What a Plumbing Company Does to Handle Storm Drains After a Major Storm

After a major storm, the aftermath can be overwhelming—flooded streets, waterlogged yards, and backed-up storm drains. For homeowners and business owners, one of the most pressing concerns is the storm drainage system. When storm drains are clogged or damaged, it can lead to serious water damage and disruption. This is where a plumbing company steps in to provide crucial services.

In this blog post, we’ll walk through what a plumbing company does to address storm drain issues after a major storm and why their expertise is so critical for protecting your property and ensuring proper drainage.

1. Assessing the Damage and Identifying Issues

Once a storm has passed, plumbing professionals will assess the damage to your storm drain system. Storm drains are responsible for directing rainwater away from homes, streets, and businesses, and when they become blocked with debris, leaves, mud, and other materials, they can cause dangerous flooding.

A licensed plumber will inspect storm drains for:

• Clogs: Debris like branches, leaves, and dirt can block the drainage system.
• Structural Damage: Excessive water pressure or debris can crack or break storm drain pipes.
• Drain Overflows: Water backing up into streets or yards due to insufficient drainage.

By thoroughly assessing the condition of the storm drains, plumbers can develop a plan of action to restore them to full functionality.

2. Clearing Blockages and Debris Removal

The first step in storm drain repair is often clearing blockages. During storms, drains can become clogged by:

• Fallen leaves and twigs
• Sediment and mud
• Trash and other foreign objects

Plumbers use specialized tools such as hydro jetting machines, which use high-pressure water to blast away blockages, or drain snakes to remove stubborn debris. This ensures that water can once again flow freely through the drainage system.

3. Repairing Storm Drain Pipes

If storm drain pipes have been cracked, broken, or shifted due to the pressure of floodwaters or debris, a plumbing company will carry out the necessary repairs. This could involve:

• Pipe relining: Inserting a new lining into the damaged pipe to seal any cracks without needing to dig up the old pipe.
• Pipe replacement: In cases of severe damage, the pipe may need to be entirely replaced.
• Manhole repair: If the storm drain connects to an underground manhole, plumbers may also need to check for damage in these areas.

Restoring the structural integrity of the storm drain pipes is essential to prevent further issues down the line.

4. Installing or Upgrading Drainage Systems

In some cases, after assessing the storm drain damage, a plumbing company may recommend installing or upgrading your drainage system to prevent future problems. This can include:

• French Drains: These are underground drainage systems that help redirect water away from your home.
• Catch Basins: A basin that collects and traps debris while allowing water to flow out, reducing the likelihood of future clogs.
• Surface Water Channels: Designed to capture and channel water away from low-lying areas prone to flooding.

By improving or expanding your current drainage system, plumbers can help ensure that your property is better equipped to handle heavy rains and storms in the future.

5. Preventative Maintenance and Drain Cleaning

To minimize the risk of future flooding, plumbing companies also offer preventative maintenance services. Regular drain cleaning and inspections can help keep storm drains clear and functioning optimally. Plumbers may recommend scheduling maintenance before the rainy season to:

• Remove debris build-up: Even when there hasn’t been a major storm, leaves, dirt, and other materials can accumulate in your storm drains over time.
• Check for early signs of damage: Small cracks or clogs can be identified and repaired before they become major problems.

By taking proactive measures, you can reduce the risk of storm drain backups during heavy rainfalls.

6. Dealing with Emergency Situations

Sometimes, a storm can cause immediate and severe flooding, requiring urgent action. Plumbing companies are often equipped to handle emergency situations, offering 24/7 service to address sudden storm drain failures. If your property is at risk of flooding or water damage, a plumbing team can respond quickly, using pumps, drain clearing techniques, and temporary solutions to mitigate the problem until permanent repairs can be made.

Conclusion

Storm drains are a critical part of managing rainwater and protecting your property from flooding. After a major storm, these drains can easily become overwhelmed, clogged, or damaged, putting homes and businesses at risk. Plumbing companies provide essential services to assess, clean, and repair storm drains, ensuring they function properly and protecting you from water damage.

If your property has been impacted by a recent storm, don’t hesitate to contact a professional plumbing service to inspect and repair your storm drains. Regular maintenance and prompt repairs can make all the difference when the next storm hits.

Just Plumbing By Sam provides plumbing services in St Petersburg and the surrounding area.

For more information, visit our website, https://justplumbingbysam.com/ or call (727) 320-4933.