The Ultimate Guide: How Frequently to Clear Stormwater Drains & Top Maintenance Tips

29 Jan

stormwater maintenance

Staying ahead of home maintenance tasks can feel like a constant challenge, especially when it comes to areas often overlooked, like stormwater drains. Yet neglecting this critical system can set the stage for issues, including water damage and severe structural problems.

So one might ask, "How frequently should I have my stormwater drains cleared?" and "What are some tips to keep my stormwater drain clear?"

In this article, we offer valuable guidance on maintaining your stormwater drains, from frequency of clearance to practical tips for keeping them free-flowing. We aim to help you prevent unwanted surprises and costly repairs down the line.

Remember, proactivity in home maintenance doesn't only ward off potential repairs—it also serves as the best assurance of your home's longevity and value. This phenomenon is particularly true for aspects as critical as stormwater drains.

The Importance of Properly Maintaining Stormwater Drains

The importance of maintaining stormwater drains can't be overstated. Efficiently working stormwater drains prevent overflow, safeguarding your property against flooding and potential structural damage. In providing an effective pathway for water to flow away from your property, these systems play a significant role in maintaining your home's structural integrity.

So, how often should you have your stormwater drains cleaned and cleared? As a rule of thumb, it's advisable to have your stormwater drains professionally cleared at least once a year. However, the exact frequency can depend on several factors. These might include the age of your property and its drains, the area's weather patterns, and the type of trees and vegetation nearby which could shed leaves or roots invading the system.

Let's get a little more nuanced. If your area is prone to heavy rainfall, or your property hosts large trees with extensive root systems, you may need to consider more frequent clearing - perhaps even seasonally. Conversely, if you're living in a dryer climate or in a newer property with a lesser tendency for blockages, an annual clearing may suffice.

Whether you're dealing with a persistent overflow problem or striving for preventative maintenance, there are a few simple steps you can take between professional cleanings to keep your stormwater drains functioning optimally:

Make a habit of clearing debris such as leaves, twigs, and other potential obstructions from the gutters and drain grates regularly.
Place drain guards or covers over drain openings to prevent debris from entering the system.
Consider planting drain-friendly vegetation, species that have less-aggressive root systems, further from your property to minimize the risk of root intrusion into your drain system.
Incorporate a regular drain maintenance plan which includes professional inspections and cleanings at least once a year.

Though these efforts can go a long way in maintaining the health of your stormwater drains, nothing replaces the necessity for professional inspections and cleanings. Licensed plumbers have the tools and expertise to locate and handle potential problems before they escalate into larger, costlier issues.

Tips to Keep Your Stormwater Drain Clear

A little bit of preventative maintenance can go a long way in maintaining the overall health of your stormwater drains. Here are a few simple steps you can take to help keep them clear and functioning efficiently:

Regular Inspections: Proactively inspect your stormwater drains, especially when expecting heavy rains. This allows you to identify and address blockages beforehand.
Maintain Surrounding Areas: Regularly clean and maintain areas around the drains to prevent leaves, dirt, and debris from blocking the drains.
Invest in Drain Covers: Drain covers can prevent large debris from entering and clogging the system. They are especially useful in seasons when tree leaves drop abundantly.
Plant Responsibly: Consider the positioning of plants and trees, keeping them at a safe distance from the drains. Deep-rooted plants can infiltrate and obstruct drain pipes.

Adopting these tips will help you minimize the likelihood of encountering serious stormwater drain issues that can be expensive and disruptive to rectify. Even with these preventative measures, it's wise to retain the services of a professional periodically to ensure optimal function of your drains.