Keep Your Stormwater Drains Flowing Smoothly To Prevent Them Blocking

Stormwater drains are vital for keeping our properties and streets free from flooding by diverting rainwater away. However, blockages can create major issues, from backyard flooding to property damage. Keeping these drains clean and well-maintained is essential to avoid bigger problems. Let’s walk through the steps to keep stormwater drains flowing freely and what to do if they become clogged.

Regular Maintenance for Stormwater Drains

Traditional stormwater drains are designed to collect rainwater from your roof, driveway, and other surfaces. These drains can easily become clogged by debris, so regular upkeep is essential.

Key Maintenance Tips:

• Clear debris from grates and gutters to prevent blockages.
• Check for signs of pooling water around the drain, which could indicate a clog.
• Schedule routine professional cleaning with a plumbing service like Plumbmaster Plumbing to prevent buildup and address potential issues before they escalate.

Caring for French Drains

French drains are popular for redirecting groundwater away from foundations and low-lying areas. They consist of a trench filled with gravel and a perforated pipe, allowing water to drain away from trouble spots. Despite their effectiveness, French drains can get clogged over time with soil, roots, and other debris.

Maintenance Tips for French Drains:

• Inspect the drain regularly for any signs of blockages, such as slow drainage or water pooling.
• Clean out the drain by flushing it with water or hiring a professional to use specialized tools like hydro-jetting.
• Keep the gravel clear of debris by regularly raking or removing leaves and dirt from the surface.
• If you suspect root intrusion or serious blockages, it’s best to contact Plumbmaster Plumbing for a thorough inspection and cleaning.

Maintaining Swales

Swales are shallow, sloped channels that help redirect stormwater across your property, typically toward a larger drainage system or a natural body of water. These natural systems can be very effective, but they require some upkeep to remain efficient.

Swale Maintenance Tips:

• Ensure the slope is maintained to facilitate proper water flow. If the slope becomes compromised, water will stagnate, leading to possible flooding.
• Remove excess vegetation that can block the water flow. While some plants are helpful in absorbing water, overgrowth can reduce the swale’s effectiveness.
• Clear any obstructions such as leaves, branches, or debris that accumulate after heavy storms.
• If your swale seems ineffective, contact a professional plumber to assess and adjust its functionality.

Caring for Linear Drains

Linear drains, also known as strip drains, are long, narrow drains that efficiently capture surface water. They are commonly installed in driveways, patios, and pool areas. Like other drainage systems, linear drains are prone to clogging if not properly maintained. They often get dirt and leaf debris caught in them and when it rains, these particles are swept into the drains and then can sit and form sludge.

Linear Drain Maintenance Tips:

• Clean the grates regularly to prevent buildup of dirt, leaves, and other debris.
• Flush the drain with water periodically to keep it clear. This is especially important in areas with frequent rainfall or heavy debris flow.
• Check for blockages within the drain using a garden hose to see if the water flows freely. If not, it may be time to contact professionals to unblock and clean it.

What to Do When Your Stormwater Drain is Blocked

Even with the best prevention, blockages can still occur. If you notice any signs of a drain blockage, such as pooling water in the yard, water ingressing under your garage doors, overflowing roof gutters, or slow water drainage, it’s time to take action.

Identify the Cause of the Blockage
Stormwater drains can become blocked for several reasons, including:

• Tree roots: These can invade underground pipes, causing blockages that worsen over time.
• Debris buildup: Leaves, dirt, and other environmental debris can accumulate and clog the drain.
• Damaged pipes: Broken or squashed pipes, often due to compacted ground or heavy vehicles, can restrict water flow.

If you’re experiencing any of these issues, it’s essential to act fast to avoid water damage.

Why You Should Call a Plumber

Unblocking stormwater drains is a challenging task that requires professional equipment and expertise. Pouring boiling water or trying to use a plunger is not possible. Storm water drains cannot have chemicals added as thus is rainwater that feeds into your local streams and creeks and is taken out into the ocean.
For an effective solution, calling a professional plumber like Plumbmaster Plumbing is the fastest and most efficient option.

They use advanced tools like high-pressure water jetters and CCTV cameras to identify and remove blockages, ensuring your drainage system is functioning properly.
Attempting to do it yourself without the proper tools can make the situation worse or even damage your pipes further.

Stay Ahead with Regular Drain Maintenance

Maintaining your stormwater drains through regular cleaning and inspections can prevent major problems before they start.
Remember, keeping your storm drainage system in top shape not only protects your home from flooding but also saves you from costly repairs down the line.

If you ever suspect a blockage, don’t hesitate to reach out to Plumbmaster Plumbing to get things flowing smoothly again.

Take control of your stormwater drainage now before the rainy season hits!