Preparing Storm Drains & Catch Basins for a Hurricane

Prior to the start of hurricane season, meteorologists predicted “a near-average number of hurricanes and tropical storms” for this year. And while we’ve had calm ocean waters up to this point, the memory of Hurricane Irma has yet to fade for most South Florida residents. And while we all know how to get our homes ready for a hurricane, do you know how to get your storm drain and catch basin ready?

Storm drains and catch basins, which were created to prevent trash and debris from entering a drainage system, flow into a natural body of water, like a stream, a river, or a lake. The influx of water during a hurricane can cause major problems to our city’s infrastructure. With nowhere else to go, when those bodies of water reach their capacity, sewage waste has nowhere else to go but into your home.

Luckily, there are ways to prevent this. Here are a few simple things you can do to prepare your plumbing for hurricane season:

1. Clean out the area drain covers around your property. Just one clogged area drain grating can cause flooding.
2. Make sure the caps or plugs on your sewer trap are sealed tight. If they look old or ill-fitting, replace them immediately.
3. And, most importantly, be proactive about drain maintenance. The best time to have a professional troubleshoot your property for potential problems is before the winds and rains.

Contact Raider Rooter to find out more about our services, preventative measures, and to make sure your home is ready in the event of a hurricane. Raider Rooter has been providing South Florida with reliable, affordable, and high-quality plumbing services since 1978. Let us put our expertise to work for you.