Although both sets of pipes transport water, the notable difference in stormwater vs. sanitary sewer is that stormwater sewer is not treated. This means that stormwater is carried directly to water bodies – as does everything it carries. Stormwater sewers collect debris and pollutants traveling through collection areas such as rainwater, snow, and other drains such as roof drain and catch basins.
Stormwater and Sewer Pipes Are Not The Same
Sanitary sewer pipes do not have a direct connection to water bodies. Instead, water is diverted to water treatment plants to be processed and cleaned before reintroducing into the water table. Sanitary sewers collect their flow from toilets, showers, dishwashers, floor drains, sinks, and washers. Sanitary sewers transfer wastewater from the home by connecting to mains usually maintained by the city. Sanitary sewer infrastructure partially resides inside homes and businesses, while stormwater systems exist on the outside.
Although there is a drastic difference between treated and untreated, stormwater and sewer pipes experience similar problems. Clogs, blockages, and leaks can damage pipes and cause overflows in homes, businesses, streets, and communities. Busted pipes or water mains can inflict significant damage through flooding and cause unsanitary or toxic conditions. In addition, since stormwater leads directly to water bodies, it can potentially distribute motor oil, fertilizer, trash, paint, and other undesirable contributions to rivers and oceans.
Repairs & Maintenance of Stormwater & Sewer Infrastructure
Repairs to both systems can be invasive and expensive, so inspecting water infrastructure to combat high costs with routine maintenance is essential. Resolving more minor issues before they erupt into more significant issues lowers costs and potential damages. Trenchless technology, which requires no digging for repairs, has revolutionized the industry. Main sanitary sewers are usually deeper infrastructure and maintained by local governments and municipalities, which means taxpayers are interested in these systems’ welfare. Public storm sewers also require preventative maintenance to keep sediment (dirt, chemicals, and other material) out of the storm sewer. Per the EPA, sediment is:
“particulate organic and inorganic matter that suspend in or are carried by the water, and/or accumulate in a loose, unconsolidated form on the bottom of natural water bodies. This includes the frequently used terms of clean sediment, suspended sediment, total suspended solids, bedload, turbidity, or in common terms, dirt, soils or eroded materials.”
Maintaining water infrastructure directly relates to environmental health, physical well-being, and economic prosperity. In addition, keeping waterways clean ensures enjoyable recreational activities and enhances the landscape. Therefore, it is essential to find a contractor that exceeds the standards set for every project with the experience and knowledge to provide economically viable and sustainable solutions for local governments, municipalities, homeowner associations, and by extension, taxpayers. This is where Standard Pipe Services LLC comes in.
Get a Maintenance Plan
Implementing a consistent maintenance plan for sanitary and stormwater systems is a crucial part of protecting the health and welfare of the community, safeguarding an essential asset, and demonstrating fiscal and fiduciary care. Creating and maintaining these systems extends from the public to private sectors and saves thousands of dollars. Unfortunately, the truth is that regular maintenance for sanitary and stormwater systems is not thought of until there is a problem – an expensive problem that can be avoided with cost-effective maintenance.
Standard Pipe Services LLC provides thorough maintenance services, including televising the sewer to monitor, initiate corrective action, and provide detailed recommendations for optimum performance and system longevity. We have specialized equipment to accurately identify problems and mediate challenging situations found at the time we see them, not weeks down the road. Televising ensures a clear picture of pipe integrity, leaks, and infiltration, which allows us to offer precise location diagnoses and solutions. In addition, we are extensively trained to meet NASSCO meet and exceed NASCCO standards under PACP format requirements.
Please take advantage of our suite of pipe rehabilitation services. Standard Pipe Services, LLC is proud to contribute to the explosive growth of the infrastructure pipeline and assist our clients with locating the funds they need to initiate their project goals. If you want to collaborate on a project, contact us or follow us on LinkedIn and FaceBook for more tips and to stay current.
