How frequently should private catch basins and drains be cleaned?
Private drainage systems should be cleaned at least once a year before the start of wet season and then inspected throughout the wet season. It is important to remove trash and debris, and ensure that private drainage systems work properly to minimize flooding hazards. Please remember that private system do eventually connect to the public storm drain system and ultimately San Francisco Bay. Flushing debris from a private system into the City’s system is pushing the problem away temporarily and is equal to illegal dumping. This practice can lead to back flows and back ups in your private system and cause flooding during the storm season. Debris and sediment in your private storm drain system should be vacuumed out and hauled away for disposal. Public Works Services will provide this service to private developments for the cost of materials, equipment and labor. To learn more about the City’s storm drain system cleaning schedule, contact Public Works Services at (650) 780-7464.
