Stormwater drains play a crucial role in managing excess water from rain and storms, directing it away from homes and public areas to prevent flooding and water damage through an efficient stormwater system. In Australia, where heavy rainfall is common, maintaining stormwater drains is essential for the stormwater management and longevity of your property.
At Plus Plumbing, we focus on effective stormwater management solutions, including clean stormwater and stormwater pipe maintenance. Moreover, we understand the importance of a well-functioning stormwater drain system, and we’re here to share expert tips to help you keep your drains in top condition.
Regular stormwater drain maintenance not only prevents blockages but also protects your property from potential water damage and costly repairs. In this article, we’ll guide you through the essential steps to maintain your stormwater drain, explain why it’s important, and provide practical tips to ensure your drainage system remains effective all year round.
Understanding Stormwater Drains
What Is a Stormwater Drain?
A stormwater drain is a part of your property’s stormwater system designed to collect and transport rainwater away from your home. Unlike sewer systems, which carry wastewater to treatment plants, stormwater drains direct clean water from roofs, driveways, and other surfaces directly into rivers, lakes, or the sea. This system is vital for preventing flooding and managing water flow during heavy rainfalls.
Why Is Stormwater Drain Maintenance Important?
Maintaining your stormwater drain is critical to prevent blockages that can lead to serious issues like flooding, water damage, and even structural damage to your property due to a blocked drain. Blocked stormwater drains can cause water to back up, leading to pools of water around your home, which can seep into the foundation and cause significant damage.
At Plus Plumbing, we emphasise regular maintenance to keep your stormwater drainage system functioning efficiently. Proper maintenance ensures that water can flow freely through the drain system, preventing water from accumulating in unwanted areas and allowing clean stormwater to be effectively managed.
Common Causes of Stormwater Drainage Problems
Debris Buildup
One of the most common causes of stormwater drain blockages is the accumulation of debris such as leaves, dirt, and rubbish that can obstruct the storm drain. Over time, these materials can clog the drain, restricting water flow and leading to blockages. Regular cleaning of gutters and downpipes can help prevent debris from entering your stormwater drain and ensure clean stormwater flows.
Tree Roots
Tree roots can be a significant problem for stormwater drains. As trees grow, their roots can infiltrate drainage pipes in search of water, causing cracks and blockages. If left unchecked, tree roots can cause extensive damage to your drainage system, leading to costly repairs and blockages in the stormwater pipe.
Sediment and Silt
Sediment and silt can build up in your stormwater drain over time, especially if your property is located in an area with loose soil or sand. This buildup can reduce the capacity of the drain, making it less effective at managing water flow during heavy rainfalls, which is crucial for clean stormwater.
Incorrect Installation
Incorrect installation of stormwater drains can lead to ongoing problems. If the pipes are not installed at the correct gradient, water may not flow properly, leading to blockages and pooling around the drain. At Plus Plumbing, we recommend consulting with professionals during the installation of your drainage system to ensure it’s done correctly.
Inside Plus Plumbing
At Plus Plumbing, we recently helped our client Greg in the Blue Mountains with a stormwater issue. His strip drain was backing up and overflowing during heavy rain, which was causing flooding in his garage. Even though the drain was the right size, our inspection revealed that the discharge pipeline was severely blocked with years of built-up silt, dirt, and debris. Our team jumped into action right away, clearing the blockage and restoring full functionality to the system that very day. Now, Greg can face the next big downpour with peace of mind, knowing his garage will not flood again!
Signs of a Blocked Stormwater Drain
Slow Water Drainage
One of the first signs of a blocked stormwater drain is slow water drainage. If you notice that water is taking longer to drain from your driveway or yard after rain, it could be a sign that your stormwater drain is blocked and requires immediate attention to clear a blocked stormwater drain.
Water Pooling
Water pooling around your home or in your garden is a clear indication that your stormwater drain may be blocked. Pooling water can lead to soil erosion, damage to your garden, and even flooding in severe cases.
Gurgling Sounds in Pipes
If you hear gurgling sounds coming from your drains when it rains, it could be a sign that air is trapped in the drain pipes due to a blockage that needs to be addressed. This is a common sign of a blocked stormwater drain and should be addressed promptly with professional stormwater drain cleaning.
Unpleasant Odours
Unpleasant odours coming from your drains or around your property could indicate a blockage in your stormwater drain, requiring immediate stormwater drain cleaning. This is often caused by trapped debris decomposing in the pipes.
Expert Tips for Stormwater Drain Maintenance
Regular Inspection and Cleaning
One of the most effective ways to maintain your stormwater drain is through regular inspection and cleaning. At Plus Plumbing, we recommend inspecting your drains at least twice a year, especially before and after the rainy season. Clear any debris from gutters, downpipes, and the entrance to your stormwater drain to prevent blockages.
Install Gutter Guards
Gutter guards are an excellent investment to keep leaves and debris out of your stormwater drain. They help reduce the amount of cleaning required and prevent blockages from occurring in the first place.
Monitor Tree Growth
Keep an eye on the trees and shrubs near your stormwater drains. If you notice any roots growing towards your drainage system, consider trimming them back or consulting a professional arborist. At Plus Plumbing, we recommend planting trees with non-invasive root systems away from your drains to avoid potential issues.
Use High-Pressure Water Jets
For more stubborn blockages, high-pressure water jets can be used to clear your stormwater drains and ensure that water flows properly through the drain pipes. This method is effective at removing sediment, silt, and small roots that may have infiltrated your stormwater pipes, ensuring they remain clear. Professional plumbers, like those at Plus Plumbing, have the equipment and expertise to safely and effectively clear your drains using high-pressure water jets.
Check for Cracks and Damage
Regularly check your stormwater drains for cracks, leaks, or other signs of damage to prevent a blocked drain. If you notice any issues, it’s important to address them promptly to prevent further damage. At Plus Plumbing, we offer professional inspection services to identify and repair any damage to your stormwater drainage system.
Avoid Pouring Chemicals Down the Drainage System
While it may be tempting to use chemical drain cleaners to clear a blockage, these can actually cause more harm than good. Chemicals can corrode your pipes over time, leading to leaks and other damage. Instead, rely on natural methods or consult a professional drain cleaning service for safe and effective drain cleaning.
The Role of a Professional in Drain Cleaning
Why Hire a Plus Plumbing Professional?
While regular maintenance can help prevent many issues, some problems may require the expertise of a professional plumber. Professional maintenance services, like those offered by Plus Plumbing, can identify and address issues before they become major problems. Professionals have the tools and experience to thoroughly clean and maintain your stormwater drain, ensuring it functions properly.
What to Expect from a Professional Service
When you hire Plus Plumbing for stormwater drain maintenance, you can expect a thorough inspection of your entire drainage system. We will assess the condition of your pipes, identify any potential issues, and provide recommendations for repairs or upgrades. Our team will also clean your drains using the latest equipment and techniques to ensure they are free of blockages.
Emergency Services
In the event of a stormwater drain blockage, it’s important to act quickly to prevent water damage to your property. At Plus Plumbing, we offer emergency services to address blockages and other drainage issues, ensuring that your property is protected during heavy rainfall by clearing the stormwater pipe.
Storm Water Drainage Solutions: Preventing Future Blockages
Regular Maintenance Schedule
Establishing a regular maintenance schedule is key to preventing future blockages. At Plus Plumbing, we recommend scheduling professional maintenance services for your stormwater system at least once a year, or more frequently if your property is prone to blockages.
Educate Your Family
Educating your family about what can and cannot be disposed of in stormwater drains is crucial for preventing blockages. Remind everyone to keep leaves, rubbish, and other debris out of the gutters and drains to ensure proper water flow.
Install a Rainwater Harvesting System
A rainwater harvesting system can help reduce the amount of water entering your stormwater drain during heavy rainfalls. By collecting and storing rainwater for later use, you can relieve some of the pressure on your drainage system and prevent potential blockages.
Conclusion
Maintaining your stormwater drain is essential for protecting your property from water damage and ensuring your drainage system functions efficiently. By following the expert tips provided by Plus Plumbing, you can keep your stormwater drain in top condition and avoid costly repairs.
Remember, regular maintenance, professional inspections, and timely repairs are key to preventing blockages and ensuring your stormwater drain continues to allow water to flow effectively around the drain.
If you encounter any issues or need professional assistance, don’t hesitate to contact Plus Plumbing. We’re here to help you keep your stormwater drain—and your property—in the best possible condition with our expert stormwater management services, including clean stormwater drains.
