Storm Drain Cleaning – Every Stratford Homeowner Should Know

Storm drain cleaning is a dear topic for many in the homeowners’ circle in Stratford, so to speak-that is, when it is too late. Heavy rains, clogged gutters, blocked outdoor drains-all of these can cause standing water and flooding that can harm property. For the protection of property owners and the conscientious gratification of preventive maintenance, there has to be a neat little explanation about how storm drains work and how cleaning them matters.

Simply put, storm drains exist in order to carry all the rainwater away from your property so that there will be no water pooling around the house. Somehow, over time, leaves, sticks, mud, and even trash began to find their way into the drainage system.

Regularly cleaning storm drains can keep whatever rocks-and-shocks kind of repair bills away. Storm drain clogging can cause seepage into building foundations or erosion of landscaping-however these things may be unwitnessed by some homeowners who do not comprehend that flooding caused by neglected storm drains cannot usually be covered by standard insurance.

At Connecticut Sewer Rooter & Drain Cleaning, the clean water has become a bit threatening after we have observed how small clogs can lead to big water issues. Hence, we always advise the homeowners in Stratford to be ahead of the game. With over 20 years of experience, we offer safe and effective storm drain cleaning with the latest equipment.

 

What Is a Storm Drain and Its Importance?

A storm drain is a collection system for rainwater and runoff. It’s intended to divert water away from the streets, driveways, roofs, and lawns to prevent flooding. Storm drains connect with underground pipes carrying that water to local streams or rivers—or treatment facilities. 

In Stratford, storm drains are part of the neighborhood infrastructure. You’ll typically see them at the bottoms of sloped roads, along the curbs, or even in backyards. When working, they largely ensure that homes don’t have any flooding, basements potentially threatened with water damage, or foundations that will degrade over time.

There are many questions launched by homeowners like, “Is the storm drain my responsibility?” Here’s a short answer: Usually, the County or Town is responsible for maintenance if it is a public storm drain located in the street. If the drain is on your property in your driveway or in your backyard, then you would probably have to maintain it yourself.

 

Why Storm Drains Get Clogged

Storm drains are made for the immense amounts of rainwater created after heavy showers, but once clogged, the drain could not simply do its job. The clogged storm drain causes street flooding, severe damage to foundations, and may also cause sewer backup. But really, what causes these blockages in the first place? 

The most common causes of blockages in storm drains are the following-

Leaves and Yard Debris: Leaves, twigs, and grass clippings accumulate around storm drains during the fall or after heavy winds. Left unattended, they become an obstruction to water flow.

Trash and Litter: Plastic bottles, sacks, or any other form of litter are often washed down the drains during storms. They eventually cause a buildup that completely clogs the drains.

Sediment and Dirt: Soil and sand carried down by runoff from lawns, driveway, and a construction site are deposited inside the storm drain. This material then settles, building gradually, reducing the pathway for flow.

Tree Roots: Roots grow into pipes through cracks in aged pipes. As the root system spreads farther, it even traps other forms of debris to form a blockage so massive that it cannot be cleared on its own.

Grease and Oil: Grease and oil given to the outside drain solidifies and sticks onto the pipes. This backing causes waste to solidify on its surface and in turn slows down flow.

Incorrect Disposal of Yard Waste: Dumping mulch, grass clippings, or dirt near any drain could seem harmless, but heavy rains actually push all of these into blockages that you might only notice when it will be far too late.

How To Prevent It

• Keep leaves and debris away from storm drains.
• Never dump grease, paint, or chemicals outside.
• Hire drain specialists for routine inspections and cleaning.

It does not take long at all at Connecticut Sewer Rooter & Drain Cleaning for a clogged drain to escalate further. Whenever you begin to notice slow drainage or standing water after storms, do not hesitate to call us any time, any day. Thus, we keep your system flowing and keep your property protected.

 

The Real Cost of Not Having a Clean Drain

It is usually difficult to pay attention to your storm drain when it happens to work well. The misery begins when a drain clogs and water starts to accumulate, because by then, the damage begins to accrue quite rapidly. 

• If water will collect near the house:
• It would leak into the basement.
• It would weaken the foundation with time
• It would cause mold and mildew issues inside the house.
• It would kill the landscaping or might damage the paved areas.

We have had some Stratford residents say, “I thought the water would go away on its own.” Sometimes it does, but there are times when it goes into the soil, under your driveway or starts damaging your house. Then what could have been just a clean of the storm drain turns into a drainage project or maybe structural repair.

 

Local Insight: Storm Drain Cleaning in Stratford

Stratford gets its share of heavy rains, especially in the spring and storm season. Add fallen leaves from trees, construction dirt, and aging infrastructure, and you have worries about drains.

Yard flooding is a perennial complaint in such areas and more so for homes built downhill or with poor yard grading. Many homeowners simply do not realize that their storm drains are partially blocked until one huge rainstorm basically pushes them over the edge.

We have assisted so many Stratford homeowners with this very thing. Sometimes it is a simple cleaning. Other times, a deeper cleaning and inspection is warranted to uncover tree root growth or pipe collapse. But whatever we find, we make sure that it is fixed fast and affordably.

 

Final Thoughts: Take Action Before the Storm Hits!

You really cannot depend on nature to fix an issue with a storm drain. If you ever find water pooling at a place it should not or ever notice an odd smell or sound coming from your outdoor drains, do not wait until the skies darken and heavy rains form- too late by then.

At Connecticut Sewer Rooter & Drain Cleaning, we help homeowners in Stratford keep their homes dry, safe, and free from damages. Whether it is for a one-time cleaning, seasonal inspection, or an anytime emergency storm drain service–just call us. We respond quickly, do not cut corners, and keep costs to a minimum.