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DIY guideRetaining wall

Clear the weep holes and the drain behind the retaining wall

Find the wall's weep holes and drain outlet, clear what blocks them, and flush the drain so the water behind the wall can get out.

  • 20 min to 1 hr
  • 6 steps
  • Every step animated
Clear the weep holes and the drain behind the retaining wall: the animation’s first picture

6 steps

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  1. Look along the bottom of the wall for weep holes, and at its ends or base for the drain pipe's outlet.

  2. Pull weeds, soil and mulch away from each one so the water can run out.

  3. Hook out dirt and roots with a stick or a stiff wire, pulling toward you, never pushing in.

  4. If there's a cleanout pipe at the top or end of the wall, run a garden hose into it and watch for clear water at the outlet.

  5. After a heavy rain, water should trickle out. Dry outlets with soggy soil behind mean the drain is blocked.

  6. A drain that won't run clear, or a wall starting to lean: ask Handyman for a pro.

What you need

  • A garden hose
  • Work gloves
  • A stick or a stiff wire
  • A trowel

Call a pro if

  • The drain won't run clear
  • The ground behind the wall stays soggy
  • The wall leans, bulges or cracks

Handyman says: Blocked or leaning? I'll find a pro.

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