Flood Prevention Tips for the Rainy Season

Flooding parking lots and sidewalks are just two signs that your property lacks adequate stormwater management protocols. Other telltale signs include unpleasant smells and areas of flooding, while different areas quickly drain. Interestingly, while calling a professional to handle the problem is always a good idea, your maintenance team can use these effective storm drain maintenance tips. Should you still call in the experts? Sure; however, it will be for different reasons than you might think.

Flood Prevention Begins with Storm Drain Maintenance

Regular maintenance of storm drain systems is critical to preventing costly property damage claims. Your property is likely dealing with natural debris accumulation—leaves and branches—and human-generated debris like plastic bags, candy wrappers, and junk mail.

Anything that prevents water from flowing to the grates of your drainage systems contributes to a flooding risk. Therefore, effective storm drain maintenance tips must start with regular upkeep of the public areas where your team can remove trash and detritus before it accumulates.

Typical problem areas include the space around trash cans, recycling receptacles, and mailboxes. Other areas that could be considered problematic are drains underneath trees or where landscapers typically set up their equipment. Proactive inspections can also help identify problems early and prevent them from escalating into major issues. Additionally, keeping a maintenance log can assist your team in tracking areas that require frequent attention and evaluating whether further action is needed.

However, grassy areas with standing water may indicate problems underground that your maintenance crew cannot resolve alone. This standing water could signal clogged drainage systems or structural damage. Addressing such issues promptly minimizes risks and ensures that your stormwater systems remain efficient.

Consider the Possibility of Structural Damage

Have you had trees removed or added to your location? You may have made changes to the parking lot. Anytime heavy equipment is used on your property or holes are dug, there is the danger of structural damage to grates, and the system is designed to channel water from parking lots to drainage systems. Such damage may not be evident until the next heavy rainfall.

Contractors who worked on your property may be unable to address the damage caused by the stormwater system damage to their equipment. Dealing with these issues is best left to experts specializing in stormwater management systems. Partnering with these professionals ensures that repairs are done correctly and that future damage is minimized through proactive measures such as protective barriers or reinforced infrastructure.

When to Call in the Experts

If everything above-ground is well maintained, any clogged drains or water backups are likely due to issues in the underground stormwater system. Specialists have the equipment needed to perform inspections and advanced cleaning services.

Experts typically use several steps to assess your system and create a maintenance plan:

1. Inspection: Tools like cameras and ground-penetrating radar help pinpoint debris accumulation or structural shifts causing issues. These advanced tools can also identify hidden vulnerabilities that could lead to future failures if not addressed.
2. Removing clogs: Experts remove debris that has made its way through grates and into catch basins, where it accumulates. This process restores the free flow of water and reduces the risk of backups during heavy rain events.
3. Restoring functionality: Specialists address systems that have reduced functionality due to sediment buildup or improper maintenance. Sometimes, they recommend upgrading certain components to enhance overall efficiency.

Calling in experts resolves immediate problems and helps identify ways to improve your system's resilience against extreme weather conditions. This proactive approach can save your property from significant damage and reduce long-term maintenance costs.

Effective Solutions for Underground Issues

High-pressure water jetting is an excellent method for dealing with underground clogs caused by tree roots, grease, and trash. However, a video inspection should always precede hydro-jetting to avoid further damage if structures fail. Experts may sometimes recommend additional techniques, such as trenchless pipe repair, to address structural concerns without extensive excavation.

Advanced solutions like these not only clear existing blockages but also extend the lifespan of your stormwater system. Regular maintenance and professional-grade cleaning ensure that your infrastructure can handle even the heaviest rainfall.

Maintaining Preparedness for Heavy Rains

Preventive steps ensure your stormwater system remains ready for heavy rainfall:

1. Follow expert recommendations: Implement maintenance tips to improve water quality and reduce flooding risks. Recommendations may include planting native vegetation to stabilize soil and enhance water absorption.
2. Develop a maintenance plan: Schedule regular inspections to prevent blockages and reduce repair needs. A detailed plan that includes seasonal adjustments ensures that your system performs optimally throughout the year.

Educating your maintenance team about best practices can also significantly improve the efficiency of your stormwater management efforts. Hosting periodic training sessions or workshops with stormwater professionals is a great way to stay updated on the latest techniques and technologies. Sharing these insights with property stakeholders fosters a collaborative approach to stormwater management, ensuring everyone understands the importance of proactive care.

Additionally, exploring grants or financial incentives for stormwater infrastructure upgrades can be beneficial. Many municipalities and state programs fund sustainable stormwater solutions, which can offset costs and encourage the adoption of advanced technologies like modular wetland systems.

Conclusion

CatchAll Environmental is your one-stop team of stormwater management experts. We use specialized equipment from inspections to cleaning and repairs to keep your property compliant with municipal, state, and federal regulations. By partnering with us, you ensure your property is prepared for any stormwater challenges that may arise. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and safeguard your property from stormwater challenges!