Florida’s hurricane season has officially begun—and with it comes the risk of severe flooding, property damage, and costly repairs. As a commercial building owner or facility manager, you know that a single storm can wreak havoc on your parking lots, foundations, and underground utilities.
Clogged storm drains and neglected truck wells can turn heavy rains into a disaster, leading to:
- Flooded parking garages
- Eroded pavement & sinkholes
- Sewage backups & water damage
- Violations of Florida stormwater regulations
At Frank Gay Commercial, we specialize in preventative storm drain maintenance to keep your property safe and compliant. Don’t wait until the next big storm hits—schedule a professional storm drain, catch basin, or truck well cleaning today!
Why Storm Drain Maintenance Can’t Wait (Especially in Florida)
Florida’s hurricane season (June – November) brings torrential rains, high winds, and flash flooding. A single inch of rain can produce over 27,000 gallons of runoff per acre. If your storm drains are clogged, that water has nowhere to go.
The Consequences of Neglected Storm Drains
- 💰 Costly Repairs: Flooding can cause significant damage to asphalt, foundations, and electrical systems.
- ⚠️ Safety Hazards: Standing water breeds mosquitoes, causes slip-and-fall risks, and can lead to mold growth.
- 📜 Compliance Risks: Florida has strict stormwater regulations—failure to maintain drains can result in fines.
Warning Signs Your Storm Drains Are Failing
Don’t wait for a flood to realize your drains are clogged. Look for these red flags:
- Slow drainage after rain (water pooling for hours)
- Unusual odors near drains (indicating trapped debris or sewage)
- Gurgling sounds from drains (a sign of blockages)
- Visible debris (leaves, trash, sediment clogging grates)
- Erosion or sinkholes near drainage areas
If you notice any of these, call Frank Gay Commercial immediately—before the next storm exacerbates the problem.
How Commercial Storm Drains Work (And Why They Fail)
Storm drains are your property’s first defense against flooding. Here’s how they function—and where problems arise:
1. Catch Basins (The First Line of Defense)
- Collect debris before it enters the drainage system.
- Fail when: Sediment builds up, reducing water flow.
2. Drainage Pipes (The Hidden Problem Area)
- Carry water away from your property.
- Fail when: Tree roots, grease, or debris cause blockages.
3. Outlets (Where Water Exits)
- Release water into municipal systems or retention ponds.
- Fail when: Clogged with leaves, trash, or sediment.
Without regular cleaning, these components could fail leading to backups and flooding.
DIY Tips to Reduce Flooding Risks
While professional cleaning is essential, here’s what you can do between service visits:
- Inspect catch basins, truck wells, and garage drains after heavy rain for blockages.
- Seal and monitor outdoor trash bins – overflowing waste can clog nearby storm drains.
- Sweep parking lots regularly to prevent debris buildup.
- Trim nearby trees & bushes to minimize leaf debris.
- Clear drain grates of leaves, trash, and sediment.
- Install drain covers or screens to trap larger debris.
These tasks won’t replace professional maintenance, but they’ll go a long way in minimizing flood risks between service intervals.
Pro Tip: If you see standing water for more than an hour after rain, your drains likely need professional attention.
Free Gift: Download our Storm Drain Maintenance Checklist PDF Form for Facility Managers and Commercial Building Owners to assist in maintaining your storm drain system.
Stormwater Maintenance Checklist PDF
How Frank Gay Commercial Cleans & Maintains Storm Drains
We use specialized industrial-grade equipment to ensure your drains are flood-ready:
- High-Pressure Water Jetting: Blasts away tough blockages (roots, grease, sediment).
- Vacuum Trucks (Vactor Trucks): Removes sludge and debris from catch basins quickly.
- CCTV Drain Camera Inspections: Finds hidden cracks, leaks, or collapses before they cause flooding.
Our Preventative Maintenance Plans Include:
- 📅 Bi-annual cleanings (before & after hurricane season)
- 🔍 Compliance inspections (avoid fines)
- 🚨 Emergency services (when storms hit unexpectedly)
Don’t Wait for Disaster—Schedule Storm Drain Cleaning Today
Florida’s storms are unpredictable, but your preparedness doesn’t have to be. A single clogged storm drain can lead to thousands in avoidable damage. Don’t take the risk!
Call Now: (407) 735-5201 or Schedule Online
Act now—before the summer rains turn into a costly flood emergency.
Click here to learn more about our storm drain maintenance and vacuum truck services.
