It’s almost spring in the PNW, and you know what that means… lots and lots of rain. While the wet season is great for our beautiful wildlife and vegetation, excess water on your property could do more harm than good. Without proper drainage, you might end up dealing with serious problems such as flooding, soil erosion, pest problems, and more. That’s why it’s vital to ensure your storm drain is always clean, clear, and functioning optimally.
Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming to keep your outdoor drainage system in good working order. With just a little bit of preventative maintenance, your drains will continue to flow freely. Follow these easy tips to keep your storm drain clean:
CLEAR AWAY DEBRIS
Most storm drain clogs are caused by a buildup of organic debris, such as leaves or twigs. If the debris is able to collect on the top of your storm drain, then they will slowly leak into your pipes with the pressure and flow of rainwater. Regularly removing debris from the surface of your drain will prevent most clogs from developing.
KEEP YOUR LANDSCAPING TIDY
Manually clearing debris away from your storm drain will prevent clogs. However, maintaining a tidy yard will keep debris from building up in the first place, which will make it easy for you to avoid backups. Regularly trim your trees, rake away leaves, and be sure to dispose of yard waste far away from your drains.
PROPERLY DISPOSE OF TRASH
When you think of your storm drain, garbage probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. However, runaway trash such as old plastic bags or paper are common culprits of serious clogs. When you take the garbage out, be sure to place it in a secure lidded bin so the wind can’t carry any refuse toward your drain.
MAINTAIN YOUR SUMP PUMP
Though your sump pump doesn’t have a direct impact on the condition of your storm drain, the two systems work together to prevent serious property damage during major rainfall. If your storm drain fails and the water in your yard has nowhere to go, it might end up pouring into your basement. If your sump pump is working, then it will be able to push the water away from your property before it can cause any serious damage. For this reason, a sump pump inspection should be a key part of your yearly spring maintenance routine.
WATCH FOR EARLY SIGNS OF CLOGGING
Even after following all of this advice, it’s still a good idea to keep an eye on your storm drain to make sure you don’t miss the early signs of clogging. It’s much easier to fix a clog early on, before it has a chance to flood your property. Watch out for these key signs that your storm drain needs to be cleaned:
Slow or inadequate drainage
Visible debris such as leaves or sticks
Overflowing water or backups
Unusual puddles on your property
Unpleasant or musty odors
GET PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Suspect your outdoor drain is clogged? Want to make sure your storm drain is ready for the wet season? Either way, professional services can give you peace of mind. At Pacific Plumbing and Drain, we are proud to offer fast and affordable storm drain cleaning services that will keep your home protected even during wet springtime weather. Our team also offers emergency plumbing services to make sure you always have support when you need it. If your storm drain is clogged and rapidly filling up your yard, don’t hesitate to call us – day or night!
