10 WAYS TO MAINTAIN STORMWATER PITS

A large water tank used to collect and store stormwater to prevent flooding is known as a stormwater pit. If your area lacks a water supply, then installing a stormwater pit can be a good idea. The stormwater can be collected and later be used to replenish the area’s water supply. Stormwater pits need to be maintained if you want them to work effectively. Here are ten ways to maintain stormwater pits:

1. PROFESSIONAL

Concrete stormwater pits are to be cleaned regularly, and that too, by a professional stormwater pit cleaner -someone who has a license and is experienced in cleaning stormwater pits. This is because cleaning stormwater pits requires large and dangerous equipment, which are only issued to professionals to deal with projects like this.

2. MAINTENANCE

As stated earlier, stormwater pits should be maintained frequently to avoid damage to land and property. The stormwater pits should be cleaned every once or twice a year, preferably twice, to increase the work performance of your stormwater tank. In utmost cases, stormwater tanks may become too worn out. In those cases, no maintenance can bring back its original work performance, and it has to be replaced.

3. GUTTER PIPES

The pipes connected to the stormwater pits to drain away from the excess water should be adequately cleaned. If by any chance, the gutter is blocked- it will not allow the stormwater to flow away, hence resulting in extensive property damage. Do not use the same pipes for years and years. Change the pipes timely. Use premium quality pipes for obtaining the best results.

4. SUCTION TRUCK

If you want to clean your stormwater pit thoroughly, you should clean it with a suction truck. A suction truck is a piece of effective and fast equipment for cleaning stormwater pits. If possible, try to use the latest suction truck- the heavy duty! The heavy-duty suction truck is costly, but it is worth it. It will give you its best performance, and your stormwater pit will be cleaned in no time.

5. CLEAN FLOATING DEBRIS

This is a type of maintenance that can be done manually. If you see some large floating debris such as plastic cups and other garbage, you can remove it physically. Cleaning floating debris will help prevent choking of drains. When drains connected to the stormwater pits get choked, they cause massive damage to the area surrounding them.

6. CLEAR VEGETATION

Keep in mind that your stormwater pit should be installed in a place with the least vegetation. This is because you do not want your stormwater pits to collect debris from the vegetation like leaves, twigs, and branches that will clog the pipes connecting the stormwater pits. It is highly beneficial to install the stormwater pit in a deserted area. In this way, the excess water in the stormwater pits can make up for dry land by replenishing it.

7. AVOID OBSTRUCTION

Avoid making a stormwater pit in the middle of some building. If the drains are clogged due to some reason, it is going to cost you extensive property damage. Avoid building fences or boundaries surrounding the stormwater pits.

8. INDICATION

You have to look out for overflowing. If even after maintenance, your stormwater pits are overflowing, it means that there is a problem! Keep on checking the stormwater pits, even if you haven’t found any indication of issues.

9. STORM GRATES

Storm grates are special equipment that is installed in the stormwater pits. These gratings or grate bars prevent large debris and objects from falling into the storm drains and clogging the pipes. Storm grates are placed far apart from each other; they maintain a healthy distance, but they cannot be too far from each other as it then becomes an accident-prone area to cyclists and people walking by foot.

Also, Check – How to Implement the “Clean As You Go” Method

10. DETENTION BASINS

A detention pond or basin is a dug-out area that treats stormwater runoffs. They are very effective as they slow down the runoff. Then they collect the garbage and remove the pollutants. Similar to the stormwater pits, these detention basins need maintenance.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Stormwater can give rise to grave damages to the land. Stormwater pits require high maintenance to avoid less damage to your property. Hence, these are the ten common ways to maintain stormwater pits.