Storm Drain Cleaning - Things to Know

Storm drain cleaning is an important part of keeping your property in good condition. It’s also something that a lot of people don’t think about until it’s too late.

In this guide, we’ll discuss some things you need to know about storm drain cleaning so that you can stay on top of it.

What is Storm Drain Cleaning?

Storm drain cleaning is the process of removing debris, leaves, and other objects from your storm drain.

This helps keep them clear so that water can flow freely through them, and prevent flooding. Storm drains are usually located on the side of your property, in the street, or in a culvert.

Why is Storm Drain Cleaning Important?

Storm drain cleaning is important because it helps prevent flooding. Flooding can damage your property, lead to mold growth, and create a slew of other problems.

It’s also important for the environment. When storm drains are clear, rainwater can flow freely through them and into waterways. This helps greatly in keeping our water clean.

9 Things to Know About Storm Drain Cleaning

Most people don’t think about storm drains until they become clogged and cause flooding. Storm drain cleaning, however, is a necessary part of home maintenance that helps prevent water damage and keeps your property safe. Here are nine things you should know about storm drain cleaning:

1. Storm drains affect driving conditions

If storm drains are not cleaned, they can become clogged with leaves and debris. This can cause water to pool on the road, making driving conditions dangerous. If this happens, be sure to drive slowly and carefully.

2. Clogged storm drains can cause flooding

When storm drains are clogged, rainwater has nowhere to go. This can cause flooding in your home or yard. Clogged drains can also cause water to back up into your home through the sewer system. This can result in health problems and costly repairs.

3. You can clean your storm drain yourself

There’s not necessarily any need to hire a professional to clean your storm drain. You can do it yourself with a little elbow grease, and the right tools. It is important to note, however, that if the blockage is severe, it may be better to leave it to the professionals.

4. You need the right tools to clean your storm drain

A garden hose is not going to cut when it comes to cleaning a storm drain. You’ll need a power washer or a professional-grade cleaner. Here’s a list of the supplies you’ll need:

These supplies can be found at your local hardware store.

5. Storm drains are connected to sewers

Storm drains are connected to the sewer system, so anything that goes down your storm drain ends up in the sewers. Be careful what you put down your storm drain to avoid clogging the sewer system and having a sewage backup.

6. Cleaning a storm drain is a messy business

Don’t be surprised if you get a little dirty when cleaning your storm drain. Wear old clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty, and be prepared to get wet.

7. You'll need to disassemble the drain to clean it properly

In order to clean your storm drain properly, you’ll need to take it apart. This is not necessarily a difficult task, but it is important to follow the instructions carefully so you don’t damage anything.

8. Storm drain cleaning is a smelly job

When you’re cleaning your storm drain, you’ll be dealing with a lot of nasty smells. Be sure to wear a mask to avoid breathing in any nasty or noxious fumes.

9. You should clean your storm drain every few months

Storm drains should be cleaned every three to six months to prevent clogging and flooding. Mark your calendar so you don’t forget to clean your drain.

Cleaning a storm drain is not a difficult task, but it is important to do it regularly to prevent flooding and water damage. By following these tips, you can keep your storm drain clean and your property safe.

How Can I Clean My Storm Drains?

To clean your storm drains, you’ll need a few supplies. These include a hose, a plunger, and a drain snake. You can also use a power washer to remove tough debris. Here’s a step-by-step guide to cleaning your storm drains:

Step 1:
Remove any debris from the drain cover

The first thing you need to do is remove any debris that’s blocking the drain cover. This can include leaves, sticks, and dirt. Once the cover is clear, you can move on to the next step.

Step 2:
Use a hose to flush out the drain

Attach a hose to your outdoor faucet and turn on the water. Aim the hose into the drain, and let the water run for a few minutes. This will help flush out any debris that might be caught in the drain.

Step 3:
Use a plunger to clear the drain

If the water from the hose doesn’t seem to be doing the trick, you can try using a plunger. Put the plunger over the drain and push and pull it up and down. Its suction will help dislodge any debris that might be stuck in the drain.

Step 4:
Use a drain snake to remove the debris

If the plunger doesn’t work, you can try using a drain snake. Insert the drain snake into the drain, and turn it clockwise. If you feel resistance, that means the drain snake has hit something. Continue turning until you’ve dislodged the debris.

Step 5:
Use a power washer to remove tough debris

If you’re still having trouble removing the debris from your storm drain despite all the aforementioned methods, you can try using a power washer. Just be careful not to damage the drain cover with the high-powered water.

Cleaning your storm drains is important to do on a regular basis. By following these steps, you can help keep your drains clear and free of debris.

How Often Should Storm Drains Be Cleaned?

Storm drains should be cleaned every three to six months. This will help prevent clogging and flooding. If you live in an area that gets a lot of rain, you may need to clean your drains more often. Storm drain cleaning is a smelly and dirty job, but it’s important to do it regularly to keep your property safe.

Storm drain cleaning can seem like a hassle of a routine to stick to, but by following these aforementioned steps and getting your hands on the items listed above, the process can be incredibly easy.

8 Benefits of Cleaning Your Storm Drains

Cleaning your storm drains has a number of benefits. These include:

1. Preventing flooding

Preventing flooding is the most obvious benefit of cleaning your storm drains. If you notice flooding in your yard or around your storm drain, you might have a clogged drain.

By keeping the drains clear, you can ensure that water will flow freely and not cause any flooding.

2. Reducing pollution

When storm drains are full of debris, they can’t do their job properly. This means that water can’t flow through them as it should, and this can lead to flooding and pollution.

3. Improving water quality

When storm drains are clear, they can help improve the quality of the water in your area. This is because the water will be able to flow through them more easily, and it will also be less likely to pick up any pollutants.

4. Reducing mosquito breeding

If there is standing water in your storm drains, this can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes. By keeping the drains clear, you can help reduce the number of mosquitoes in your area.

5. Preventing sinkholes

If storm drains are full of debris, they can’t do their job properly. This means that water can’t flow through them as it should, and this can lead to the built up water eroding the surface rocks and softening the soil, causing sinkholes.

6. Improving the appearance of your area

When storm drains are clear, they can help improve the appearance of your area. This is because they will be less likely to overflow, and they will also look cleaner.

7. Preventing water damage

Flooding can cause water damage to your home or property. By keeping your storm drains clean, you can help prevent this type of damage.

8. Keeping your property safe

Debris in storm drains can attract pests, which can be a danger to your property. By keeping your drains clean, you can help keep your property safe from these pests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does storm drain maintenance have to be done by a professional?

While you can do some storm drain maintenance yourself, it’s important to have a professional do the job if you’re not sure what you’re doing. This is because they will have the right equipment and knowledge to do the job properly.

Is sewer line and storm drain cleaning necessary?

The answer is a resounding yes. Sewer line and storm drain cleaning are necessary to maintain the proper function of your home’s drainage system. In certain areas, it is common to replace your sewer line when you move into a new home.

Does debris build up faster near the drain?

Debris can build up faster near the drain if there is a lot of foot traffic in the area. This is because debris can be carried into the drain via people’s shoes. If you have a lot of foot traffic in your area, you may need to clean your drains more often.

Do I need high-pressure water jetting for my storm drain?

High-pressure water jetting is a type of cleaning that uses high-pressure water to remove debris from your storm drain. This is a more thorough way of cleaning, and it can help to remove stubborn debris. Just be careful not to damage your storm drain with the high-pressure water.

Cleaning storm drains is important to prevent flooding and water damage. Homeowners should know how to clean their storm drains and when to call a professional.

By following these tips, homeowners can keep their storm drains clear and help protect their homes from flood damage