Have you ever wondered how storm drains work and why they need cleaning? Learn the importance of storm drain cleaning as a homeowner.

How to Keep Your Storm Drain Clean and Avoid Disaster

Do you have a storm drain on your property? If so, you may wonder, do I need to clean it properly? After all, it’s just a hole in the ground that collects rainwater, right?

Wrong.

A storm drain is much more than that. It’s a vital part of your water drainage system that protects your property and the environment from flooding, erosion, pollution, and habitat loss. But if you neglect it, it can become clogged or damaged by debris, such as leaves, branches, trash, or animal waste. And when that happens, you’re in trouble.

A clogged or damaged storm drain can turn your property into a swamp, wash away your soil, contaminate water, and destroy wildlife. It can also cause you and your family health risks, such as mold, bacteria, or parasites. And it can cost you a lot of repair and maintenance fees.

That’s why storm drain cleaning is essential. But how do you do it properly? What are the best methods and equipment to use? How often should you do it? And what are the consequences of neglecting it?

In this article, we will answer all these questions and more. We will explain the basics of storm drain cleaning, such as:

• How storm drains and catch basins work
• How to inspect and clear them
• Why you should avoid opening and unclogging them yourself
• How to find a reliable storm drain cleaning service near you
• What are the benefits of regular storm drain cleaning

By reading this article, you will learn everything you need to know about storm drain cleaning and how to protect your property and the environment from water damage and pollution.

So let’s get started!

How Storm Drains and Catch Basins Work

Storm drains collect and transport excess rainwater from streets, parking lots, sidewalks, roofs, and other surfaces to nearby waterways. It helps prevent flooding and water damage to properties and infrastructure.

However, storm drains also collect pollutants that run off, carrying oil, grease, chemicals, metals, bacteria, and nutrients. These pollutants can harm the quality of the water and the aquatic life that depends on it.

What Is a Catch Basin?

A catch basin is a storm drain that collects runoff from a specific area and connects it to a larger storm drain system. A catch basin typically consists of a grated opening on the surface, a sump, or a chamber below the opening. Plus, an outlet pipe that leads to another catch basin or a larger pipe.

The catch basin works by trapping debris and sediment in the sump while allowing water to flow through the outlet pipe. The catch basin is a crucial component of the storm drain system because it prevents clogging and blockage of the pipes by filtering out large and solid materials.

However, catch basins also need regular cleaning and maintenance because they can get filled with debris over time. It can reduce their effectiveness and capacity to handle runoff.

How to Inspect and Clear the Drain Grating

One of the easiest ways to prevent clogging and blockage of storm drains is to inspect the top of the drain grating regularly. The drain grating is the metal or plastic cover that allows water to enter the catch basin while keeping out large objects. 

The drain grating can get covered or clogged by leaves, twigs, trash, or other materials that accumulate on the surface. To inspect the drain grating, you should look for any signs of blockage or damage, such as:

• Rust 
• Cracks 
• Holes 
• Missing bars 

Not only that, check if there is any water pooling or overflowing around the drain grating. If you notice any of these issues, you should remove debris or obstructions from the drain grating using a broom or a rake. You should also report any damage or malfunction to your local authority or storm drain cleaning service.

Inspect the drain grating at least once a month or more frequently, depending on the location and season. For example, inspect it more often during fall when leaves are falling. Not only then, after deep cleaning your garage floor using a pressure washer surface cleaner during rainy periods when runoff is high.

Why You Should Avoid Opening and Unclogging the Storm Drain Yourself

While inspecting and clearing the drain grating is a simple task that you can do yourself, avoid opening and unclogging the storm drain yourself. Opening and unclogging the storm drain yourself is dangerous and illegal for several reasons:

• It can expose you to hazardous materials and substances trapped in the catch basin or the pipes. These materials include sharp objects, toxic chemicals, biological waste, rodents, insects, and snakes.
• It can damage or disrupt the storm drain system. You may accidentally break or dislodge parts of the catch basin or the pipes essential for their function. You may also interfere with other storm drain system components connected to your catch basin or pipe.
• It violates local codes and regulations that govern storm drain maintenance and operation. You may face fines or penalties for tampering with public property or endangering public safety.

Instead of opening and unclogging the storm drain, contact a licensed professional or local authority who can safely and legally perform the task. The professionals have the proper training, equipment, and authorization to open and unclog storm drains.

How to Find a Reliable Storm Drain Cleaning Service Near You

Another way to prevent clogging and blockage is to find a reliable cleaning service near you. A storm drain cleaning service can use various methods and equipment to clean your storm drain lines, such as:

• Hydro jetting: It involves using high-pressure water to blast away any debris or obstructions from the pipes. Hydrojetting can also remove grease, oil, and other sticky substances that can adhere to the pipe walls.
• Snaking: It is a method that involves using a flexible metal cable with a cutting head to break up or remove any debris or obstructions from the pipes. Snaking can also remove roots, hair, or other fibrous materials that can entangle in the pipes.
• Vacuuming: It involves using a powerful vacuum to suck out any debris or obstructions from the pipes. Vacuuming can also remove water, sludge, or other liquids that can fill up the pipes.

A storm drain cleaning service can also inspect and repair any damage or malfunction in your lines, such as cracks, leaks, corrosion, or misalignment. They can also install or replace any parts or accessories needed for your storm drain system, such as grates, filters, screens, or valves.

Steps of Finding a Reliable Storm Drain Cleaning Service Near You

To find a reliable storm drain cleaning service near you, you should consider the following criteria or questions:

• Experience: How long have they been in business, and how many customers have they served? Do they have any testimonials or reviews from previous customers?
• Qualification: Are they licensed, insured, and bonded? Do they have any certifications or accreditations from professional associations or organizations?
• Equipment: What methods and equipment do they use to clean storm drain lines? Do they have the latest technology and tools to handle any situation?
• Availability: How fast can they respond to your request, and how flexible are their schedules? Do they offer emergency services or regular maintenance plans?
• Price: How much do they charge for their services, and what are the payment options? Do they offer any discounts or guarantees?

You can find a storm drain cleaning service that meets your needs and budget by asking these questions and comparing different options.

How Often You Should Clean Your Storm Drains

The frequency of storm drain cleaning depends on various factors, such as:

• Climate: Your area’s environment affects how much rainfall and runoff you receive and how often your storm drains are in use. For example, if you live in a wet or humid area, you may need to clean your storm drains more often than in an arid region.
• Rainfall: The amount and intensity of rain in your area affects how much water and debris enter your storm drains and how quickly they fill up. For example, if you experience heavy or frequent rainfall, you may need to clean your storm drains more often than if you experience light or sporadic rain.
• Vegetation: The type and amount of vegetation in your area affect how much leaves, twigs, grass clippings, or other organic materials enter your storm drains. Plus, how easily they decompose. For example, if you have a lot of trees or plants in your area, you may need to clean your storm drains more often than if you have few or none.
• Traffic: The amount and type of traffic in your area affect how much oil, grease, dirt, dust, or other pollutants enter your storm drains. For example, if you have a lot of cars or trucks in your area, you may need to clean your storm drains more often than if you have few or none.

As a general guideline, you should clean your storm drains at least once a year or more frequently as needed. You should also schedule regular storm drain cleaning with a reliable service provider who can monitor and maintain your storm drain system.

What Are the Consequences of Clogged Storm Drains

Clogged storm drains can have severe consequences for the environment and public health, such as:

Storm Drain Repairs

Clogged storm drains can increase the cost of repairing and maintaining the storm drain system. Clogged storm drains can cause damage or collapse of the catch basins or the pipes due to increased pressure or weight. Clogged storm drains can also cause damage or malfunction of other components of the system connected to them. Repairing or replacing these parts can be expensive and time-consuming.

HomeAdvisor states the average cost of repairing a catch basin is between $1,800 and $6,000. The average pipe repair cost is between $60 and $200 per foot. The average price of repairing a grate is between $100 and $300.

Environmental Impact

Clogged storm drains can also harm the environment. Clogged storm drains can cause flooding, erosion, pollution, and habitat loss.

• Flooding: It can prevent water from draining properly and cause flooding on streets, parking lots, sidewalks, roofs, and other surfaces. Flooding can damage properties and infrastructure and create safety hazards for pedestrians and drivers.
• Erosion: It can increase the force and speed of water flow and cause erosion on soil, rocks, slopes, banks, and other surfaces. Erosion can destabilize structures and landscapes and create landslides or sinkholes.
• Pollution: It can prevent pollutants from getting filtered out and cause them to enter the waterways. Pollution can degrade the quality of the water and harm the aquatic life that depends on it. Pollution can also contaminate the drinking water supply and pose health risks for humans and animals.
• Habitat loss: It can alter the natural flow and level of water and cause habitat loss for plants and animals that live in or near the waterways. Habitat loss can reduce the biodiversity and ecological balance of the environment.

Cleaning your storm drains regularly can avoid these consequences and protect your property and the environment from water damage and pollution.

Takeaway

Storm drain cleaning is an important task that you should pay attention to. Storm drain cleaning can help you:

• Improve the function and performance of your storm drain system
• Prevent clogging and blockage of your storm drains
• Reduce the cost of repairing and maintaining your storm drain system
• Protect the environment and public health from water damage and pollution

To clean your storm drains effectively, you should:

• Inspect and clear the drain grating regularly
• Avoid opening and unclogging the storm drain yourself
• Find a reliable storm drain cleaning service near you
• Schedule regular storm drain cleaning with a professional

We hope this guide will help you keep your storm drains in good condition and enjoy the benefits of a clean and safe storm drain system.

Check out our other helpful guides on surface cleaning tips.