All storm drains over time will either settle or deteriorate over time. A storm drain is normally subjected to moisture for a good period of time over the course of the year. When water enters into the joints between the steel casting and block or the mortar joints in between the joints the water will disintegrate the mortar. When this happens, the water will also expand and contract when the temperatures freeze and will “pop out” the mortar. In addition, cracks will sometimes appear around the perimeter of the storm drains and will allow water to infiltrate to the casting. The joints between the asphalt and the steel casting will also allow water to enter. When either of these deficiencies appears or a combination of them together, this will deteriorate the integrity of the casting or structure nad the following will happen:

1. The drain may begin to settle around the perimeter and will further allow standing water to accumulate. If these drains are in a pedestrian trafficked area, in the winter when the standing water freezes, this may become a potential liability.
2. The cracks may continue to spread outward and continue to deteriorate the asphalt.
3. The casting may settle as the mortar “pops out” and an asphalt lip may appear that will be a tripping hazard.
4. A section of the casting or wedge blocks may have fallen out and when the casting is driven over it will move similar to a “see-saw”.
5. The top row of block may completely fail and allow the casting to cave in.

Settling Around Drain	Casting Settling Below Asphalt	Cracking Around Casting

Caved In Storm Drain

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Repair Process:

	The asphalt is saw cut and removed. Depending on the specific condition, the casting may or may not need to be removed from the concrete block.
	Depending on how many rows of block need to be removed, the deteriorated block will be removed and replaced with new block. The entire inside of the drain will be re-mortared to seal any cracks / joints and to prevent any further water damage.
	The casting will be re-set back onto a combination of shim blocks and mortar. All grade adjustments will be performed to insure that the drain is below grade enough to facilitate proper drainage.
	Any curbing will be replaced and new asphalt will be installed. The joint between the old / new asphalt and the steel casting / asphalt joint will be hot sealed to prevent water infiltration which will only lead to the deterioration again.

In addition to standard repairs, if your storm drain is located in a area where it is determined that water is draining under the parking lot and is causing the damage, we can install a drainage tile under the parking lot to capture the water prior to it coming into direct contact with the block or outer walls of the storm drain casting.