Stormwater systems are taken for granted until these systems no longer work. When it rains heavily, these systems will keep our streets passable, footpaths safe, and properties free of pooled water. One small but significant piece of this system is often ignored; the drain grate.
These covers prevent debris from entering underground drains; and if forgotten and left untreated, they will clog and essentially turn a downpour into a safety hazard.
Keeping drain grates clear and working properly comes down to knowing how the blockages form, what to spot for, and the best prevention measures before needing to do repair work.
Why Regular Maintenance of Drain Grates Is Important
Drain grates are made to catch leaves, sticks and other junk in the stormwater, but they aren’t perfect. After weeks and even months of flowing water, sediment, debris, and organics accumulate to restricting flow and overload the rest of the drainage system.
Then when a storm arrives, that restriction can develop into surface flooding that could endanger vehicles, people walking, or adjacent infrastructure.
A drain grate that is blocked can cause stormwater to bypass the system entirely, and bypass all pollutants and debris straight into local waterways. This drainage generates erosion and harm to ecosystems, adding to the reason for normal maintenance.
Common Causes of Blockages in Drainage Systems
Problems generally begin at ground level. The most obvious is debris: fallen leaves, bark, twigs, and everyday refuse. Seasonal shedding, or windy days tend to pile debris toward gutters and drain openings.
The other concern is the accumulation of sediment. This can originate from construction projects, unsealed driveways, or garden beds with poor drainage. If you cannot see it in your sediment trap, it is settling somewhere and, eventually combining with other like matter to form a more compacted layer that is difficult to dislodge.
Roots are another challenge. The roots are attracted to moisture and spread into the soil around drains and even into underlying pipes, either by cracking the grates or simply moving in. Roots displace the layout and the purpose of the grate and opening.
Effective Strategies to Keep Grates Clear
The easiest and most effective tactic is to regularly check the grates. During dry periods, have a quick look at any grates within sight and clear off any build-up with a broom, shovel or gloved hands. This does not take long, but will go a long way to avoid issues down the line.
After heavy rain, checks should be more involved. Rainwater usually washes smaller debris into gaps which are very difficult to see. Flushing out the grate with a garden hose will help remove fine particles trapped between the bars or asphalt and might be hiding under the grate.
For sites with consistent blockages, additional precautions may be in order. Mesh covers or leaf guards will slow the debris getting to the catches, but they may still need to be cleaned at times too. If they have overwhelming ongoing blockage issues, some may determine that a professional clean will be warranted, especially in a commercial setting.
Likely services such as high-pressure water jetting or vacuum loading would be likeliest to remove deep-seated sediment out of the system, within the stormwater system a restoration of flow and prevention of long-term wear.
Choosing the Right Drain Grate Design for Your System
Grakes come in different designs each important in its own circumstance. Consider heavy traffic loads in areas such as car parks require materials such as cast iron and galvanised steel, rather than lighter and corrosion resistant polymers that can be placed in residential areas without the same loading consequences.
Another important consideration, just like trying to spec out the material, is to make sure it fits. A poorly fitted grate will have large debris dams with water floating past. Ensuring a grate fits properly is extremely important regarding the compatibility of the grate to existing drainage and ensuring reliable function against storm events.
If you are upgrading or replacing grates, don’t forget to ‘think ahead’ in terms of load rating, anti-slip surfaces and as much as almost anything else, local codes and standards. In the marketplace, options are available for new buildings and retrofits, or just as easily you will get the right product for your environment.
Final Thoughts
Regular stormwater grate maintenance is important. Bagging debris ahead of a storm prevents expensive problems, minimizes the chances of flooding, and protects the longevity of our drainage systems.
When the grate is clear, the rest of the drainage system works well and everything flows smoothly – not only is this good for the drainage system, but it can help support healthier waterways too.
The next time you find yourself facing a storm, it just might be the planning ahead of time that makes the difference between simple, effective runoff, and water that is flowing across your ankles through the pavement.