Ensure that the storm drains in your driveway and backyard are in good working order to reduce the risk of flooding during rainy weather.
Homeowners are responsible for keeping the drains on their property clear to prevent flooding. This includes checking that they aren’t blocked in any way that would prevent water from entering the stormwater system. This is critical as these drains – just like the storm drains on the roads – collect rainwater and other stormwater runoff and send it into the City’s stormwater system. They prevent debris and litter from entering into the system, while helping limit flooding on private property.
Stormwater vs. wastewater
Stormwater is rain and melted snow that flows off of rooftops, driveways and roads outside your home. The City maintains the public stormwater infrastructure that carries rain and melted snow into local creeks, rivers and Lake Ontario. Watch this short video to learn more about how stormwater travels through the system.
Wastewater is from the toilets, sinks, showers and washing machines inside your home. Peel Region maintains the wastewater infrastructure that collect and treats this water at one of two facilities in Mississauga, before returning to Lake Ontario. To report a wastewater issue, call Peel Region at 905-791-7800, ext. 4409.
Storm drains, catch basins and swales on private property
The visible part of a storm drain is its cast iron grate cover, which lets water in, but keeps big debris out. Below it is the catch basin that collects water and holds back sediment, dirt and debris – like litter. The basin is connected to an exit pipe that drains water into the City’s stormwater system. Storm drains may be located within reverse-grade driveways that are sloped towards garages or in backyards.
A private backyard storm drain looks very much like storm drains on the road. The grate may look a bit different, but they operate the same way. These storm drains are located at low points in a backyard and may drain water from several backyards. It is important to keep a backyard storm drain clear of any debris or other obstructions to allow water in nearby backyards to drain away properly after a rainfall. It can be more difficult to locate them in your backyard, as it could be covered by debris, gardens or outbuildings, like a shed.
Swales are shallow grassed drainage channels in your yard with sloping sides. They collect and direct stormwater away from the building foundation and may flow towards a storm drain in the backyard or on the street. Swales can also absorb some of the water into the soil below. Both features of swales help your property drain excess water.
Pooling water in your backyard may indicate that there could be a backyard storm drain that has been obstructed. Inspecting the area near your property lines may reveal a storm drain that is in need of clearing.
If your neighbours are also noticing wet backyards, you can work together to inspect the affected properties and locate the obstructed drain. Check the lowest points along the rear of your property for storm drain inlets and remove any debris, structures or gardens that obstruct the flow of water.
Always include good grading and drainage when planning for landscaping projects, like installing a swimming pool or retaining walls on your property. Property grading was approved when your home was originally built and changing grading without professional guidance can have expensive consequences. Failure to accommodate the proper flow of water can increase the risk of flooding on your property and on neighbouring properties.
How storm drains and sump pumps work together
Some storm drains use the home’s sump pump and backup systems to divert water away from the property, so it is important to check the pump and the discharge pipe regularly. This will make sure they are free of debris and functioning properly to help your basement stay dry.
To reduce the load on the sump pump, it is key to also make sure that water falling from your roof eavestroughs and downspout is directed at least three feet or one metre away from any basement foundations or adjacent properties, so that it can be directed to a storm drain or absorbed into the ground on your own property. Disconnecting your roof downspouts and adding elbows and extensions to the downspout pipe can help to direct the flow of water away from the basement foundations.
Flood risk reduction resources
Floods can happen quickly and without warning at any time of the year. Learn how to prevent floods and how to apply for flood prevention grants to make your home more resilient to future floods.
For more information about the City’s stormwater infrastructure, visit mississauga.ca/stormwater.
