If you’ve noticed water pooling in your yard, driveway, or street after heavy rain, you may be dealing with a backed-up storm drain. These drains are designed to carry excess rainwater away from homes, streets, and commercial properties—but when they clog or overflow, they can cause significant damage.
In Texas, where ‘weather whiplash’ from sudden downpours and seasonal storms are common, storm drain issues can escalate quickly. What starts as slow drainage can turn into flooded yards, standing water, and even structural damage. The key is understanding what causes these backups and what you can do to prevent them.
In this article, we’ll explain the most common reasons storm drains back up, what the warning signs look like, and how a licensed Houston plumber can help you restore proper drainage and protect your property from water damage.
What Storm Drains Do and Why They’re Important
Storm drains are part of your property’s water management system. Their main function is to capture and redirect rainwater runoff from roofs, driveways, and roads into underground pipes or municipal drainage systems.
Properly functioning storm drains prevent:
- Flooding around homes and streets
- Water intrusion into foundations and basements
- Erosion of landscaping or pavement
- Contamination of water sources from surface runoff
When the system clogs or becomes obstructed, water has nowhere to go. It starts pooling in low areas, often bringing dirt, leaves, and debris along with it. Over time, these blockages can worsen, leading to slow drainage or complete system failure.
Common Causes of Storm Drain Backups
Several issues can cause storm drains to clog or overflow. In most cases, the problem stems from debris buildup or damage to underground pipes.
1. Leaves, Dirt, and Debris Accumulation
The most common cause of storm drain backups is debris—especially in the fall and after storms. Leaves, grass clippings, trash, and sediment can block grates or enter the drain and settle inside the piping.
Over time, these materials compact and form stubborn obstructions that restrict water flow. Even a thin layer of buildup can significantly slow drainage, leading to pooling and flooding.
2. Tree Roots in Drain Lines
Tree roots naturally seek moisture, making underground drain lines a prime target. Once inside the pipes, roots grow rapidly, creating dense mats that trap debris and cause severe clogs.
If you notice slow drainage accompanied by gurgling or foul odors, root intrusion may be the cause. Specialized hydro jetting equipment can clear these obstructions safely without damaging your pipes.
3. Collapsed or Damaged Pipes
Texas weather, soil movement, and heavy rainfall can cause underground drain pipes to shift, crack, or collapse. When this happens, water can no longer flow freely, leading to backups near the drain opening or manholes.
A professional inspection using camera technology can reveal whether your system needs repair or replacement.
4. Heavy Rainfall and Flooding
Even the best-designed drainage systems have capacity limits. During severe Texas thunderstorms or hurricanes, rainfall can overwhelm the system, causing temporary flooding.
While short-term backups may resolve after the storm passes, repeated flooding could indicate your system isn’t large enough to handle local water flow—or that internal blockages are reducing capacity.
5. Improper Installation or Grading
If your storm drain was installed incorrectly or your property slopes toward your house rather than away from it, water can pool instead of draining properly. Poor grading directs runoff toward foundations, increasing the risk of flooding and erosion.
A drainage specialist can assess your system’s slope and recommend regrading or pipe adjustments to restore proper flow.
6. Connection to a Clogged Sewer Line
In some cases, storm drains and sewer systems share connected piping. If your clogged main sewer line backs up, it can push wastewater into your storm drain system—or vice versa. This not only causes flooding but also introduces serious sanitation risks.
Signs Your Storm Drain Is Backing Up
Recognizing early warning signs helps prevent serious property damage. Look for:
- Standing water around storm drain grates or manholes after rainfall.
- Slow drainage where water lingers longer than usual.
- Gurgling sounds or bubbling near drains or gutters.
- Unpleasant odors indicating trapped organic matter or sewage.
- Wet patches or sinkholes in the yard above buried pipes.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s best to schedule a professional inspection before the next heavy rain turns a minor blockage into a full flood.
What to Do When Your Storm Drain Backs Up
When water starts backing up, quick action can minimize damage and safety risks.
Step 1: Stay Safe
Avoid wading through standing water. It could contain contaminants, electrical hazards, or hidden debris.
Step 2: Clear Visible Debris
If it’s safe, remove leaves, trash, or sediment from the drain grate using gloves or a rake. This may provide temporary relief, but it won’t solve deeper clogs.
Step 3: Check Nearby Gutters and Downspouts
Ensure your roof’s gutters and downspouts are clear and directing water away from the drain area. Clogged gutters often overload storm drains during rainfall.
Step 4: Call a Professional Plumber
If water remains backed up or returns after each storm, it’s time to call a licensed expert. A qualified Houston plumber can assess the system, locate the blockage, and restore proper drainage safely.
How Professionals Fix Backed-Up Storm Drains
Modern plumbing technology allows for precise, minimally invasive storm drain repairs.
1. Camera Inspection
Professionals begin with a video inspection of the drain lines. This allows them to identify blockages, damage, or root intrusion without excavation.
2. Hydro Jetting
High-pressure water jets clear blockages by breaking apart debris, silt, and roots. This environmentally safe method restores full flow without using harsh chemicals.
3. Pipe Repairs or Replacement
If the issue involves structural damage or collapsed lines, the plumber may perform targeted repairs or replacement. Techniques like trenchless repair can minimize disruption to your yard or driveway.
4. Regular Maintenance
Scheduling periodic drain cleaning—especially before storm season—helps prevent future backups. Many Texas homeowners add storm drains to their annual maintenance checklist.
Preventing Future Storm Drain Backups
You can reduce the likelihood of storm drain problems by taking a few proactive steps:
- Keep drain grates clear: Regularly remove leaves, trash, and sediment.
- Trim nearby trees: This reduces leaf and root intrusion.
- Schedule professional inspections: Annual evaluations catch small issues before they worsen.
- Avoid dumping chemicals or debris: Never pour paint, grease, or yard waste into storm drains—they can harden or corrode the pipes.
- Maintain gutters and downspouts: Direct water at least five feet away from your foundation to reduce excess runoff.
Proactive maintenance not only prevents flooding but also extends the life of your drainage system.
Why Storm Drain Maintenance Is Essential in Texas
Texas weather can swing from drought to torrential rain within weeks. These extremes strain drainage systems statewide. During dry periods, sediment builds up unnoticed. When storms hit, the sudden surge of water overwhelms partially blocked pipes, resulting in floods.
Because many Texas homes sit on clay-heavy soil, pooling water can cause soil expansion and foundation damage. Maintaining your storm drains isn’t just about convenience—it’s about protecting the structural integrity of your property.
Municipal drainage systems also depend on well-maintained private systems. A single clogged drain on private property can push water into public streets or neighboring yards, worsening local flooding.
How TX Hydrojet Can Help
At TX Hydrojet, our licensed plumbers specialize in diagnosing and repairing storm drain issues across residential, commercial, and municipal systems. We use high-powered hydro jetting, video inspections, and advanced repair methods to restore full functionality quickly and safely.
Our services include:
- Full storm drain cleaning and repair
- Hydro jetting for debris and root removal
- Manhole and drainage system maintenance
- Flood prevention inspections
- Trenchless pipe repair for underground systems
Whether you’re dealing with a one-time backup or recurring drainage issues, our team can identify the cause and prevent future problems.
When to Call TX Hydrojet
You should contact a professional plumber if you notice:
- Frequent standing water after rain
- Water overflowing from storm drains or manholes
- Persistent gurgling or foul odors
- Erosion or soft ground near drain covers
- Flooding in garages, driveways, or streets
These are all signs that the system needs professional cleaning, inspection, or repair. TX Hydrojet’s experts can handle everything from simple cleanouts to complex underground repairs.
Final Thoughts
A backed-up storm drain is more than an inconvenience—it’s a potential threat to your home’s foundation, landscaping, and safety. By acting early and scheduling professional maintenance, you can avoid costly repairs and flooding.
Contact TX Hydrojet today. Our experienced team provides reliable inspections, hydro jetting, and full storm drain maintenance to keep your property dry and protected year-round.
FAQs
Can heavy rain cause temporary backups?
Yes, during extreme storms, even clear systems can back up. However, water should drain away quickly once the rain subsides.
Do tree roots damage storm drains?
Yes, roots can enter cracks in underground pipes, causing blockages and structural damage.
Is flooding from a storm drain covered by insurance?
Coverage depends on your policy. Standard homeowners insurance may exclude flood-related damage unless you have additional protection.
What’s the most effective way to clean a storm drain?
Hydro jetting is the safest and most thorough method, using high-pressure water to remove sediment, roots, and debris.
Who should I call for professional help?
Contact TX Hydrojet for expert storm drain repair and maintenance services. Our specialists handle inspection, cleaning, and emergency restoration to keep your property safe.
