People are accustomed to seeing grates for storm sewers placed at intervals along city streets. However, they may never have encountered one on a residential property.
When someone thinks about buying a home that has a storm sewer in a far corner of the yard, this person no doubt will wonder who is responsible for maintaining it. The grate has probably been there for many decades. What happens if it backs up and drainage repairs in Branford, CT become necessary?
Parking Lot Grates
All sorts of questions can be raised when thinking about these types of drainage systems. The prospective home buyer now remembers round or rectangular grates in parking lots that allow storm water and melting snow to drain away effectively, preventing large puddles from developing on the pavement. Those puddles not only are inconvenient for drivers and pedestrians, the standing water is hard on the pavement.
The Risk of a Grate Sinking
When the system does not work properly, drainage repairs in Branford, CT must be scheduled. Otherwise, the grate and the area around it may start to sink. Cracks and holes develop in the asphalt. In a worst-case scenario, the area becomes a sinkhole and can cause damage to a vehicle that is driven over it.
Responsibility of Parking Lot Owners
Storm drains like this may connect with a municipal system that sends the water untreated to local waterways, just as water pouring into street grates does. The business owner is responsible for hiring a contractor such as Atwater Paving to rebuild the system and make repairs if problems develop.
Finding the Answer Regarding Residential Lots
In regard to the residential property with an old storm sewer, the question of responsibility for repairs must be answered by the real estate agent, the current homeowner or a representative of the municipality.
This type of construction typically was done when the land beyond this property slopes upward and causes rainwater to travel down the hill. It would create ponds at this low point in the yard. It may involve an easement, which would mean the city should be in charge of repair work and payment.
