3 Reasons Your Residential Stormwater Drains Are Flooding
Stormwater drains are a crucial part of your home's outdoor plumbing. When water runs off the roof, driveway and pathways, it drains into stormwater drains and is carried away into water sources. Your outdoor area would flood without the drainage system, exposing your basement and foundation to flooding and damage. Thus, if you have flooding storm drains, it's imperative to address the following issues.
Invasive tree roots
Stormwater pipes are buried in the ground, which exposes them to tree root invasion. If your drains are located near large trees, the roots may invade the piping. Most drains are made with PVC, a material that can easily crack when under pressure. Over time, tree roots push into the pipes, causing them to break. The roots grow into the drains, blocking the passageways and causing your storm pipes to flood.
To locate invasive tree roots, you need to employ advanced plumbing detection technologies such as drain cameras. After identifying the affected piping, remove the tree roots, repair the drain pipe and keep roots out of the drainage system. You can use slow-release chemicals or build a physical barrier between the tree roots and your drainage system.
Clogs from garden debris
Stormwater drainage systems have open channels that runoff drains through. The open channels have grates that cover the top to keep large pieces of debris out. Unfortunately, these grates can allow sediment, stones, bricks and other small pieces of debris to pass through. Over time, these items block the passageways, causing water to accumulate in the system.
Like other plumbing drains, stormwater drains require regular cleaning to avoid blockage. If you have grates installed near your garden or yard, clean the drains regularly to prevent clogs. Keep leaves and debris out of the paths and sweep clippings back into the lawn to prevent them from being swept together with the runoff into your drainage system.
Inefficient stormwater pipes
Inefficient storm drains can inhibit the flow of runoff from your home. Below are some reasons your drains may be unable to handle stormwater runoff:
- Age: Old drain pipes are more prone to clogging than new ones. If you have an old stormwater drainage system, replacing it can prevent flooding.
- Poor installation: Small and poorly installed drains may be overwhelmed during heavy rains.
- Ground movement: Ground movements can cause the soil to shift, leading to pipe rapture. Subsequently, the drains won't be able to handle the runoff.
It's essential to inspect your storm drains regularly to unearth the above issues. In the case of improper installation, re-install the drainage system to prevent flooding in your yard.
Flooded storm drains can wreak havoc in your home. Contact a plumbing company for system troubleshooting and repairs.