How to Find the Drain Tile Outlet

Look for the outlet marker that generally indicates the location of the outlet drain. This marker should stand higher than any tall grass or crops so it is visible throughout the year. Typically, the marker is triangle-shaped with a yellow background.

Walk along the bank of the drainage ditch close to your property and look for a corrugated plastic tube protruding out from the side of the bank. The water will flow through the tubing and pour into the drainage ditch.

Examine the street gutter or storm drain near the property and look for the perforated pipe draining into the gutter. Waiting until immediately after a heavy rainfall can help locate the pipe emptying into the gutter or drain.

Shove a water hose several feet into the start of the drain tube. Some homes have the gutter downspout connected to the drain outlet and you can access it by disconnecting the downspout from the drain. Turn on the water and examine your property. The water should be gushing out of the tube and into the drain outlet.

Disconnect the gutter downspout at the base of the drain. Insert a long plumbing snake into the drain. As long as the pipe is not clogged and the snake is long enough, it should come out the end of the drain outlet.