
Is your public or commercial storm drain smelling foul? Jet Blast Inc. is to the rescue!
One of the most common problems with storm drains isn’t that they aren’t working in some way; it’s that they smell bad. Why do storm drains smell bad? They shouldn’t. See why they might below and what Jet Blast Inc. can do about it.
Built-up Contaminants
Storm drains have a lot more coming through them besides rainwater and snowmelt. As water flows over soil and pavement, it picks up all kinds of particles and items, such as fertilizer, gasoline, oil, animal feces, sticks, leaves, dirt, and more. Over time, storm drain lines can become blocked with the buildup of these contaminants despite the safety of a catch basin.
Sewage from Combined Sewer Systems
Newer sewage systems are more likely to keep stormwater runoff and sewage completely separate. However, some combined sewer systems still exist. In Washington, DC, they are still around and are as of 2025 in process of becoming more separate. When heavy rainfall occurs, sewage can leak into the stormwater runoff pipes, causing unpleasant fumes to rise to street level.
Blockages or Overflow
Any type of sewer system blockage or flooding can cause a stench to rise, especially if the system has not been cleaned in a long time, it’s hot weather, or both. The bacteria, viruses, and general smell of the particles can make storm drains smell bad.
Mold or Mildew
If the weather is hot and the storm drain system is also warm, mold and mildew can grow quickly. Mold and mildew prefer moist, warm, and dark environments best. A musty, unhealthy smell can arise if that is the case in your local stormwater management system.
The Importance of Professional Storm Drain Cleaning
Jet Blast Inc. is here to keep your public and commercial storm drains clean in DC, Maryland, Northern Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. Our hydroblasting trucks can swiftly and safely remove contaminants and return filtered water to the system. We will dispose of the waste according to the standards. Trust Jet Blast Inc. to prevent your storm drains from smelling bad.
Contact Jet Blast Inc. Today!
Jet Blast® Industrial Services strives every day in an effort to provide our customers with the best service and equipment possible. Providing a safe and stable workplace has allowed us to keep a team of quality people, with most having a tenure of 15 – 25 years with Jet Blast®. With all that experience under one roof, we have been able to provide reliable 24-hour service since 1979. I believe this helps to set us apart from the competition.
Compare us! Let us make your job easier. If you’re located in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Northern Virginia, or Washington, D.C., contact us by email at [email protected], call us at 410-636-0730, or fax us at 410-789-3907, and don’t forget to keep in touch with us on Facebook!