Stormwater System Maintenance and Cleaning

The stormwater system collects and directs rainwater and meltwater flowing from roof surfaces and yard areas away from the property in a controlled manner. A functioning stormwater system protects the foundations, prevents water from pooling in the yard, and prevents moisture damage from occurring.

A stormwater system typically consists of eaves gutters, downspouts, stormwater wells, stormwater sewer piping, and a discharge point such as an infiltration well, ditch, or municipal stormwater sewer. All of these components must function properly for the system to protect the property effectively.

Comprehensive stormwater system maintenance includes several procedures:

• Stormwater well emptying — sand, leaves, and other debris that accumulates in wells and blocks water flow is removed
• Stormwater sewer flushing — piping is cleaned with pressure flushing to remove blockages and deposits
• Infiltration field inspection — infiltration fields and wells are verified to be functioning as designed
• Well structure inspection — the condition of covers, grates, and well structures is assessed
• Flow testing — the entire system's function is tested with water

During maintenance, the professional documents the system's condition and reports any deficiencies found and potential repair needs.

Several common problems occur in stormwater systems that impair their function:

• Clogged wells — leaves, needles, and soil clog stormwater wells, especially in autumn
• Frozen pipes — poorly insulated or too-shallow pipes freeze in winter
• Inadequate slope — incorrect gradient prevents normal water flow
• Damaged pipes — tree roots, frost heave, or aging damage the piping
• Overflow — an undersized system cannot handle heavy downpours

Early detection and repair of problems is paramount, as inadequate stormwater management can lead to foundation damage and moisture problems.

The price of stormwater system maintenance starts from approximately 180 euros. The final price depends on the system's extent and the procedures needed:

• Number and size of wells
• Pipe length and material
• Degree of blockage and soiling
• Any repair needs
• Location of the property

With a regular maintenance contract, you get a better per-meter rate and ensure the system stays in good condition year after year. Neglecting maintenance often leads to costly repairs whose expenses can multiply over time.

We recommend the following annual maintenance program for the stormwater system:

• Spring — check well conditions after snowmelt, empty accumulated sludge, and test system function
• Summer — monitor system performance during heavy rains and respond to any anomalies
• Autumn — clean wells and piping after leaf and needle accumulation, ensure function before winter
• Winter — monitor for any freezing issues in the system

By following a regular maintenance program, you prevent most stormwater system problems and significantly extend the system's service life.