Florida is known for its tropical climate, which brings heavy rains and strong hurricanes causing flooding, resulting in storm drains being an integral part of the plumbing system. The purpose of the storm drains is to prevent flooding by channeling the excess water into a safe location. They connect to the municipal stormwater system which disposes of the water into nearby waterways. Therefore, it is crucial to keep the storm drains clean to avoid blockages and flooding.
What is a Storm Drain and How Does it Function?
A storm drain is a conduit or pipe designed to convey excess water from rainfall and flooding. The storm drain system is separate from the sewer system, which carries wastewater and sewage from homes and businesses. Storm drains are usually located on the curbside of streets and in parking lots and other outdoor spaces. They are open to prevent debris from blocking the flow of water. The excess water flows through the storm drain into nearby bodies of water like rivers and lakes.
The Importance of Keeping Storm Drains Clean:
Storm drain cleaning is crucial for both commercial and residential properties as it ensures the prevention of blockages, backups, and flooding. Regular cleaning is necessary to remove debris and pollutants near the storm drain inlet, allowing a clear pathway for the water to flow. Over time, leaves, twigs, trash, dirt, and other debris can accumulate in storm drains, causing clogs and backups, leading to flooding and property damage during heavy rainfalls.
Dirty storm drains can also lead to the accumulation of standing water, which creates a breeding ground for pests, such as mosquitoes. This is harmful to the ecosystem, as it can also lead to contaminated water bodies and cause harm to aquatic life.
How to Keep Storm Drains Clean:
There are several ways to keep storm drains clean to ensure that they function optimally. Here are some effective ways to keep storm drains clean:
1. Regular Cleaning: Regular cleaning of storm drains is necessary to remove debris and pollutants, ensuring that the pathway is clear.
2. Proper Disposal of Waste: Proper disposal of waste like leaves, twigs, trash, dirt, and other debris is crucial as it prevents them from accumulating near the storm drains.
3. Avoid Pouring Chemicals: Chemicals, oils, and other hazardous waste should not be poured into storm drains as they can cause blockages and harm aquatic life.
4. Install Drain Guards: Drain guards prevent large debris from entering the storm drains, therefore, reducing the chances of blockages.
5. Promote Awareness: Educate your employees, family, and friends about the importance of keeping storm drains clean. This will help promote a clean and healthy environment, ensuring there is no flooding and damage to property.
Choosing the Right Plumbing Service for Storm Drain Cleaning:
Maintaining storm drains is essential, and it requires a reputable plumbing service provider. With several plumbing service providers to choose from, it can be challenging to make the right choice. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right plumbing service for storm drain cleaning:
1. Reputation: Check the company’s reputation by looking at customer feedback and reviews.
2. Experience: Choose a plumbing service provider who has experience with storm drain cleaning services.
3. Equipment: A reliable plumbing service provider should have the necessary equipment to handle storm drain cleaning.
4. Service Guarantee: Look for a plumbing service provider that offers a service guarantee. In case of issues, they can come back and rectify them without any additional cost.
The Bottom Line:
Storm drain cleaning is crucial for both commercial and residential properties in Florida to prevent flooding during heavy rains. Keeping storm drains clean requires regular cleaning, proper waste disposal, installation of drain guards, and proper education to create awareness. Choosing the right plumbing service provider with the necessary experience, equipment, and a good service guarantee is vital to protect your property from flooding and damage. For reliable and efficient storm drain cleaning services, contact us at Ace Plumbing Repair.