Storm Drains

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Catch basins (also known as french drains, storm drains, parking lot drains) are concrete boxes or cylinders that trap solid waste and allow water to drain into the ground through a drain line. Parking lot flooding is caused by drains being blocked with solid waste. When the drains fill with sand and debris the storm water cannot enter the drainage portion of the system and permeate into the ground. Catch basins either dump into a perforated drainage line (plastic or stainless steel) or a soakage pit.

We have been cleaning South Florida catch basins and storm drains for years. We have the equipment to clean every basin and specialty hydro jetting equipment to clean every line.

Signs Your Storm Drains Need Cleaning

Standing water in parking lots or driveways after rain
Slow drainage during moderate rainfall events
Overflow and flooding during heavy storms
Visible debris, leaves, or sediment in catch basins
Unpleasant odors from storm drain openings
Mosquito breeding in stagnant water areas
Erosion around drain structures
Water backing up from storm drain outlets

Types of Storm Drainage Systems

Traditional catch basins with sediment traps
Trench drains for linear water collection
French drains for subsurface water management
Dry wells and infiltration systems
Retention and detention pond drainage
Parking lot and commercial property systems
Residential driveway and yard drainage
Municipal street and roadway storm drains

Common Storm Drain Problems and Solutions

Sand and sediment accumulation from construction sites
Leaf and organic debris buildup during storm seasons
Trash and litter blocking drain openings
Root intrusion in underground drainage lines
Pipe bellies and improper slope causing standing water
Broken or damaged catch basin grates and covers
Erosion and structural damage to drainage components
Oil and chemical contamination requiring specialized cleanup

Professional Storm Drain Cleaning Process

Initial assessment and system evaluation
Debris removal and catch basin pumping
High-pressure hydro-jetting of drainage lines
Video inspection to assess pipe condition
Sediment trap cleaning and restoration
Grate and cover cleaning and adjustment
System testing and flow verification
Documentation and maintenance recommendations

Seasonal Storm Preparation Services

Pre-hurricane season comprehensive system cleaning
Post-storm debris removal and damage assessment
Heavy rain season capacity optimization
Dry season maintenance and inspection scheduling
Hurricane debris clearing and emergency response
Tourist season preparation for increased runoff
Construction season debris management
Algae and mosquito control during wet periods

Commercial Property Storm Water Management

Shopping center and mall parking lot drainage
Office complex and business park systems
Restaurant and retail property grease management
Construction site temporary drainage solutions
Industrial facility contaminated runoff management
Hospital and institutional property drainage
School and university campus storm systems
Multi-family residential complex drainage

Emergency Storm Drain Services

24/7 emergency response for flooding situations
Hurricane and severe weather emergency clearing
Holiday and weekend availability for urgent drainage issues
Rapid response for business interruption situations
Emergency pumping and temporary drainage solutions
Post-storm cleanup and system restoration
Insurance claim support and documentation
Coordination with municipal emergency services

Preventive Maintenance Programs

Develop ongoing maintenance strategies:

Quarterly inspection and cleaning schedules
Annual comprehensive system evaluation
Seasonal debris removal programs
Grate and cover maintenance contracts
Early problem detection and intervention
Cost-effective maintenance vs. emergency repair
Multi-property management coordination
Customized maintenance plans by property type

Specialized Equipment and Technology

High-capacity vacuum trucks for debris removal
Hydro-jetting equipment for pipe cleaning
Video inspection systems for condition assessment
Crane and lifting equipment for heavy debris
Environmental containment systems
Water recycling and filtration equipment
GPS mapping and documentation systems
Emergency response equipment and supplies

Property Type Specific Services

Residential driveway and yard drainage solutions
Commercial parking lot comprehensive management
Industrial facility specialized cleaning requirements
Municipal contract services and coordination
HOA and property management programs
Construction site temporary and permanent drainage
Agricultural and rural property drainage systems
Coastal property saltwater intrusion management

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STORM DRAIN FAQS

We are answering some of your most common questions below.
For more information on any of your septic & drain problems, don’t hesitate to contact us!

A storm drain is a crucial component of urban drainage systems designed to manage rainwater runoff. It consists of a network of pipes, inlets, and grates that collect and redirect rainwater from streets, sidewalks, and other surfaces to prevent flooding.

Generally, storm drains are separate from sewers. Storm drains transport rainwater directly to nearby water bodies, preventing urban flooding. Sewers, on the other hand, manage household and industrial wastewater, sending it to treatment facilities. In some areas, combined sewer systems handle both stormwater and wastewater.

Clearing a storm drain involves removing debris, leaves, and any obstructions that may impede water flow. Use a rake or shovel to clear surface debris, and if accessible, remove the grate and clear any blockages in the drain. Regular maintenance, especially before rainy seasons, helps ensure effective stormwater drainage and reduces the risk of localized flooding.

Most commercial properties need storm drain cleaning 2-4 times per year, depending on the surrounding environment and debris sources. Properties with many trees may need quarterly service, while parking lots near construction or beaches may require more frequent cleaning. In South Florida, we recommend pre-hurricane season cleaning (May) and post-hurricane season service (November), plus additional cleanings during heavy debris seasons. Regular maintenance prevents costly flooding and emergency repairs.

Common causes include leaves and organic debris, sand and sediment from construction sites, trash and litter, oil and grease buildup from parking lots, and root intrusion in underground pipes. In South Florida, hurricane debris, beach sand migration, and year-round vegetation growth are major factors. Poor initial installation with inadequate slope can also cause recurring drainage problems. Regular cleaning and inspection help identify and address these issues before they cause flooding.

While we can provide emergency response during severe weather, it's safer and more effective to clean storm drains during dry conditions when we can properly assess the system and remove all debris. However, we do offer emergency pumping and temporary drainage solutions during active flooding. For best results, schedule regular maintenance during dry periods, and we'll ensure your system is ready for the next storm season.

Storm drains are designed specifically for rainwater and surface runoff, and they typically drain directly into the ground, retention ponds, or natural water bodies without treatment. Regular sewer drains handle wastewater from homes and businesses and connect to treatment facilities. It's illegal and environmentally harmful to put anything other than clean rainwater into storm drains. Storm drains require different cleaning methods and equipment due to their larger capacity and different debris types.