How to Clean a Storm Drain Cleanout

A storm drain must work at its full capacity 100 percent of the time. If it rains and the storm drain is clogged, it could cause flooding. The flooding can cause damage that can be expensive to fix. The storm drain cleanout should be checked and cleaned regularly to ensure it works properly each time it rains.

1. Put on gloves to protect your hands from the debris in the clog and the tools you will be using.

2. Pry the cover to the storm drain cleanout. A flathead screwdriver will work the best.

3. Lift off the cover to expose the drain. Place the cover to the side.

4. Clean the storm drain cleanout. Reach into the drain and remove any items you can reach and see. Throw the debris into the trash.

5. Fill a bucket with water and pour it down the drain.

6. Wet a scrub brush and squirt toilet bowl cleaner on it.

7. Scrub the inside of the storm drain cleanout. Clean along the edges and far down the drain as possible.

8. Fill a bucket with water and pour it down the drain.

9. Put the cover back on the storm drain cleanout.