Charleston Storm Drain Cleaning & Maintenance

South Carolina Stormwater Drainage Information

Designed to carry rainwater and various runoff from roads and roofs to local creeks, rivers, and the ocean, storm drains are crucial to safely routing water. Unfortunately, since water will carry debris with it into drainage systems, these systems can bring unwanted pollutants to bodies of water that we use for swimming, fishing, and drinking. That’s why our community works to bring education and resources to everyone for keeping our water pure and our drains clean.

When storm drains cannot collect water, it will overflow and can cause:

• Water damage to foundations and landscaping
• Basement flooding and ruining possessions
• Standing water that creates a breeding ground for pests
• Hidden places that provide the growing environment for mold

With a history of flooding and road closures in the City of Charleston, the city began monitoring closure data during the 1,000-year flood. If you’re a newer resident or haven’t heard about this event, back in 2015 we were hit by Hurricane Joaquin. A massive, Category 4 hurricane, Joaquin brought more than 26 inches of rain within the first five days of October 2015. Suffice to say, floods are not to be taken lightly, and staying ahead of storm drain cleaning is a huge part of severe weather preparedness.

How Do You Know if a Storm Drain is Clogged?

One of the most obvious signs of a problem within the storm drain is that your yard floods after a rainstorm, or even the formation of sinkholes after a flood. Smaller warning signs would be water trickling slowly into drain gutters or finding a couple of areas with standing water.

If you’re unsure, getting a second opinion is always the safest choice. Our professionals can help you identify underlying problems and find the best solution for your property. Whether a thorough cleaning is in order, or you’ve got a larger issue on your hands, you can count on us.

How Do You Clean Out a Storm Drain?

Periodically cleaning out your storm drains manually will go a long way in maintaining their lifespan.

You can help to prevent pollutants from getting into stormwater by:

• Picking up pet waste every time
• No fertilizing your lawn before any rain
• Properly disposing of paint and oil
• Regularly inspecting your lawn for litter
• Adopting a Charleston County drain
• Keeping a tight lid on outdoor trash containers
• Raking leaves and regularly picking up sticks

If water can carry it away, you should pick it up so that it doesn’t wind up in your storm drain.

Can You Clean Storm Drains Yourself?

Yes, with the right equipment and dedication twice per year, you can help to keep your storm drain working well. Heavy-weight rubber gloves must be worn, and you can use a flat, bladed screwdriver to lift the drain cover. Pull away any debris that you can and use a scrub brush with toilet bowl cleaner to scrub as much of the drain as you can. Finish it off with a full bucket of water rinse and replace the cover.

If you’re uncomfortable cleaning out your drain or need professional assistance to ensure that the job is done well the first time, we are here to help. And as always, if you’re dealing with a storm drain emergency, we are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Other tips you can implement to prevent drain blockages are to:

• Clean your gutters
• Dispose of trash properly
• Clear away overgrown vegetation
• Don’t build walls or fences near drainage areas

Our team is more than a group of expert plumbers – we’re individuals who care about the safety of your home and family.

Storm Drain Maintenance

Keeping a routine will help you stay ahead of potential disasters when it comes to storm drain cleaning. It doesn’t take very long for debris to build up, and if it’s not addressed regularly, it becomes a problem with overflows. Overflows of this type are not sanitary due to the various types of debris that the water has swept along – the water is likely contaminated with bacteria. In fact, studies show that there is a high correlation between polluted stormwater runoff and adverse health effects The quicker you act to start storm drain cleaning, the better your chances are of staying away from a plumbing emergency and unsafe conditions.

Need storm drain repair or maintenance? Our licensed plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Greater Charleston can help. Our storm line specialists will inspect your storm drain thoroughly to identify any potential issues and resolve them so that you can things back to normal. Don’t hesitate to reach out!