Spare a thought for stormwater systems this time of year. As temperatures drop and winter settles in, they face some of their toughest annual conditions. Cold weather brings freezing temperatures, heavy precipitation, and increased debris: all of which put stress and strain on drains, pipes, pits, and basins. Without proper maintenance, these conditions can lead to flooding, emergency repairs, and costly violations of environmental regulations. This is where stormwater management services come in.
By addressing issues proactively, commercial property owners can avoid expensive disruptions and keep their sites safe. At ACE Environmental, we specialize in stormwater system maintenance, including pit cleaning, inspections, filtering solutions, structural repairs, and vacuum truck services: in short, the kind of stormwater services which together ensure drainage systems keep functioning even through the harshest weather.
1. How Winter Weather Impacts Stormwater Drains
A. Freezing Temperatures
When water freezes inside a drain, it expands. This creates blockages and puts pressure on pipes. Such a freeze–thaw cycle can cause cracking, breakage, and long-term structural damage if not addressed early.
B. Increased Debris Accumulation
Leaves, branches, sediment, and trash that collect in late fall can become packed inside stormwater structures. Once frozen, this debris becomes stubbornly immovable and can block essential flow paths.
C. Heavy Winter Precipitation
Snow, ice, and slush place additional strain on already full storm drains. Snowmelt often overwhelms systems, while heavy winter rain accelerates erosion around inlets and retention ponds.
D. Salt & Deicing Material Build-Up
Deicing products and road salt wash into drains during winter storms. These chemicals can corrode metal pipes, weaken concrete channels, and interfere with the biological filtration processes in stormwater BMPs (Best Management Practices).
2. The Most Common Stormwater Drain Problems Going Into Winter
A. Clogged Drains & Inlets
Ice, trash, leaves, and sediment can obstruct drains, leading to backups and overflow, especially around commercial lots and loading areas.
B. Damaged or Collapsing Drain Pipes
Frozen water creates cracks, while repeated expansion and contraction can weaken pipe walls, increasing the risk of a spring collapse.
C. Standing Water & Poor Drainage
Slow-draining areas create winter slip hazards when water freezes. Warmer winter days can also encourage mosquito activity in stagnant water.
D. Sediment Buildup in Pits, Trenches & Basins
Sediment reduces flow capacity, increases system pressure, and compromises pumping equipment.
E. Failed Stormwater Controls (BMPs)
Filters, basins, sumps, and other best-management practices fail when not cleaned and maintained, raising compliance concerns.
3. Why It’s Important to Address These Issues Before Winter
A. Prevent Costly Emergency Repairs
Winter blockages often demand urgent service at a higher cost. Stormwater management services, like preventative cleaning and inspections, help eliminate surprise failures.
B. Avoid Flooding & Property Damage
Overflowing drains can damage parking areas, landscaping, and building foundations, impacting tenants and daily operations.
C. Reduce Liability for Ice Hazards
Standing water that freezes poses a slip-and-fall risk, making drainage management a critical liability concern.
D. Avoid Environmental Noncompliance
Regulators require proper stormwater function to prevent contaminants from entering waterways.
E. Maintain Effective Flow All Winter
Clean, fully operational systems ensure that commercial entrances, parking lots, and industrial sites remain accessible.
4. How ACE Environmental Can Help: Professional Stormwater Management Services
A. Stormwater System Inspections
ACE identifies blockages, structural defects, flow restrictions, and compliance risks.
B. Pit Cleaning, Filtering & Sediment Removal
Removing debris and sediment before temperatures drop prevents winter freeze blockages.
C. Vacuum Truck Services
Vacuum trucks efficiently remove sludge, sediment, and standing water in drains, pits, sumps, and catch basins.
D. Repair & Maintenance of Stormwater Structures
Stormwater services include basin restoration, pipe repair and relining, grate replacement, and filter maintenance.
E. Emergency Response & Winter-Ready Maintenance Plans
ACE offers rapid response for blockages as well as scheduled services to reduce cold-weather risks.
F. Pipe Cleaning, Vault Cleaning & Documentation
Via its third-party, strategic partner, ACE also offers its clients:
- Pipe Cleaning: Using methods like pipe jetting to clear tree roots, debris, and buildup from conveyance lines.
- Vault Cleaning: Extracting sediment and trash from underground detention/retention vaults to maintain storage capacity.
- Documentation: Detailed reports track maintenance, inspections, findings, and photos, crucial for proving compliance.
5. Signs Your Stormwater System Needs Immediate Attention
- Slow draining or standing water
- Unusual odors near drains or pits
- Overflow during rain events
- Sediment near drain openings
- Visible cracking around drain structures
- Gurgling sounds from storm drains
- Water pooling and freezing in high-traffic areas
6. How Businesses Benefit from Routine Stormwater Maintenance
- Longer lifespan for stormwater infrastructure
- Lower repair and emergency service costs
- Better environmental compliance
- Improved safety for customers, tenants, and employees
- Reduced risk of downtime due to flooding or blockages
A Well-Maintained Stormwater System Is a Happy (and Effective) One
Your stormwater system is actually quite happy to do its job through the frigid temperatures and vicious squalls of winter, so long as it’s being properly cared for. ACE Environmental’s stormwater management services include professional stormwater inspections, pit cleaning, structural repairs, and vacuum truck services: all designed to keep your system functioning reliably all winter long. To schedule your winter stormwater inspection, and avoid all the possible winter-ugliness outlined above, schedule a free estimate with ACE Environmental today.
