How to Clean a Roof Drain Vent

Clear the Roof Drain

• 1

  Place a ladder near the roof drain. Make sure the ladder is steady and on firm ground so you won't sway from side to side when standing on the ladder.

• 2

  Put on rubber gloves, and grab the end of a garden hose that's equipped with a spray nozzle. Turn on the hose, opening the spigot to its fullest open position.

• 3

  Climb the ladder and inspect the top of the drain line. If it is clogged with leaves and debris, pluck them out by hand, and then stick the spray nozzle into the drain and flush the drain clean. If the drain does not clear, use a drain auger.

• 4

  Climb down the ladder and turn off the hose. Fetch a drain auger and climb the ladder. Insert the auger into the roof drain and push out the obstructions to the vent below.

• 5

  Retract the auger and climb down the ladder to clear out the vent or grate below the roof drain.

Clean the Roof Drain Vent

• 6

  Pick up any leaves and debris that are resting on top of the vent or grate by hand and dispose of them.

• 7

  Look for the retaining screw(s) on the roof drain vent that hold it in place in the ground.

• 8

  Unfasten the screws, using a screw gun, and put the screws in your pocket for the time being.

• 9

  Look inside the vent drainage line below the vent or grate in the ground. If leaves or debris are visible, attempt to pull them out by hand.

• 10

  Flush out the drainage line under the vent or grate with the garden hose or drain auger to clear the line, allowing water to flow into the municipal or county waste water system. Replace the vent or grate.