Why Catch Basins and Drains Matter in Winter

4 min read · Thames Valley Snow, London, Ontario

Drains do their real work in winter thaws

It is easy to think of drains as a summer concern. In fact, winter is when they matter most for safety. Every mild spell and every sunny afternoon sends meltwater across driveways, walkways and parking pads. If the nearest drain is open, that water leaves the surface. If it is blocked, the water spreads out and waits for nightfall, when it turns into a sheet of ice.

Types of drains around a typical home

• Driveway trench or channel drains, often in front of a garage on sloped driveways.
• Yard drains and area drains in low spots of lawns or patios.
• Downspout outlets and splash pads, which carry roof water.
• Street catch basins at the curb, maintained by the City but often right where windrows and snowbanks end up.

Why we mark drains before the season

Once the first big snowfall arrives, drains disappear. A plow operator has no way to see a trench drain under 15 cm of snow, and a pile pushed on top of it will sit there until spring. That is why we mark edges, steps and drains on every property before the season starts. Markers let the crew keep snow off drains and keep piles where meltwater can run away safely. If you have a drain we might not know about, tell us when you book.

What homeowners can do

• Clear leaves and debris from driveway and yard drains before winter.
• Check that downspout extensions are in place and pointed away from walkways.
• After a big storm, clear a small opening over a trench drain if it is safe to reach.
• If a street catch basin is blocked and causing flooding, contact the City of London rather than attempting work on the road.

Drains and ice control work together

Even with good drainage, some ice will form on cold nights. Open drains simply mean there is far less water available to freeze, so salt goes further and surfaces dry faster. Combining good snow storage, marked drains and seasonal salting with refreeze visits is the most reliable way to keep a driveway safe through a freeze-thaw winter.

How our seasonal service handles it

Our seasonal plans run from December 1 to March 31. Clearing is automatic every time 5 cm or more falls, so you never need to call or book a visit. In long storms we come back for return visits, and the City windrow at the end of your driveway is cleared as part of the service. Before the season starts we mark your edges, steps and drains so they can be found under snow. After every visit you get a timestamped photo. We are fully insured with $2,000,000 in liability coverage and registered with WSIB. Seasonal salting is available for $175 plus HST and includes freezing rain and refreeze visits, and seniors and front-line workers save 5% on seasonal plans. Prices are fixed for the season: single or 1.5-car driveways are $650 to $725, doubles are $815, and three-car, paver or stamped driveways are $1,050, all plus HST. We measure your property from City of London maps and aerial imagery and send a fixed quote within one business day. A 30% deposit reserves your spot, with the balance due before December 1.

Want this handled for you this winter? Request a free quote and we will measure your property and send a fixed price within one business day, or call or text (548) 888-8702. You can also read more about salting and ice control and how it works.

What's included… and what's extra

A Thames Valley Snow seasonal residential plan starts from $650 for a standard driveway. It covers clearing the driveway every time snowfall reaches the trigger depth in your agreement, plus the windrow the city plow leaves at the end of the driveway. Larger driveways are priced on our snow removal prices page.

Popular add-ons, priced per season: walkway and steps $150–175, salting $175, priority service $125, pet-safe salt $120, driveway extension $95 and city sidewalk clearing $90. Add only what your property needs; everything is listed on the quote so there are no surprises. Get your fixed price or call or text (548) 888-8702.