The Difference Between Storm Drains and Sewer Drains

April 19, 2025 | Robert Wolfe |

When homeowners experience backups, flooding, or strange odors, one of the first questions we ask is: Are you dealing with a storm or sewer drain?
They sound similar, but they’re very different systems, and treating one like the other can lead to significant problems.

At CPR—Complete Pipe Repair, we help homeowners in Troy, Dayton, and the Miami Valley understand how their home’s drainage works and where issues really begin.

What Is a Storm Drain?

A storm drain is designed to carry rainwater and surface runoff away from streets, parking lots, and building foundations.
It usually leads to:

  • Nearby creeks or rivers
  • Municipal storm systems
  • Retention ponds

Storm drains typically do NOT treat water — they move it.

You’ll usually see them:

  • At the bottom of driveways
  • Along curbs and roadways
  • Near the base of sloped yards

What Is a Sewer Drain?

A sewer drain is connected to your home’s plumbing system. It carries wastewater from:

  • Toilets
  • Showers and tubs
  • Sinks
  • Dishwashers and washing machines

This flows into your main sewer line, which connects to the city sewer system or a septic tank.

Why It Matters for Homeowners

If your storm drain backs up, the issue could be with:

  • Blocked exterior drainage
  • Clogged yard pipes
  • Poor yard grading or slope

If your sewer drain backs up, the issue is likely in your internal plumbing system, and a video inspection is required to find the cause.

A Common Source of Confusion

Many older homes in Troy, Dayton, and surrounding cities have combined sewer systems, where stormwater and wastewater flow through the same pipe.
This creates a high risk for:

  • Overflows during rain
  • Flooded basements
  • Sewer gas smells in wet weather

We frequently inspect and repair these systems using trenchless methods that don’t require digging.

Not Sure Which Drain Is the Problem?

That’s where CPR comes in. With HDR video inspections, we can see which system is failing and whether you need cleaning, CIPP lining, or a simple blockage cleared.

Get the Right Fix the First Time

Trying to fix a sewer issue through a storm line — or vice versa — can waste money and time. Let our expert team identify the right solution without pressure or guesswork.

Call CPR at (937) 703-1811 to schedule your inspection today.

Recent Posts

Categories