What if your street flooded because drains were clogged?

Worst case, you get wet socks and maybe a neighbor’s gratitude... or a weird look.

Wet socks are basically a rite of passage, right? I always wonder, though—if the street floods because nobody touches the drains, could the city actually blame homeowners for not pitching in? Or is it just “not my circus, not my monkeys”?

I’ve actually wondered about this too, especially after the last storm when our street turned into a river. From what I’ve seen, most cities don’t expect homeowners to clear storm drains—technically, it’s public property and the city’s job. That said, if leaves pile up in front of your house and you just watch them clog the drain, nobody’s gonna come fine you. But you might end up with water creeping up your driveway.

Honestly, I just grab a rake and clear whatever’s in front of my place. It takes five minutes and saves me from dealing with a soggy basement. I know some folks say “not my problem,” but if everyone takes that approach, we all end up wading through ankle-deep water.

As for liability, unless you’re actively dumping stuff down there or blocking it on purpose, I doubt the city could blame you for not helping out. They might give you a side-eye if you’re standing there filming the flood for Instagram instead of pitching in, but that’s about it.

Wet socks are annoying, but cleaning up flood damage is way worse. I’d rather risk a weird look from the neighbors than deal with soaked drywall later.

I get where you’re coming from, but I always wonder—if I’m out there clearing drains and something happens (like I slip or mess up the grate), is that on me? I mean, yeah, nobody wants a flooded basement, but shouldn’t the city at least make it easier for us to report clogged drains or send someone out faster? I’ll clear leaves if it’s simple, but I’m not about to take on a full maintenance job without knowing what the risks are. Maybe I’m just being cautious, but the line between “helpful neighbor” and “accidental liability” feels kind of blurry sometimes.

the line between “helpful neighbor” and “accidental liability” feels kind of blurry sometimes.

- Been there—one time I tried to clear a drain in front of my place (just leaves, nothing major), and my boot got stuck in the grate. Not my finest moment.
- You’re right about the city being slow. I’ve called in blockages before and by the time they showed up, the ducks were swimming laps.
- I’ll do basic stuff, but if it looks sketchy or heavy, I leave it. Liability’s a real thing... plus, I’m not looking to star in “America’s Funniest Home Videos: Drain Edition.”
- Wish there was an easier reporting system though. Half the time it feels like yelling into a void.

I get the concern about liability, but I think we sometimes overestimate the risk with simple stuff like clearing leaves.

“if it looks sketchy or heavy, I leave it.”