Storm Drain Basket

What Are Storm Drain Baskets?

Storm drain filter baskets prevent debris, silt and other contaminants from entering a stormwater drainage system. They are crucial for sediment control, stormwater system protection and environmental compliance. They are also used along with other filtration equipment like seals and plugs to prevent other contaminants from entering the system.

Advantages Of Strainer Baskets

Strainer baskets serve as the first line of defence against debris ending into nearby streams or rivers. But they have much more benefits go beyond that of just catching debris.

Support Drainage System

Strainer baskets act as a pre-treatment stage in sewer systems and storm drains. Large debris and sediments in the rainwater are caught by the basket retained in the basin. As a result, they do not flow in the sewer or storm drain, effectively keeping the drainage system from overflowing. 

If any debris does get inside the sewer system, it may cause clogs and reduce the drainage system’s effectiveness. Stormwater catch pits minimise drainage problems, leading to less maintenance on drain systems and increasing their longevity.

Landscape Aid

Stormwater catch basins and strainer baskets are especially beneficial for houses with poor drainage or that receive heavy rainfall. If installed properly, a stormwater catch pit can also serve as a rainwater reservoir since the strainer basket filters all the debris. 

This is important since stagnated rainwater can lead to multiple issues, including soggy soil harming the nearby trees and plants, pools of water becoming the breeding ground for bacteria and bugs, and foul odours. Stormwater catch basins with strainer baskets are a great preventive measure for these types of problems.

Flood Control 

Landscapes that have poor drainage systems can also lead to problems inside the house, especially the basement. The downspout water, which does not drain away from the house’s foundation, can quite easily flood any basement. Flooding can also occur if the driveway does not slope away from the house, which might cause water to flow inside the home. If the house is situated in a region that experiences heavy rainfall, this situation can become hazardous. Over time, the water entering the home will damage the interior.

The most effective flood protection method is to reroute the downspout water by channel drainage. However, a clogged stormwater drain can also lead to flooding; therefore, strainer baskets play a critical role in keeping the drain clear of any debris.

Increases House Value

Stormwater catch basins and strainer baskets are a valuable addition to any house, and they also increase the resale value of homes.

Cleaning And Maintenance Of Storm Drains

Most people think that water entering storm drains flows to the local water treatment plant for treatment. However, in reality, most storm drains are not connected to any water treatment plant.  

This means that stormwater drainage enters nearby creeks, ponds, lakes, rivers, or streams. Therefore, any other substance which finds its way inside storm drain basins also travels directly to the local waterway. 

An exception is only when the public sewer system is a combined one, and it accepts both storm and sanitary water. Here are some steps to effectively maintain and clean the storm drain and strainer basket.

Regular Inspection Of Drain Grating

Clear the area around and on the storm drain grate. First, remove debris, leaves, sticks, and anything else found on top of the grate or in the vicinity. 

Next, remove the strainer basket and empty it. Disposing of the debris properly in a receptacle ensures that it does not reappear in the strainer basket. 

During winter, inspect the grate area regularly for ice and snow. Doing this ensures that the stormwater will be able to enter the drain basin freely after melting. Consequently, the surrounding area can be kept from being cluttered, decreasing the chances of the storm drain getting blocked. 

It is better not to remove the grate from the top for bigger stormwater catch basins since they are cumbersome. The rule of thumb for these grates is to inspect and clear them multiple times in a month. This is particularly true before snow melts or after or before a storm.

Avoid Opening The Storm Drain

Unfortunately, various types of pollutants find their way into a storm drain. A clogged drain might contain substances like paint, dead animals, motor oil, toxic chemicals, antifreeze, fertilisers, animal excrement, pesticides, and multiple other hazardous substances.

Due to that, one must never attempt to remove the stormwater drain grate and clean the clogged material, even when they are wearing protective clothing and gloves. Furthermore, while cleaning the strainer basket, avoid digging too deep in the drain, where toxic matter settles. 

Doing this can pose harmful chemicals that can pose a real threat to human health. So instead, always hire a professional to clean out stormwater drains.

Call A Professional

As discussed above, never try to remove the grate and unclog the storm drain. Again, there are certified professional who is equipped with the right cleaning equipment. Furthermore, professionals always follow particular protocols to remove and dispose-off pollutants and bio-hazards. 

Various techniques can be used to clean a storm drain, but the plumbing professional will use specific equipment in multiple cases.