Regular storm pipe maintenance is essential for property and community managers looking to protect their communities and infrastructure, especially as storm season approaches. Properly functioning stormwater systems help direct excess water away from properties while reducing the risk of flooding and damage to nearby property.
When a hurricane hits, your system should be in its best shape. Without routine storm pipe maintenance, infrastructure can quickly clog and deteriorate; however, taking a proactive approach to maintaining these systems can minimize damage, protect your community, and help you avoid expensive repairs.
The good news is this: Systems often provide signs when routine storm pipe maintenance is due. We’ll walk you through what to look for and how to take the right steps to keep your system in good shape.
Noticing The Signs
The first step in maintaining a healthy storm system is knowing how to spot problems. Many issues develop gradually, and recognizing these early indicators can help you react at the right time. Here are some signs to watch for:
1. Debris Buildup Around Storm Drains
One of the most common warning signs is the accumulation of debris around storm drains. Leaves, branches, dirt, and trash can quickly build up, especially after storms. While this may seem like a minor issue, even small blockages can restrict the flow of stormwater. The effects often show up in the form of pooling water on streets and sidewalks. Regularly checking and clearing storm drains is simple and very important; failing to do so can lead to significant problems
2. Depressions in Areas Around Pipelines
If you notice the ground starting to sink around stormwater pipelines, this is a sign your storm pipes likely need to be serviced. These changes can mean your pipes are leaking or deteriorating. Over time, damaged pipes can weaken nearby soil, which can create uneven surfaces or even dangerous sinkholes. It’s vital to spot signs of land depressions early and act quickly, before damage can spread.
3. Standing Water
If water is draining more slowly than usual or you notice standing water long after rain has stopped, it could indicate structural issues with your pipe system. If your pipes are clogged, addressing it before storm season is one of the best ways to reduce the odds of dangerous flooding.
Conducting Inspections And Cleanings
If you spot any of the signs mentioned, the next step is to have professionals do a thorough inspection and cleaning. A good contractor will leverage CCTV to inspect the entire interior of the system. The camera allows technicians to identify blockages, cracks, root intrusion and other structural weaknesses. Your contractor can also conduct a thorough cleaning to eliminate debris that may be causing backups.
In many cases, a good cleaning is all that’s needed to resolve stormwater issues. Sometimes, however, inspections reveal more serious problems, such as cracks, leaks, or failing joints. In situations like this, your contractor will discuss the best course of action to resolve the matter before things get worse.
Planning For Repairs
Following inspection and cleaning, you’ll have a robust view of your pipe’s interior so you can take the right steps to minimize more robust repairs down the road. However, if you do have an issue, trenchless pipe repair is often your best option. It’s a minimally invasive service that can resolve many issues in just 24 hours. It involves inserting a protective lining along the interior of the pipe, which resolves cracks, leaks, or damage.
One of the best things about trenchless pipe repair is that the entire project can be done with minimal disruption to the above-ground infrastructure, which means roads won’t need to be closed and homes will remain undisturbed. When managing a community of residents, it’s incredibly important to get back up and running quickly. Trenchless pipe repair is the fastest path toward doing so.
With storm season almost here, it’s time to keep an eye out for storm pipe issues and schedule proactive maintenance so you can prevent flooding and protect your community throughout the summer. Contact Atlantic Pipe Services to schedule your maintenance today.
