What North Carolina Home & Business Owners Should Know About Storm Drain Maintenance
Here in Clayton and throughout Johnston County, our variable North Carolina weather presents unique challenges for stormwater management. From summer thunderstorms to hurricane season downpours and winter's steady rains, your property's storm drain system works hard year-round. At Water Worx Services, we've seen how proper maintenance can prevent costly water damage and extend the life of your drainage infrastructure.
Based on our decades of experience serving Clayton and surrounding communities, we've developed this comprehensive guide to help you maintain your storm drains effectively throughout the year.
If you need help with your storm drain, we're here! Give us a call at 919-917-7579 or message us online today!
Pre-Spring Inspection & Debris Removal
Late winter is the ideal time to prepare your storm drains for spring rains. We recommend a thorough inspection of all visible drain components, including grates, catch basins, and surface drains. Remove accumulated leaves and debris that may have collected during fall and winter months.
Pay special attention to areas where water tends to pool after rainfall. These spots often indicate partial blockages that need addressing before heavier spring precipitation arrives. If you notice standing water that doesn't drain within 24 hours after rain stops, this signals a potential blockage requiring professional attention.
For property owners with multiple drain access points, we suggest creating a simple maintenance log to track inspections and any issues found. This documentation helps identify recurring problems that might indicate more serious underlying issues.
Early Summer System Flushing
Early summer presents the perfect opportunity for a more intensive cleaning of your storm drain system. After spring's pollen and flowering tree debris have settled, a thorough system flush prevents these materials from causing blockages.
We use professional-grade water jetting equipment to clear underground pipes and remove stubborn debris, but homeowners can perform basic maintenance by running water through surface drains during dry periods. This simple step helps identify slow-draining areas before summer thunderstorms put your system to the test.
For properties with French drains or perforated pipe systems, this is also an excellent time to verify these components are flowing freely. Sediment can gradually accumulate in these systems, reducing their effectiveness during heavy rainfall events.
Mid-Summer Erosion Control Assessment
North Carolina's intense summer storms can cause significant erosion around storm drain inlets and outlets. By mid-summer, check these areas for signs of soil erosion or shifting that might compromise your drainage system's structural integrity.
We recommend adding erosion control measures like rock riprap or native vegetation around vulnerable drain areas. These natural solutions help stabilize soil while filtering water as it enters your drainage system.
For commercial properties, this is also the appropriate time to inspect parking lot drains and ensure they're clear of accumulated sand, litter, and debris that winter and spring traffic may have introduced. Power sweeping of paved surfaces helps prevent these materials from entering and potentially clogging your storm drain system.
Pre-Hurricane Season Comprehensive Cleaning
With Atlantic hurricane season running from June through November, late summer is the critical time for the most thorough inspection and cleaning of your entire storm drain system. We cannot overstate the importance of this maintenance step for North Carolina property owners.
Start by checking all grates and drain covers for damage and proper seating. Clear all surface drains of debris and ensure water can flow freely into the system. For property owners with access to their catch basins, remove the grate and clear out any accumulated sediment, leaves, or trash.
This is also when professional hydro-jetting services provide the greatest benefit. Our high-pressure water jetting equipment can remove even the most stubborn blockages and buildup from underground pipes, ensuring your system can handle the potential deluge from tropical systems that might affect our region.
Fall Preventative Maintenance
As trees shed their leaves in autumn, storm drains face their greatest challenge from organic debris. We recommend weekly checks of all drain grates and surface inlets during peak leaf-fall, removing accumulated leaves before they can wash into and potentially clog your drainage system.
Installing simple drain guards or screens during this season can dramatically reduce the amount of leaves entering your storm drains while still allowing water to flow freely. These inexpensive devices can prevent costly clogs in underground pipes.
For properties with significant tree coverage, consider scheduling a professional storm drain cleaning after the majority of leaves have fallen but before winter rains begin. This proactive step often prevents emergency calls during winter weather events.
Winter Freeze Prevention
While Clayton doesn't typically experience extended freezes, even brief cold snaps can create problems for storm drain systems. Ensure all above-ground drain components are clear of standing water that could freeze and potentially crack pipes or fittings.
For commercial properties, verify that parking lot and driveway drains remain clear of road salt, sand, and debris that winter weather maintenance might introduce. These materials can create blockages that prevent proper drainage during winter precipitation events.
Trust The Experts At Water Work Services - Here To Help Any Time!
At Water Worx Services, we understand that maintaining your storm drain system might seem like a significant undertaking. That's why we offer professional maintenance programs tailored to your property's specific needs. Our experienced technicians can identify potential issues before they become costly problems, saving you time and money while protecting your property from water damage.
For assistance with storm drain maintenance or to schedule a professional inspection, contact our Clayton, NC team at 919-917-7579 today. We're committed to helping our neighbors throughout Johnston County maintain effective stormwater management systems year-round.