A storm drain, also known as a storm sewer, is a type of drain that is used for the drainage of excess waters during times of heavy rain. Storm drains are generally found on surfaces with no scope of percolation and help in the drainage of excess water from the side of streets, pavements, roads, sidewalks, and so on. The technology in which storm drains operate is not new. The existence of storm drains was first seen in the Harappan civilization, with the same concept of draining out excess water.
Unlike normal sanitary sewers, storm drains operate with the presence of gravity for the collection and movement of rainwater. Storm drains make the rainwater move to wider pipeline systems and canals, to ultimately direct the flow to the streams or rivers.
But problems start arising when there is some sort of a blockage or an obstacle along the pipe, or sometimes, the flow of water into the storm drains becomes too much for the system to handle. Debris and dirt can be another main reason for the blockage and cause the water to come up and flood the areas again.
Here are a few warning signs to help you figure out that your storm drain is failing to work:
1. Standing Water
It is completely normal for your lawn to be covered with puddles after a session of heavy rain. But if the water seems to stand for a longer period despite the presence of a storm drain, then it’s time you pay some attention to your storm sewers. Check if your neighbour is facing the same problem and if they are not, then get your drains checked by professionals.
Standing waters are a huge source of mosquitoes and flies, which are deadly for spreading dangerous diseases like dengue and malaria. Therefore, to prevent the accumulation of stagnant waters, get your drains checked now.
2. Overly Slow Drains
It is absolutely normal for any drain to get gradually clogged up debris as time passes and storm drains are no exception.
Therefore, keep a check on your storm drains and make sure the water that is going in, is not flowing back up. If this problem is not handled as soon as possible, it may lead to the complete damage of the drains.
Water overflow from the gutters and storm drains can be very destructive to its surroundings. If your storm drain is located in the lawn, then the dirty water that has flown back up can destroy plants, peel off paints and turn your lawn into a breeding ground for mosquitoes. So, even a slight delay in the flow of water into the drain should be a warning sign for you.
A good remedy for this is to replace the iron storm drains with concrete stormwater pits. Concrete is much more water-resistant and it will increase the longevity of the drain.
3. Water Stains in the Basement
If you find patches of water wherever you go down to your basement, then it is most probably a sign that your storm drain might be malfunctioning. On the basis of the location of the water stain, it can be evaluated how big the problem is:
Best case: If stains start to appear on the foundation wall of the basement, it means that the water is most probably leaking from an overfilled storm drain, and if not fixed immediately, it might flood the entire basement.
Worst Case: If the water stain turns into a line, then this might mean that the storm drains lie just beneath your basement floor, and due to heavy rains, it is overflowing.
In both cases, make sure to notify a professional regarding this problem. Because even if it might start as a small water stain, it can eventually land you in some big trouble.
4. Yard Sinkholes
If you notice the formation of sinkholes in your yard, then this is most probably due to a leaking storm drain.
It is natural for the seals around the drain pipes to deteriorate over time, because of which water is unable to flow down the drain. This might lead to the formation of cracks along the pipelines, and if not treated, your lawn will be filled with puddles in no time.
Over to You…
There aren’t many warning signs for damaged storm drains. So, keep a keen eye on the drains, because you never know when a small leaking can turn into a fatal problem.
