What if your street flooded because drains were clogged?

I’d never trust just a sump pump, not with the way water finds every weak spot.

Couldn’t agree more—one storm last year, we had a perfectly maintained pump and backup, but a plastic bag blocked the outside drain. Water still seeped in around the foundation. Ever since, I’ve checked street drains before any big rain. It’s wild how something so small can cause such a mess.

Battery backups are solid, but I’d add a water alarm too. Those few extra minutes of warning can save a lot of hassle.

Street drains are the sneakiest part of the whole setup. You can have the best sump pump in the world, but if the water’s got nowhere to go, it’ll find its way in.

It’s wild how something so small can cause such a mess.

Street Flooding Is No Joke—Here’s What I Learned the Hard Way

I’m with you on how quickly a clogged drain can turn into a disaster. I used to think all that stuff about “keeping drains clear” was just busywork, but after last fall’s storm, I’m not so sure anymore. My street flooded halfway up the driveway because leaves and trash blocked the curb drain. I figured the city would handle it, but by the time they showed up, water was already creeping toward my garage.

Here’s what I do now, just in case it helps someone else:

1. Every week (or after a windy day), I check the street drain near my house. It’s usually just leaves or sticks, but once there was a plastic bag that basically sealed it shut.
2. If there’s a big storm in the forecast, I’ll clear it again right before. It’s not fun in the rain, but it beats mopping up the basement.
3. I bought one of those cheap water alarms too. I was skeptical, but it actually went off once when water started seeping in by the back wall. Gave me enough time to move stuff and start pumping.
4. I keep a snow shovel and a rake by the front door year-round now. Never thought I’d use them in June, but here we are.

I do wonder if this is really my job or if the city should be more on top of it. But after seeing how fast things can go sideways, I’d rather just handle it myself than wait for someone else to show up.

One thing I’m still figuring out: is there a way to keep critters from stashing stuff in the drains? Squirrels around here are relentless. Maybe some kind of mesh cover, but then I worry about it clogging even faster...

Anyway, I used to think this was all overkill, but after one close call, I’m not taking chances. Water always finds a way—especially when you least expect it.

Street Drains Are Everyone’s Problem—Like It or Not

You nailed it with the “water always finds a way” line. People seriously underestimate how fast a little blockage can turn into a full-blown mess. I’ve been called out to basements where folks waited for the city, and by then, the damage was already done. The truth is, cities just don’t have the manpower to babysit every storm drain before every storm. If you want to keep your property dry, you’ve got to take some responsibility yourself—even if it feels like you’re doing someone else’s job.

I get why people grumble about it. But the alternative is mopping up mud and tossing out waterlogged boxes. I’ve seen folks lose appliances, flooring, even their cars because they figured “it’s not my job.” Reality check: water doesn’t care whose job it is.

About critters and drains—yeah, squirrels and raccoons are a pain. Mesh covers can help, but you’re right that they’ll clog faster if you’re not on top of it. The trick is to use a heavy-duty grate with openings small enough to block bigger debris but not so fine that every leaf gets stuck. There’s no perfect solution, though. You’ll still need to check after storms or windy days. I’ve even seen people zip-tie chicken wire over the curb inlet for a quick fix, but again, you’ve got to clear it often.

Water alarms are underrated. Cheap insurance for the price. I recommend them all the time, especially for older basements or low-lying houses.

One thing I’d add: if you ever see water pooling and you can’t clear the drain fast enough, sandbags are your friend. Keep a few on hand if you’re in a problem area. They buy you time when things go sideways.

Bottom line—waiting for someone else to fix it is a gamble. If you want peace of mind, get proactive. It’s not glamorous work, but neither is ripping out soaked drywall...

Had a duplex on a corner lot that taught me this lesson the hard way. Tenants called at 2am—water pouring in from the street, and by the time I got there it was basically a river outside. Turns out, someone had tossed yard waste over the curb and blocked the drain. City took two days to respond, but the damage was already done. Ever since, I walk the curb before storms and clear out what I can. It’s not glamorous, but neither is dealing with insurance claims for flooded basements...