Regular Maintenance Good Way to Prevent Storm Drain Clogs
Q: What is a storm drain?
A: Storm drains route groundwater into the municipal sewer system to prevent it from getting into your basement, or seeping up through the foundation of your home. Because they are placed within the basement walls, they are also referred to as drain tiles.
Q: Do I need a storm drain in my home?
A: If you want to protect your home from water damage, then yes. Storm drains stop water from building up and putting pressure on your basement walls. Without them, you’d be seeing tons of water damage in your basement – up to 1-2 inches of water can get in during heavy rains – and the destruction of precious mementos that may have been stored down there.
Q: Are there any problems that I should be aware of?
A: Yes – problems can occur when drain tiles get clogged from accumulated silt that gets washed in by groundwater. When that silt is left alone, it builds up, eventually blocking the flow of groundwater that gets into the storm drain system. And this is a problem because when water can’t flow naturally from your home’s drainage system to the outside sewer drain system, floods rear their ugly heads.
Q: I really don’t want a flood in my basement. How can I prevent my storm drains from getting blocked?
A: Having a clean-out installed is our best suggestion. Clean-outs can get the drains flowing normally again by relieving the pressure and stopping the silt from building up to begin with. Another way to ensure your storm drains stay clog-free is with regular maintenance.
If you have more storm drain questions, or if you’d like to have one installed, call Feehan Plumbing & Heating!