Have you ever noticed two different types of drains when walking around your neighborhood? These are storm drains and storm sewers, and while they may look similar, there are key differences between them.
In this article we will explore the differences between these two systems in greater detail.
Continue reading to learn the difference between storm sewers and storm drains.
Do you need help installing a storm drain or sewer drain on your property? You can always rely on a local plumbing contractor that specializes in these systems.
What are the differences between storm drains and storm sewers?
Although storm drains and storm sewers are somewhat similar, they are quite different at the same time.
Here’s a quick look at the major differences between storm drains and storm sewers that homeowners should know about:
What exactly are storm drains and how do they work?
Storm drains are an important part of our water management system. They are designed to capture and direct runoff from rainfall and melting snow away from roads, sidewalks, and other impervious surfaces. This helps reduce flooding and erosion in urban areas, as well as keep pollutants out of rivers and streams.
Storm drains typically consist of a grate or curb opening in the ground that directs water into large underground pipes which then carry the water away to a nearby creek or river. In some cases, stormwater is also captured by retention ponds before being released back into local waterways.
What exactly are storm sewers and how do they work?
Storm sewers are another integral part of our water management system. They are designed to capture and divert runoff from rain, snowmelt, or other sources away from roads and urban areas.
Storm sewers direct the water into large underground pipes that carry it to nearby creeks or rivers for discharge. This helps reduce flooding and erosion in cities as well as keep pollutants out of local waterways. Additionally, storm sewers can be used to collect stormwater in retention ponds before being released back into local bodies of water.
What are the similarities between storm drains and storm sewers?
It is important to note that both systems serve an essential purpose when it comes to managing our water systems efficiently; however, their individual roles should not be confused with one another.
Storm drains help protect our waterways by diverting surface runoff away from them while storm sewers ensure that floodwaters do not spill into streets or homes by providing a path for the runoff to go instead. When working together properly, these two systems can provide effective water management solutions for any city or town!
How to identify a storm drain vs a storm sewer
Storm drains and storm sewers can be easily identified by their distinct features. Storm drains are typically located at the side of a road or sidewalk, or near a curb or gutter. They consist of an inlet where water flows into the drain, and typically have metal grates to allow water to flow through while preventing debris from entering.
Additionally, storm drains will often have a “S” or “D” marking on them which stands for “stormwater” or “drainage” respectively.
In contrast, storm sewers are usually located lower than street level and may include manholes for access. These manholes will typically be larger than those for storm drains and will also be labeled with a “S” for “sewer”. Additionally, instead of metal grates, storm sewers usually have slits that allow water to pass through but block debris from entering the system.
Benefits of having both types of system installed in your neighborhood
A storm drain and a storm sewer both help keep your neighborhood clean. The storm drain helps take away water from rain, while the storm sewer helps take away extra water from places like sinks, showers, and toilets. Both of these systems help prevent flooding and make sure your neighborhood stays clean.
Tips for proper maintenance and care of these systems
Feel free to check out these tips if need help maintaining your storm drain:
1. Clean the storm drains once a year to remove debris, such as leaves and sticks
2. Make sure gutters are clear of any blockages so that water can properly flow into the drain
3. Check for clogs or other obstructions in the pipes leading away from your home’s foundation
4. Ensure proper grading around your house and driveway so that water is directed towards the storm drain instead of pooling near your foundation or seeping into your basement walls/floors
5. Inspect storm drains regularly for signs of wear and tear, corrosion, displacement, sunken grates etc., which may be caused by ground movement due to weather events or aging infrastructure components due to time and usage over time
6. Regularly check underground drainage systems connected to main sewer lines leading away from your property line to make sure they are free of chloride contamination sources like road salt during winter months
7. Use natural materials such as mulch or soil for landscaping projects rather than gravel since this can block drainage pathways in times of heavy rainfall/storm events
8. Cover all exposed manholes with lids securely fastened down whenever
Additionally, you can use these tips to keep your storm sewer in proper working order:
1. Inspect the sewer system regularly for any signs of blockage or clogging in the pipes
2. Check that gutters and downspouts are clear of debris so water can flow freely into the drain
3. Regularly check underground drainage systems connected to main sewer lines leading away from your property line to make sure they are free of chloride contamination sources like road salt during winter months
4. Make sure your yard is graded properly so water flows away from your home’s foundation and toward the storm sewer instead of pooling near it or seeping inside walls/floors
5. Use natural materials such as mulch or soil for landscaping projects rather than gravel since this can block drainage pathways in times of heavy rainfall/storm events
6. Cover all exposed manholes with lids securely fastened down whenever necessary to prevent contaminants entering the system directly through open access points
7. Investigate potential sources of contamination around properties, and adopt appropriate measures to stop them entering via local waterways, including sewage treatment plants, urban runoff catchment areas etc., which could otherwise end up polluting our rivers and streams once discharged into them
8. Take part in community initiatives
What’s the difference between storm drain and storm sewer? — Conclusion
In conclusion, storm drains and storm sewers are both essential parts of urban infrastructure. By understanding the differences between these two types of systems you can better plan ahead when dealing with potential floods in your area.