As winter nears and the days grow short, preparing storm water systems for winter should be on every property manager’s list. The storms and chills of the season don’t wait for anyone, especially when it comes to drains, filters, and treatment devices that keep your property running smoothly. With SWIMS in your corner, getting ready is simple, affordable, and stress-free.
Why Winter Storms Are Hard on Storm Water Systems
Winter brings freeze-thaw cycles, hail, and heavy downpours that overwhelm typical maintenance routines. Leaves and debris block inlets and grates, trapping water on the surface or pushing it to places it doesn’t belong. Even moderate rain can overwhelm even well-designed systems, leading to rapid surges that challenge pipes, filters, and bio-retention areas. Preparing storm water systems for winter is about making these systems nimble and flexible so they handle everything winter throws their way.
Keeping Costs Down
Those who wait for a problem to appear pay more in the end. Emergency repairs in winter are pricey, disrupt tenants, and sometimes mean after hours work is necessary. Preparing storm water systems for winter before the storms arrive ensures inspections, filter cleanings, and fixes are handled quickly and affordably. With SWIMS, proactive maintenance is a predictable cost, so there are no surprises later in the season.
Winter Storms and Compliance Requirements
Regulators often pick winter and early spring for site reviews, so preparing storm water systems for winter doubles as a compliance safeguard. A neglected drain invites citations, fines, and a whole lot of paperwork nobody wants. With our detailed digital reports and reliable service logs, getting through inspections is easy and drama-free. Peace of mind is worth a lot, and our clients appreciate having inspections pass without a hitch.
Maintenance Details and Service Areas
We serve both Northern and Southern California with a full suite of storm water maintenance services tailored to winter weather. Our maintenance covers BMPs, green services, vaults, reporting, and digital documentation that make avoiding problems a breeze. Each account is matched with experienced technicians who understand the unique weather patterns and compliance needs in your area.
Modern Products Keep You Ahead
Technology advances each year, and so does our toolkit for preparing storm water systems for winter. From updated filters to efficient separators and eco-friendly treatment devices, we have direct partnerships with trusted manufacturers. This ensures fast access to parts, expert installation, and maintenance that is always up to spec. Review some of the top tools on our products page for winter readiness.
- Catch Basin Filters
These easy-to-install inserts remove debris, hydrocarbons, metals, and other contaminants from storm water before it enters the drainage system. Built from durable high-density polyethylene with UV inhibitors, they fit standard and custom basins and meet EPA and OSHA safety standards. Quick servicing and replaceable cartridges mean lower maintenance needs over time. Learn more. - Curb Inlet Filter
Designed for straightforward retrofits, these filters use high-impact, recycled-content plastic and feature robust, replaceable cartridges that can be accessed easily through the curb. The unique geotextile media grabs oils, metals, litter, and sediment while maintaining strong flow and overflow capacity to manage heavy runoff, all while meeting strict EPA and OSHA standards. Learn more. - StormFilter® Cartridge
With multiple cartridge heights available, StormFilter® systems offer flexibility for sites with space or hydraulic constraints. The 27” model treats more water per square foot, reducing system size while delivering high-performance filtration. Cartridges can be swapped out for maintenance and target a range of pollutants, from hydrocarbons and heavy metals to sand and litter. Learn more. - Oil Absorbent Filters
Placed in interceptors or catch basins, these filters soak up oils and gasoline before discharge. The pillow-shaped design is simple to check and replace; change it out when it turns from white to brown or grey. All filter media are non-hazardous and EPA/OSHA approved, helping safeguard local water quality. Learn more. - StormTek
StormTek devices are certified by the California State Waterboard and use stainless steel construction for maximum durability. These connector pipe screens offer full trash capture for MS4 compliance, with designs that retrofit to nearly any pipeline or catch basin. Technicians custom-fit them to site needs for guaranteed performance. Learn more. - Drain Markers
Installed with a lifetime warranty, our drain markers make it clear where runoff leads, helping to educate and protect waterways. The markers reinforce compliance and public awareness while standing up to years of outdoor exposure. Learn more.
More About Full Trash Capture
Installing a full-trash capture device as part of your storm water systems winter prep has become a must for municipalities and property owners across California, as statewide regulations now require certified systems to keep trash out of storm water and, ultimately, local waterways. Without this technology, storm drains easily carry litter and debris straight from urban surfaces into rivers, lakes, and the ocean, threatening wildlife and community health.
The Stormtek ST 3/G, offered by SWIMS, is a leader among California Water Board approved solutions. Built to rigorous standards and widely installed throughout the state, this device stops trash larger than five millimeters from moving through stormwater systems during every storm, rain event, or winter runoff. The result is fewer fines, less maintenance expense, and a cleaner environment for all.
Clients partnering with SWIMS get expertly trained technicians to handle both installation and ongoing maintenance. This provides peace of mind, knowing the system operates at peak efficiency and stays compliant year-round. As storm water experts, we perform comprehensive inspections and develop maintenance plans tailored to each site, ensuring property owners navigate winters and evolving regulations with total confidence.
The SWIMS Method for Preparing Storm Water Systems for Winter
Our approach is rooted in over two decades of experience serving property managers across California.
Our Step-By-Step Process
- Schedule your annual inspection in late summer or early fall.
- We clean catch basins, trench drains, and inlets to remove leaves and debris.
- SWIMS replaces filters and any worn out media.
- We inspect vaults, separators, and bio-retention areas for clogs or erosion.
- We help you set up a maintenance plan to track annual costs and forecast repairs.
Following this process makes preparing storm water systems for winter simple and effective for every property manager.
Conclusion
Preparing storm water systems for winter turns last-minute drama into hassle-free property management. Book early, relax, and let SWIMS handle the rest. Your buildings, tenants, and budget will thank you.
Don’t Let Winter Take the Wheel
Getting started is as simple as a phone call or a click. Book a free estimate and inspection on your schedule through our online form. One of our specialists will assess your property and tailor a plan that meets budget needs, compliance requirements, and peace of mind for the whole season.