Storm Drain Maintenance – What to Do Before and After the Rain
When the skies open up across Santa Clarita Valley, clogged storm drains can turn a minor rain into a major flood. At Pipeline Rooter & Plumbing, we help homeowners stay ahead of the storm with seasonal storm drain maintenance, hydro jetting, and area drain inspections.
Whether you live in Valencia, Castaic, Stevenson Ranch, Canyon Country, Newhall, Saugus, or nearby areas, here’s what you need to know to protect your property before and after the rain.
Why Storm Drain Cleaning Matters Before the Rain
Storm drains and area drains are designed to move surface water away from your home, yard, or driveway. But when they’re blocked by leaves, dirt, or roots, they can’t do their job — and that leads to:
Flooded patios, garages, and basements
Water pooling near your foundation
Landscape erosion and pest problems
Slip hazards and long-term property damage
Pro tip: Schedule hydro jetting before the rainy season. It clears out sediment, roots, and buildup that traditional snaking can’t reach — restoring full flow and preventing backups.
What to Check After the Rain
Once the storm passes, don’t assume everything’s fine. Post-rain inspections help catch problems early:
Look for standing water near drains
Check for sinkholes or erosion around drain lines
Clear debris from grates and catch basins
Schedule a camera inspection if you suspect underground damage
If you had hydro jetting done before the storm, you’re ahead of the game — but it’s smart to verify that no new debris or root intrusion occurred.
Why Hydro Jetting Is the Best Tool for Storm Drains
Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to scour the inside of drain lines. It’s especially effective for:
Clearing sediment and sludge from long horizontal runs
Removing root intrusion in older systems
Restoring full pipe diameter for maximum flow
Preventing future clogs when done seasonally
Unlike snaking, hydro jetting doesn’t just poke a hole — it cleans the entire pipe wall, giving you longer-lasting results.
Know Your Pipes: Area Drains vs. Plumbing Code
In our region, many storm drains and area drains are built with thin-wall pipe (lesser Schedule) — often not up to plumbing code. These systems:
Aren’t designed for heavy water volume or pressure
Can crack or collapse under root pressure or soil movement
Are excluded from standard plumbing warranties due to material limitations
That’s why routine maintenance is critical. Hydro jetting helps preserve flow without stressing the pipe — but if you’re seeing repeated failures, it may be time to upgrade to code-compliant materials.
Schedule Your Storm Drain Service Today
Pipeline Rooter & Plumbing offers:
✅ Storm drain and area drain cleaning
✅ Hydro jetting and camera inspections
✅ Emergency plumbing services
✅ Honest, flat-rate pricing with no surprises
📞 Call 661.812.7265 📍 Based in Castaic, CA, serving Valencia, Santa Clarita, Stevenson Ranch, Canyon Country, Newhall, Saugus, and surrounding areas