What if your street flooded because drains were clogged?

I’ve pulled everything from bike tires to half a shopping cart out of storm drains, and those grabber tools just don’t cut it for that kind of mess. Gloves and a sturdy rake are my go-to too, though I’ve had to use a crowbar more than once. The stuff people toss is unreal - once found a bowling ball wedged in there. Ever had to deal with a drain so packed you needed backup, or is it usually a solo job for you?

Title: What if your street flooded because drains were clogged?

The stuff people toss is unreal - once found a bowling ball wedged in there.

That’s wild. I thought the random soda cans and fast food wrappers I’ve pulled out were bad, but a bowling ball? I’m with you on the grabber tools - they’re useless for anything bigger than a stick. I usually go at it alone, but last fall the drain was so jammed with branches and mud I had to call my neighbor over. Two shovels, a lot of cursing, and we finally got it cleared. It’s honestly kind of satisfying once you see the water draining again. You’re not alone dealing with this mess.

Bowling ball’s a new one for me - closest I’ve seen is a busted scooter wheel jammed in there. Here’s what’s worked for me:

- Keep a sturdy rake and a flat shovel handy. Grabber tools are a joke for anything heavy.
- If it’s packed with mud, I use a hose to loosen it up first. Saves a lot of effort.
- Never hurts to check the drains after a storm, even if they look clear. Stuff builds up fast.

Honestly, it’s a pain but way better than dealing with a flooded basement.

Bowling ball’s wild, but I’ve seen a car tire wedged in once - took three of us to get it out. I agree, those grabber tools are useless for anything bigger than a soda can. I’ll add: compostable yard waste bags help keep leaves from blowing into the drains in the first place. Not perfect, but every bit helps.

I agree, those grabber tools are useless for anything bigger than a soda can.

Yeah, those grabbers are pretty much a joke for anything heavy. I always worry about safety when trying to clear stuff - last fall I tried to pull out a big branch and almost slipped into the gutter myself. Here’s what I do now: gloves, sturdy shoes, and a buddy if it looks risky. Has anyone tried those drain guards that sit over the grate? Wondering if they’re worth the hassle or just another thing to clean.