Why do we drain? Because we like the sploosh sploosh sounds our boots make in the water. Because we like having public access to areas our tax dollars paid for. Because sometimes it's the only way we can get an experience like caving.

But mostly because it's fun. Really fun.

However.

There are certain precautions that need to be taken when we go draining. Mostly really obvious things, like bringing a flashlight or two (it's dark down there, duh), and that it's a good idea to invest in some waterproof boots, and for the love of God, when it rains, no drains.

But there are other things to think about as well, if you plan on not being topside for awhile. Things like which kinds of manholes you can pop open from the inside (which is most of them), and the fact that if the manhole reads 'sewer', it's not a storm drain, it really is a sewer! and exactly what to do if it starts raining (which is either get yourself out as fast as hell or get as far away from the water as you can).

There tends to be very little information about draining inside the actual drains. So I wrote up a pamphlet thing (including a brief history of urban exploration), took a trip to the site of my first exploration, and taped the advice to some bricks below a manhole.

It went something like this, but longer:

Basically, people have been doing this for a really long time. Seriously. In 1793, this guy named Aspairt went exploring in the French catacombs and got lost. They didn't find his body for eleven years. Even Walt Whitman was into this. He used to run around in abandoned subway tunnels.
So you're not alone in this newfound obsession of yours. In fact, you might find people in your own area who are into it. It's fun. Enthralling, even. But remember, there are a few things you need to take into consideration.

Always bring a good flashlight. Actually, always bring an extra flashlight. And snacks. You'll want two pairs of shoes- one for walking to and from the entrance, and one (a good pair of waterproof boots) for running around below ground. Be careful about waterfalls, especially if there's anything slick underneath them. As long as you know EXACTLY where the manhole is (i.e. whether or not there are cars running over it), it's okay to pop it from below. The circular ones can't actually come through and fall on you. Be careful.

When it rains, no drains. Seriously. Don't be stupid.

Always tell someone where you're going and when you plan to be back. This is the benefit of having friends who also go draining, because you don't have to confuse people who don't know what you're talking about.

Have fun, but don't be stupid.


Hopefully anyone down there already knows what they're doing, but if not, this might help.