof edge. Climb up the ladder onto the roof.
- 2
  Put rubber gloves on your hands, and use a push broom to gather all the debris on the roof, such as leaves, which will impede drainage. Scoop up the debris into a dust pan, and place the debris in a large trash bag.
- 3
  Remove the debris from the roof drain. Dispose of it in the trash bag.
- 4
  Make certain that the drain has a grate, which prevents the roof drainpipes from clogging. Install a grate if necessary.
- 5
  Trim overhanging tree limbs away from the rooftop, using a saw, to prevent leaves and twigs from possibly falling onto the roof.
- 6
  Spray water from a garden hose across the roof surface, toward the drain, to wash the dirt from the roof.

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