Culverts are sections of pipe that are utilized to divert stormwater and snowmelt runoff water under driveways and roads. In essence, the water runs from the drainage system through a system of ditches that have been designed to collect the stormwater and snowmelt runoff from the surrounding areas. That being stated, a significant amount of dirt, garbage, and other types of debris typically collect within the culverts. When the flotsam and jetsam builds up over time it can end up blocking or clogging the culvert.
When that occurs the water will back up and end up flooding into the street and even into properties located near the culvert. As we all know, floods are dangerous on a multitude of levels because they tend to destroy all that is in their path. In fact, floods cause approximately $1.6 billion of damage in the United States on a yearly basis. In addition to the destruction of property, floods also cause a significant amount of damage to the environment, particularly in our local waterways. For example, floodwater can easily enter into streams, rivers, and even the ocean.
The accumulation of all of those additional bacteria and other poisonous elements in the water negatively affects anything living in those streams, rivers, and ocean including fish and plant life. The good news is that this can all be easily avoided by having the culverts maintained and cleaned on a regular basis. It is also important to note that if a culvert is located on a privately owned property, the owner of the house or building is responsible for having it maintained properly.
On the other hand, if the culvert is located on municipal property, the city or town is responsible for having it properly maintained. It does not take much to accomplish this. That being stated, it is important to hire a professional company that specializes in culvert cleaning and inspection. Otherwise, you are taking an unnecessary risk. If the culvert is not cleaned properly, it can cause damage to the pipe. A great deal of culverts in New England are old and made with materials that become brittle over time and can easily crack and break.
Furthermore, many of these culverts have not been properly maintained for years on end. A professional culvert maintenance company will carefully inspect the pipe prior to starting any of the cleaning work. That means they can pinpoint problems and devise solutions before it becomes too late. In addition, technicians that are appropriately trained and have a high level of experience will always utilize the proper equipment. For example, to clean out a culvert the correct way, you should only use the combination of a high-powered vacuum truck and special customized attachments.
The technician will blast the debris loose without causing damage to the culvert pipe. The technician will also extract the debris from the culvert with a vacuum hose that is attached to the vacuum truck. At this point, the technician can drive away and dispose of the debris in the proper manner.
In conclusion, it is incredibly important to have any culverts that you are responsible for maintained correctly. Otherwise you are taking the unnecessary risk of causing a vast amount of flood damage and polluting the environment. If you have any questions about culvert cleaning, inspection, and overall maintenance, or would like to schedule service we are happy to help. Jolin Paving & Excavating, Inc. is your New England connection for a vast variety of environmentally related services. Our company has been serving Boston Massachusetts, Southern NH, VT & ME as well as Northern CT & RI since 1952. Please Contact us to learn more today.
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