Your Ultimate Guide to Managing Stormwater in Sydney - Avoid a Blocked Stormwater Drain
Blocked Stormwater Drain Maintenance
Your Ultimate Guide to Managing Stormwater in Sydney
Nobody likes the sound of having to deal with a blocked stormwater drain, and why should you have to? Blocked drains in any form have the potential to cause plumbing issues and major damage to your home if not attended to right away.
Sydney weather is unpredictable, with the La Nina season and the heavy rainfall seemingly finishing, as well as the likelihood of El Nino starting, it's an excellent opportunity for homeowners to prepare for future rain events in the dryer months ahead... And avoid dreaded blocked stormwater drains! The best solution for property owners to prevent blockages is preventative maintenance.
During the wet months, La Nina has shined a light on the number of blocked stormwater systems in Sydney, making it vital to maintain gutters and stormwater systems while we are in the drier months and before the wetter months begin.
Also, as trees search for water during the drier months, it is common to see an increase in tree roots in drains. This guide aims to educate homeowners on the importance of stormwater management and how you can keep your gutters and drains in perfect shape to avoid significant issues caused by blocked systems.
Importance of Stormwater Drainage System Management
Many homeowners in Sydney are unaware of the significant impact stormwater drainage has on their properties. Your stormwater system is responsible for collecting the stormwater runoff from rain events. When the storm water hits the roof of your home, the water flow will run into the roof gutters, down the downpipes and into the main stormwater channels.
If not adequately managed, stormwater can cause significant issues such as erosion, water flooding, burst pipes and property damage. It is essential to have a proper stormwater management plan in place that includes regular maintenance of your gutters, drainage systems, and inspection of underground pipes. You can hire professionals to inspect your stormwater over time, which will ensure that any issues are identified and fixed before they become more severe.
How La Nina Highlighted Blocked Stormwater Drains
The repeated La Nina seasons in Sydney made it evident to homeowners that blocked stormwater systems are a severe issue for Sydney property. Blocked systems can lead to significant issues such as flooding, cracked pavements, water pooling and causing a possible flood and damage inside your home.
During the La Nina seasons, the frequency of heavy rain and storms highlighted these issues, with many professional plumbers seeing a huge increase in calls for a blocked stormwater drainage system.
As stormwater drains are located on the roof of your Sydney property, it often goes unnoticed when your gutter guards become dislodged or gutters become filled with other garden debris, such as leaves from surrounding tree branches. Once there is a buildup of these things in the stormwater drains, the stormwater pipes become blocked and begin to cause plumbing problems.
During this time, we were able to educate our clients on the importance of gutters and drainage systems being clear and in good condition to avoid ending up with a blocked storm water drain, as well as having to spend large amounts of money on home repairs from damage caused.
The Impact of Tree Roots During Drier Months
The latest news is that El Nino has more than a 50% chance of showing up during winter. This means that we will see slightly warmer temperatures as well as a lack of rain.
A dry season in Sydney means there will be little water and nutrients in the ground, causing trees to search for water, a common challenge that leads to an increased number of tree roots in stormwater drains, as well as sewer pipes. Tree roots cause significant damage to the underground drainage system, including storm water drains, leading to blockages, and expensive repairs.
To avoid such issues to your property, homeowners must regularly maintain stormwater drains, stormwater grates and other plumbing services by either hiring a plumbing expert to recommend stormwater drainage solutions or inspecting the stormwater line themselves. Ensure that you keep any surrounding trees well-watered to prevent them from searching for water from nearby storm water drains.
How to Maintain Gutters and Stormwater Systems
To maintain your gutter and stormwater systems, begin by inspecting them regularly after significant weather events such as a heavy downpour or severe storm. This will ensure that any debris such as leaves, twigs, and dirt is removed.
Maintaining your gutter and stormwater drainage is crucial in ensuring the longevity and structural integrity of your property in Sydney. A blocked stormwater drain can lead to water damage and even pose a health hazard to you and your family. Here are some helpful steps to keep your gutter and stormwater drains in top condition and avoid a plumbing problem within your stormwater pipes.
Regular Cleaning: Cleaning your gutters at least twice a year is essential to avoid blocked stormwater drains caused by debris such as leaves, twigs, and moss. In areas with high rainfall, more frequent cleaning may be required of your stormwater drainage system. Make sure to use a sturdy ladder and wear appropriate safety gear such as gloves and eye protection.
Install Gutter Guards: Consider installing guards, which are designed to prevent debris from entering and blocking your gutter and prevent a stormwater drain blockage. There are various types of gutter guards available, including mesh, foam, and brush types.
Check for Damage: Inspect your gutters and downpipes for any signs of damage such as cracks, holes, incorrect connection, or rust on the pipes or drain. A damaged gutter is more prone to blockages and could cause water damage if not addressed promptly. Consider repairing or replacing any damaged sections as soon as possible.
Maintain Your Stormwater System: In addition to regular gutter cleaning, it's essential to maintain your stormwater system. This includes inspecting the stormwater pits and channels for any blockages, silt build-up, or damage. Regular cleaning and maintenance of these systems can help prevent blocked stormwater pipes, as well as water gushing water flow and flooding during heavy rain.
Seek Professional Help: If you're unsure about your gutter or stormwater drains condition, it's best to seek professional help. A qualified tradesperson can perform an inspection, identify where the blocked drain location is by the method of CCTV drain inspections, and provide solutions (including permanent solutions) to keep your property in top condition and prevent flooding and future stormwater drain blockages.
By following these helpful steps, you can maintain your gutters and stormwater drain system and avoid getting a blocked stormwater drain. Remember, prevention is always better than cure when it comes to protecting your property from water damage.
Hiring Professionals for Stormwater Management
Hiring professionals from a reliable service for your stormwater management and drain services can save you valuable time and dramatically reduce the risk of significant issues. Professionals can assess your property using a CCTV drain camera and recommend a management plan that includes the inspection of underground pipes and routine inspections of gutters and stormwater systems. They also have the necessary modern equipment (like a high pressure water jet) and experience to identify a clear any blocked pipes or other debris.
If you happen to have any pipes or drains that require further attention, a licensed plumber may also be able to offer you pipe relining and a permanent solution. To find out more about pipe relining, click here.
All in all, managing stormwater in Sydney is vital for homeowners to avoid significant issues such as flooding and property damage. The dry season coming up is an excellent opportunity to prepare and maintain gutters and stormwater systems before the next La Nina event or rainy hits. To protect your property, it is crucial to develop a stormwater management plan that includes regular maintenance and inspections of your gutters and drainage systems. By hiring professionals, you can save time, and identify any issues early on, reducing the risk of expensive repairs down the line. With proper precautions and professional help, you can safeguard your property and avoid any stormwater-related issues.
Here at Network Plumbing, we have been saving blocked storm water drains for over 35 years. We offer our clients a regular drain inspection and drain cleaning service to ensure their drains are in the best condition possible all year round - you never know when that rain storm might hit with excess water runoff.
To avoid being stuck with a blocked stormwater pipes, call us today on 9023 3232
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