Storm drains are vital for keeping your home or building dry from water damage. This system removes rainwater and prevents flooding during major storms or rainy seasons. If they are neglected, storm drains may get blocked, spill over, and cause problems to the infrastructure. That’s why no one wants to see flooded basements, destroyed landscapes, or have unexpected costs for repairs.
If you don’t know where to start to maintain your storm drains, here are some tips that can help you to avoid expensive water damage.
1. Regularly Clear Out All Debris
Leaves, dirt, and trash around the openings are among the most common causes of blocked storm drains. They may prevent water from draining properly and result in the system overflowing.
To avoid this, you should clean out any noticeable debris for storm drain maintenance, especially after storms or windy days. Therefore, spending a little time on this regularly will support your drainage system.
2. Schedule Regular Inspections
Many times, you ignore things underground, but that’s where various issues originate. You should ask a professional to check your storm drains once or twice a year to identify any early issues.
However, skilled people have the proper equipment to examine your drains. Following their inspection, you can get appropriate repairs or preventive actions to protect your property from unexpected damage.
3. Check for Standing Water
After it rains, go outside and search for areas where water is accumulating. If the storm drains are in good condition, water should flow away rapidly. If the pump stops pushing water, it indicates a block or something wrong.
Early indication gives you a chance to prevent flooding. In some cases, fixing the drainage problem requires sloping your landscape or unclogging a small part of the drain.
4. Keep Nearby Gutters and Downspouts Clean
Storm drains, gutters, and downspouts all help direct water to a safe spot away from your property. When drainpipes are clogged, water from the roof can spill on the ground and swamp the storm drains.
Make sure to clean the gutters and ensure downspouts are far from your home, as this can benefit the drain system and protect your property.
5. Do not Put Chemicals or Oil Down the Drains
Pouring any leftover cleaners or oil into a storm drain is not good. Eventually, these materials may block the system or harm it by corroding them.
Instead, follow the proper way to dispose of chemicals. Make sure that your storm drains are clean and free of chemicals. It allows water to pass through without any hurdle if there is a storm.
6. Educate Your Household or Team
If you manage a property with others, teach them about the importance of maintaining the storm drain. Do not park your car on top of a drain, and avoiding throwing grass clippings into the street is quite helpful.
When every member of the community helps maintain storm drains, it becomes easier to keep them clear and save your property from floods.