When autumn hits Ontario, falling leaves and heavy rain can do more than just make a mess—they can choke your storm drains, flood your property, and lead to serious drainage failures. Whether you manage a commercial parking lot, oversee municipal property, or own a home in Toronto, storm drain maintenance is crucial before the first frost.
In this post, we’ll walk through a practical checklist to help you prepare your storm drains for fall. Plus, we’ll show how Aqua Team’s services can help protect your property from clogs, backups, and flooding.
Why Storm Drain Maintenance Matters in Fall
Fall is storm season in Ontario. As temperatures drop, leaf litter, twigs, mud, and trash accumulate fast, especially around storm drain covers, curb inlets, and catch basins. Without regular cleaning, these materials block water flow and lead to:
- Water pooling in driveways or parking lots
- Flooding in basements or underground garages
- Slippery walkways from backed-up runoff
- Frozen standing water as winter hits
Regular storm drain maintenance keeps your property protected and compliant with local drainage codes.
Fall Storm Drain Maintenance Checklist
1. Inspect Storm Drain Covers and Grates
Start by visually inspecting all surface grates and inlets. Look for:
- Blocked covers with leaves, plastic, or mud
- Signs of corrosion or broken metal
- Drainage slow to empty after rain
If the drain isn’t pulling water properly, it’s time for cleaning or catch basin vacuuming.
2. Remove Leaf Litter and Debris Weekly
Falling leaves are the biggest culprit in Ontario’s clogged storm systems. Rake and remove buildup from:
- Drain grates
- Gutter mouths
- Downspout connections
- Driveways and curbs
This simple habit goes a long way in keeping water flowing freely during storms.
3. Flush the Drainage System
After clearing surface debris, flush storm drains with water to check for hidden clogs or slow flow. If water backs up, you may have internal blockage or pipe damage.
Our team uses high-pressure flushing and hydro vac trucks to clear even deep sediment buildup. Learn more about our storm drain cleaning services.
4. Check Connected Catch Basins
Storm drains often feed into catch basins—these underground chambers collect sediment before water enters the main pipe. Over time, they fill with:
- Silt
- Sand
- Gravel
- Garbage
- Oil and grease
If the basin is more than 50% full, it’s time to schedule catch basin pumping.
💡 Pro Tip: Read our guide on how often to clean your catch basin for ongoing maintenance.
5. Inspect for Standing Water or Bad Odours
If water pools near the drain or you smell foul odours, it might signal:
- Blocked or broken pipe
- Root intrusion
- Stagnant water with organic buildup
These are common signs of deeper problems. A camera inspection and proper area drain cleaning might be needed.
6. Prepare for Ice and Snow Melt
Any backed-up storm drain becomes a major risk once snow falls. When snow melts, water must drain fast to prevent:
- Ice forming on walkways
- Foundation leaks
- Driveway washouts
Fall is the best time to service your system before winter. Read more about winter effects on drain pipes here.
Aqua Team’s Fall Drain Maintenance Services
We offer full-service storm drain maintenance across Toronto and the GTA, helping residential, commercial, and municipal clients avoid seasonal flooding.
🔧 Services include:
- Storm Drain Cleaning
- Catch Basin Vacuum Cleaning
- Hydro Jet Drain Flushing
- Drain Pipe Replacement
- Underground Garage Cleaning
- Emergency Overflow Response
All work is done by licensed, insured technicians using industrial-grade equipment, built for Ontario’s weather and infrastructure.
Benefits of Fall Maintenance with Aqua Team
By staying ahead of the season, you’ll:
- Prevent flooding and water damage
- Avoid frozen runoff and icy surfaces
- Keep pipes flowing through winter
- Extend the life of your drainage system
- Lower the risk of emergency repairs
- Protect building foundations and walkways
Serving Ontario Properties With Proven Results
From Toronto storm drain services to full Etobicoke-area support, Aqua Team helps homes, commercial buildings, condos, and public lots prepare for fall runoff.
Want to make sure your stormwater system is ready? Contact us today or call 647-831-3538 for a free consultation.