Pop up Drain Emitter Problems – Causes and Fixes

Pipes and drain systems can be a tricky part of your house to handle because you never know when they will cause problems. If you are familiar with pop-up drain emitter, you might know the horrifying stories of its malfunctioning. There are many possible solutions for fixing those issues, but the first thing you should do is to identify what is causing the problem.

So, why is your pop-up emitter not working? What causes the problems in the pop up drain and how to fix them? Let’s go ahead and we will answer all your queries. 

Common Pop up Drain Emitter Problems and Their Causes

Although the pop-up drain emitter is convenient to use, it does have some problems that you should be aware of.

Freezing in Winter Season

In the winter, the water flow from the downspout can freeze, causing the popup emitter to freeze. It happens when it has standing water. During hot winter days, though, freezing risks occur. If the snow on your roof melts but the ground below the pipe remains frozen, the water may become trapped and freeze again as temperatures dip. The emitter will disseminate the water as long as there is enough water to start the system in this case.

A proper pitch of your underground downspout extension is very important for optimum drainage in your yard. A water entrance point about 2 inches above the water exit point will aid in water flow.

Broken Lid of Emitter

The broken lid is the most common issue you’ll have with the pop-up emitter. This frequently occurs as a result of a mishap with the lawnmower. The emitter lids open when there is a lot of water flowing. When the emitters are not in use, the covers remain closed, preventing trash and vermin from entering.

Pop up Drain Getting Clogged

Pop-up emitters, as previously said, are not meant to enable any trash or vermin to enter them. However, if you do not clean the gutter correctly or remove debris, it may become clogged.

How to Fix Pop-Up Drain Emitter Problems

Even if they have problems, with a little awareness, they can be resolved. Let’s look at the solutions to these issues so you’ll know what to do if you run into them.

Solution of Pop-up Emitter freezing Problem

• Heat the gutter with a heat cable. The heating cable adjusts to the ambient temperature to keep the tube warm enough. As a result, it aids in keeping the water from freezing.
• In the winter, turn off the system. If necessary, the construction of the drainage system should be such that the outlet can be disconnected. It’s vital to keep in mind, though, that the deeper you bury the pop-up drain, the more water you’ll need to flush it out. Consider a non-elbow emitter or a “replacement emitter” for longer pipes.
• Make sure to install the gutter extension correctly. The drainage system must be installed with the right pitch for the tube length. This prevents the water from gathering in any high or low locations and allows it to flow freely.

Solution of Broken Lid Emitter Problem

To replace a broken lid, simply remove the emitter, snap off the lid, and replace it. The entire procedure is simple and takes only around 10 minutes to complete. To be on the safe side, tape the lid shut with waterproof tape.

Solution of Pop up Drain Clogging Problem

You can quickly clean your pop-up drain system if it isn’t operating properly or if you detect a clog. Examine the entry and exit locations first.

It’s most likely that the clog is in the gutter or the entrance drain. Remove any debris that is discovered and flush the remainder with water. Check your emitter for obstacles and make sure the top can close.

Any additional junk that has entered your pop-up drain system can be flushed away with a hose. Run water through the system for a few minutes throughout the cleaning procedure. It may be necessary to excavate clogs in the middle of your pipe, between the entry point and the emitter.

How to Repair a Pop-up Drain Emitter?

Once in a blue moon, an emitter will be damaged and will need replacing or repairing, depending on the extent of the damage. If you need to replace everything, the process could take a little longer. But there’s nothing that you can’t accomplish in a single day. Just follow the steps below:

1. Remove the grass and dig up the damaged popup, drain emitter to replace it.
2. After that, remove the emitter from the drain tube by loosening it.
3. Then you’ll put the new emitter in place.
4. If you change the slope, the new emitter will not work properly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What Is a Pop-Up Drain Emitter?

Ans: It’s a drainage system that moves water away from a house’s foundation more effectively than a regular downspout. The downspout connects to a flexible hose, which is then run via a trench to a simple emitter that “pops up” once the water pressure is high enough. This allows the water to distribute across a greater surface area and avoid damage or erosion.

2. Do I Need a Pop-Up Drain Emitter?

Ans: You will need a pop-up drain emitter if the soil gets clogged with clogs or if you have grading problems that make it difficult for water to flow away from your home. Also, if your gutter system concentrates too much water in one spot, a pop-up drain emitter can be an effective solution.

Wrap Up

Pop-up drain emitters are a lifesaver for homeowners who struggle with their conventional drainage systems. They are very convenient to use and you replacing them is very easy than replacing the main water line, however, they have some set of challenges.

But no worries, the problems can be resolved by using some knowledge. So, try to find out the issue first, then solve it following the guide we discussed so far. If nothing works, contact a professional immediately. Hopefully, it was helpful!