Storm Sewer Maintenance

STORM SEWER IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT

Storm sewers are drains that carry rain water and melted snow to local waterways, such as the Erie Canal, the Genesee River and Lake Ontario. This water is untreated, which means there is no filtering of the water to keep it clean before it hits local lakes, creeks and rivers. That means you play a big role in what goes down your storm drain and essentially into our environment. 

When you’re washing your car in the driveway, mowing the lawn, or painting your home, you have to be careful of what chemicals or debris makes its way to the storm drain.

What to Keep from Going Down Your Storm Sewer

  • Gasoline

  • Paint

  • Motor oil

  • Cleaners

  • Grass clippings

  • Leaves

  • Trash

What Can Make its Way to the Storm Sewer

Water. It’s as simple as that. Water is the ONLY liquid that can go down your storm drain. Rochester storm drains should only be used to transport water and melted snow.

 Ways to Reduce Basement Flooding caused by Sewer Backups

  • Annually inspect your private drain systems

  • Have Pride Plumbing perform regular drain system cleanings

  • Dispose of leaves, grass clippings and oil regularly

  • Remove trash or leaves from street catch basins

  • Disconnect sump pump systems or down spouts from any sanitary sewers

  • Valves, standpipes and floor drain plug installations

To learn more about storm sewer cleanouts, check out our blog article here.

Call Pride Plumbing of Rochester to do a maintenance video inspection on the drainage systems in your home!