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Drainage System Information & Inspections
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Maintenance Inspections
Questions & Answers About Maintenance Inspections
When will an inspection take place?
You will receive a letter from Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) within a month of your inspection date. The letter will outline the inspection process and include contact information. At this time, if you would like to accompany the inspector during the inspection, a mutually agreeable time can be set up.
How do I know where my system is?
Look for a round solid metal lid marked “DRAIN” on the top. The detention system is usually directly under the lid. All the catch basins on your property drain to that central system. Storm grates are usually easy to spot and easy to access.
What will happen on the day of an inspection?
On the day of the inspection, the inspector will make every effort to contact a responsible party on-site, and then proceed to measure the sediment levels and do a visual check of the stormwater detention system and/or treatment system to ensure that it is up to code. A follow-up letter will be sent to you within two weeks of the inspection.
What parts of the system are being inspected?
The inspector looks at catch basins, storm drain inlets, flow control structures, detention ponds, tanks, vaults, pumps, treatment systems, and oil/water separators.
What does the inspector look for?
High sediment levels, missing components, and drainage problems. Removing excessive sediment is the most common maintenance that needs to be done. When a catch basin or flow control structure gets too full, it stops functioning, and it is time for the property owner to clean it out.
Does the inspector need to get inside the building?
Yes, if the system is located in the parking garage or basement of the building or behind a secured area. Please contact your inspector to set up an appointment.
Do I need to be there for the inspection?
Not unless you would like to be, but you are certainly welcome to accompany the inspector. To arrange a mutually agreeable time, please call the inspector listed at the bottom of your letter.
How will I find out the results of the inspection?
Within two weeks of the inspection date, you will be sent a follow-up letter letting you know that either your system is in good working order, or that some maintenance or repair is needed. If problems need correcting, you will also receive a report detailing the problem and its solution, a map of the drainage system, and a list of drainage contractors.
What if corrective actions are needed?
As the property owner, you are responsible for any corrections needed to comply with the City Code. These will be outlined in the follow-up letter sent after the inspection.
Site re-inspections by SPU are scheduled 30 days from the date of the follow-up letter, but you can arrange for an extension if needed.
If compliance is not achieved within a timely manner, a Notice of Violation may be issued and could result in significant fines each day the violation continues.
What does this sort of maintenance/repair cost?
Prices for maintenance vary, depending on the amount of sediment to be removed, how easy it is to access the site, and the extent of the repair.
You may choose to do the work yourself, or to hire a contractor. A list of drainage contractors who do this sort of work will be sent to you. (SPU cannot recommend any particular drainage contractor). This is a competitive field and it is often possible to realize substantial savings by soliciting at least three competitive bids.
How long do I have to fix the problem?
You typically have at least two months, and if more time is needed), call the inspector to talk about getting an extension.
Can I clean out my catch basins myself?
Cleaning your own stormwater detention system is no small undertaking. It is unsafe to go into a flow control structure without proper preparation and equipment—this is a confined space and maintenance should not be attempted by non-professionals. You may be able to clean your catch basins yourself; however a full catch basin may contain as much as 1/3 yard or 1/2 ton of material. If you have a small number of catch basins, cost savings could make "doing-it-yourself" something to consider.
See How to Maintain Drainage Structures (link below) for details.
How often should I check my stormwater detention system to see if it is functioning properly?
At least every year - every season is recommended.
See How to Maintain Drainage Structures (link below) for details.
Related Links
Questions and Answers About Maintenance Inspections - For detail on what to expect during an inspection.
Using a Contractor for Maintenance
List of Drainage System Contractors (PDF)
Pollution Control Inspections - To help businesses keep pollutants out of their stormwater runoff.
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