Storm drains play a critical role in protecting your home or commercial property from water damage. They quietly manage rainwater runoff, directing excess water away from buildings, driveways, and landscaped areas.
Because they are mostly out of sight, storm drains are often overlooked until a serious problem occurs. Ignoring early warning signs can lead to flooding, erosion, foundation damage, and costly repairs. Recognising the signs that you need storm drain cleaning allows you to act early and keep your property safe, functional, and resilient during heavy rainfall.
Persistent Water Pooling After Rain
One of the clearest signs of a clogged storm drain is standing water that lingers long after rain has stopped. If puddles form near driveways, walkways, parking areas, or around your building and take hours or days to drain, this often indicates restricted water flow. Debris such as leaves, dirt, trash, or sediment can block the drain, preventing water from moving through the system efficiently.
Persistent pooling should never be ignored. Over time, excess water can seep into foundations, weaken pavement, and damage landscaping. Storm drain cleaning restores proper flow and prevents repeated surface flooding.
Slow or Backed-Up Drainage
Storm drains are designed to handle large volumes of water quickly. When you notice water draining unusually slowly during rainstorms, it is often a sign of partial blockage. This may not cause immediate flooding, but it indicates that debris is building up inside the system.
Slow drainage places unnecessary pressure on pipes and channels, increasing the risk of backups during heavier storms. Scheduling storm drain cleaning at this stage is a preventative step that avoids more severe problems later.
Unpleasant Odours Near Drains
Foul smells around storm drain openings are another warning sign that cleaning is overdue. Organic debris such as leaves, grass, food waste, and animal matter can collect inside drains and begin to decompose. As this material breaks down, it releases unpleasant odours that escape through drain openings.
These smells are not only unpleasant but also indicate stagnant water and poor drainage conditions. Regular storm drain cleaning removes decomposing material and restores clean, free-flowing conditions.
Visible Debris and Blockages
If you can see leaves, trash, mud, or other debris collecting around storm drain grates, it is likely that similar material has accumulated inside the system. External debris often acts as a surface indicator of internal blockages.
Storm drain openings that are covered or partially blocked cannot effectively capture runoff, especially during heavy rainfall. Cleaning the drains clears both visible and hidden obstructions, improving overall drainage performance and reducing surface flooding risks.
Frequent Flooding During Moderate Rain
Flooding that occurs even during light or moderate rainfall is a strong indicator that your storm drainage system is not functioning as it should. This often happens when drains are heavily clogged or pipes are damaged by sediment buildup.
When storm drains are clean and operating correctly, they should easily manage normal rainfall. If flooding happens frequently, professional storm drain cleaning and inspection are essential to identify and resolve the underlying issue.
Soil Erosion and Landscape Damage
Improper drainage can cause water to flow where it shouldn’t, leading to soil erosion around your property. Washed-out soil, exposed roots, or damaged landscaping near drain areas often point to blocked or overflowing storm drains.
Uncontrolled water flow can also weaken retaining walls, patios, and foundations over time. Storm drain cleaning helps redirect water safely away from vulnerable areas, preserving both your landscape and structural integrity.
Increased Pest Activity
Standing water and debris-filled drains create ideal conditions for pests such as mosquitoes, rodents, and insects. If you notice increased pest activity near storm drains, it may be linked to stagnant water caused by blockages.
Cleaning storm drains removes the conditions that attract pests, contributing to a healthier and more comfortable outdoor environment.
