Protect your property from stormwater damage
Storm drain lines are high-capacity underground pipes that connect catch basins to discharge points, moving rainwater and stormwater runoff away from your property. When these drainage systems clog, nearby parking lots can flood, often causing damage to vehicles and creating hazardous conditions for pedestrians.
It only takes a couple of inches of standing water to cause a 3- or 4-foot backup. As a property owner, you’re responsible for maintaining these storm drainage pipes and could be liable for any damage caused by sewer overflow or flooding incidents.
When storm drain lines need professional cleaning
Storm drain systems face constant challenges from debris, grass clippings, and sediment that wash off impervious surfaces during heavy rain. Without regular maintenance, these materials can accumulate in your drainage structures and create serious blockages.
Common signs your storm drain lines need attention:
- Standing water in parking lots after rain
- Slow water flow from catch basins
- Backup of rainwater during storms
- Visible debris in storm drains
- Water runoff pooling near your property line
How we clean storm drain lines
The first step in cleaning a storm drain line is determining if line cleaning is actually necessary. Often, slow drainage in your stormwater system can be fixed by inspecting and cleaning your catch basins and water quality units.
However, in some cases, especially without routine maintenance and cleaning, sediment and debris can find their way into your stormwater lines, causing slow draining and back-ups. Professional cleaning becomes necessary to prevent costly damage and maintain proper water flow. In urban areas, these sewer lines connect to the city’s sewer infrastructure, making proper maintenance even more important.
If you’ve cleaned your catch basins and water quality units, it might be time to consider cleaning your lines. Luckily, John’s Sewer has all the equipment to do so, thoroughly.
Water jet cleaning
Most storm drain lines respond well to high-pressure water jet cleaning. Our water jet trucks come equipped with specialized attachments designed for larger storm drainage pipes. We can typically clean your stormwater lines thoroughly using this method.
Our water jetting process:
- Breaks through accumulated debris and sediment
- Flushes grass clippings and organic matter from pipes
- Removes buildup from pipe walls to restore full water flow
- Clears connections between catch basins and main lines
Vactor truck services
When storm drain lines are too large or debris is too heavy for standard water jet cleaning, we bring in our Vactor truck. This specialized equipment combines powerful water jetting with vacuum extraction capabilities.
Vactor trucks excel at:
- Cleaning the largest storm drain systems
- Removing heavy sediment and debris completely
- Accessing difficult-to-reach drainage structures
- Handling both the cleaning and debris removal in one operation
Storm drain system maintenance
Smart property owners don’t wait for storm drain problems to develop. Regular maintenance of your drainage system prevents expensive emergency situations and protects your property investment.
Preventive maintenance services
Routine Inspections: We examine your entire storm drain system, including catch basins, drainage structures, and underground pipes to identify potential issues before they cause problems.
Debris Removal: Regular cleaning removes grass clippings, leaves, and other organic matter that can clog your storm drains during the next heavy rain.
Connection Checks: We verify that all connections in your drainage system are secure and functioning properly to ensure efficient stormwater runoff management.
Complete storm drain solutions
Advanced cleaning equipment
- High-Pressure Water Jets – Powerful cleaning for most storm drain lines and catch basin systems
- Vactor Trucks – Heavy-duty cleaning for the largest drainage structures and toughest blockages
- Specialized Attachments – Professional tools designed specifically for storm drainage pipe cleaning
- Video Inspection – Camera technology to assess pipe condition and identify problem areas
Comprehensive services
- Drainage System Assessment – Evaluation of your entire stormwater management system
- Storm Drain Line Cleaning – Complete removal of debris, sediment, and organic matter from underground pipes
- Catch Basin Maintenance – Regular cleaning and inspection of storm drain entry points
- Emergency Response – Rapid response during storms and flooding situations
- Regulatory Compliance – Ensuring your drainage system meets all local requirements
Why choose John's Sewer for storm drain services?
- Local Expertise - Deep understanding of Boston’s area drainage challenges and regulations
- Advanced Equipment - Professional-grade water jets and vactor trucks for effective storm drain cleaning
- Environmental Focus - Proper handling of debris and hazardous materials to protect water quality
- Same-Day Response - Quick response when your drainage system needs immediate attention
- Complete Solutions - From routine maintenance to emergency storm drain cleaning
- Regulatory Knowledge - Experience working with public works and environmental agencies










