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STORMWATER
MANAGEMENT - CATCH BASIN PROTECTION |
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Q. Do Ultra-DrainGuards work in the winter and in freezing conditions? A.
In many cases the
Ultra-DrainGuards will continue to operate effectively until outdoor
temperatures reach zero degrees Fahrenheit. Typically,
Ultra-DrainGuards will not freeze up in the air temperature of a 0°
- 32° F range based on two factors: a.
The Ultra-DrainGuards are below ground and warmer air tends
to circulate through the stormwater pipes keeping the temperature
elevated in the catch basins and the Ultra-DrainGuards less likely
to freeze-up. b.
In locations where snow and freezing temperatures often
occur, salt is used on the roads to prevent freezing of surface
water. Much of this
salt flows into the Ultra-DrainGuards and is mixed with the sediment
filling the Ultra-DrainGuard. The
salt helps prevent the sediment and Ultra-DrainGuard from freezing
up in temperatures above 0°
F. Q.
What happens to the Ultra-DrainGuards when the outdoor
temperature falls below 0°
F? A.
This temperature has no detrimental effect on the Ultra-DrainGuard
itself, however extended temperatures of 0° F will cause the
sediment and the moisture in the Ultra-DrainGuard to freeze up.
This does not present a functional problem since any other water or
snow on the streets will be frozen as well so there is no need for
the Ultra-DrainGuard to be functional at that time. As the
weather warms and stormwater begins to flow once again, the
Ultra-DrainGuard tends to thaw in a similar timeframe, allowing it
to function again. Q.
Is there ever a cold weather situation where the
Ultra-DrainGuard may not be effective?
A.
We are aware of only one limited circumstance. It has been 0°
F and the streets and Ultra-DrainGuards are frozen solid. Then a
very quick warm front moves through (i.e. 60° F air temperature)
and there is heavy rain. This warm rain will immediately flow
into the catch basins and into the frozen Ultra-DrainGuards.
Until the Ultra-DrainGuards are thawed due to the warmer water, the
water will not be filtered by the Ultra-DrainGuard, it will simply
flow out through the by-pass ports located at the top of the
Ultra-DrainGuard. No ponding or flooding would occur and the
Ultra-DrainGuard would begin functioning again once it thaws.
This circumstance does not occur often and is more likely in more
southern states like Oklahoma and Texas.
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