Archived Thread

NFT: driveway culvert repair (liner?)

davek3698 : 7/10/2019 7:19 am

My town in MD does not have the traditional underground sewer system that I had growing up in NJ. Rather, it has drainage swales in front yards that slope downhill for rainwater. Underneath driveways there are metal culverts. I noticed that my culvert has rusted/rotted away on the bottom part of the high side of the driveway. I really don't want to pay to replace it, which would also entail a new driveway (or at least part of a new driveway). It seems to have its integrity and the driveway is not affected. Is there a way to repair the existing culvert? Perhaps add a plastic liner to it? Thanks.

I'm assuming that the existing culvert is

Giants61 : 7/10/2019 10:13 am : link

corrugated steel which is very popular for this type of application and did provide some structural support for the driveway. Unfortunately it is now compromised due to the corrosion and I don't believe a plastic liner will provide much support if any. You may not have any other recourse but to replace it in kind. I would inquire with your town's public work dept. for recommendations. Also if the drainage swale is in the street's right-of-way perhaps there is something they can offer. Good luck

Definitely check with the town/county

Jim in Fairfax : 7/10/2019 10:32 am : link

That�s part of a public drainage system. I would bet that is their responsibility. In fact, it might be illegal for you to mess with it.

Checked with the town and was told

davek3698 : 7/11/2019 9:17 am : link

that "the culvert pipe itself is owned and maintained by each individual homeowner, just as the driveway is, as it is an entrance access to each property across the Town's right-of-way". On my dime, unfortunately, it appears.