Storm Drain Cleaning and Outdoor Drainage in Chicago

Water pooling around an outdoor drain can come from a blocked inlet, a restricted pipe or a problem farther along the drainage route. For private-property storm drain cleaning and outdoor drainage repairs in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, contact Chicago Sewer Experts. Tell us where the water collects, when it appears and whether the drain has been cleaned before.

Storm drain cleaning on private property

Leaves, soil and debris can obstruct a grate, collect in a basin or restrict an underground pipe. An assessment needs to consider the path from the surface opening to the outlet. A clear grate does not establish that the connected line is clear.

Hydro jetting can remove sediment and other buildup from suitable drain lines. The cleaning method depends on the pipe, access and blockage. A drain in poor condition may need repair, and cleaning equipment must be selected with that condition in mind.

Underground storm drain and gutter line repairs

A crushed pipe, deteriorated connection or displaced outlet can interfere with drainage even after loose debris has been removed. A camera inspection can help assess pipe condition when access allows. Findings should guide whether the next step is cleaning, a localized repair or replacement of a damaged section.

Requests can include underground storm drain repairs, parking lot drainage repairs and gutter drain line repairs. Include any known pipe route, previous repair location and the outlet location if you have that information. This helps describe the affected part of the system.

Outdoor drainage and recurring ponding

French drains, stairwell drainage and other collection systems need to suit the water source and the route available for discharge. Adding a drain requires considering where it will collect water and where that water can go. A blockage, damaged line and drainage layout problem can call for different work.

For commercial drainage maintenance, record which drains have been cleaned and where sediment repeatedly collects. Share whether one low area is affected or several drains overflow together. Report water on a public Chicago street or a suspected public sewer blockage to Chicago 311; this service covers private-property drainage concerns.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my outdoor drain overflow when the grate looks clear?

The restriction may be inside a basin, farther down the pipe or at the outlet. A damaged pipe can also limit drainage. Clearing leaves from the surface addresses only one possible obstruction, so persistent ponding needs assessment of the connected drainage route.

Can hydro jetting clear a blocked storm drain?

Jetting can remove deposits such as sediment and sludge, but its suitability depends on the pipe’s condition and the blockage. A camera assessment can help identify damage before cleaning. Jetting does not repair a crushed or collapsed pipe, and no cleaning method clears every type of obstruction.

When does a storm drain need repair instead of cleaning?

Cleaning addresses accumulated material. A damaged pipe, failed connection or displaced outlet may require repair as well. If the problem returns after cleaning, describe how soon it returns and which areas are affected. Those observations help direct further investigation without assuming the same blockage has returned.

Should I call a plumber or Chicago 311 about standing water?

For a drain on your private property, contact Chicago Sewer Experts and describe the affected area. For water remaining on a public street or a suspected public sewer blockage, Chicago 311 has dedicated reporting options. State the location clearly, including whether the water is in a yard, alley or roadway.

Chicago service ZIP codes

We serve these Chicago ZIP codes: 60608, 60609, 60619, 60620, 60621, 60623, 60624, 60628, 60629, 60632, 60636, 60638, 60643, 60644, 60652, 60655, 60682.

We do not service downtown Chicago.

Discuss a storm drain problem in Chicago

Call Chicago Sewer Experts at (708) 398-7600 for help with a private-property storm drain or outdoor drainage request. Share the property address and the locations where water collects.