How to Unblock a Stormwater Drain

If you’ve found yourself with unexplained puddles and pools of water in your front or backyard, chances are you have a blocked stormwater drain. It’s certainly not an ideal situation, but thankfully it is one you can resolve.

There are times you can fix a blocked toilet, shower drain or kitchen sink with basic DIY methods like a plunger or drain snake. A clogged stormwater drain, however, typically requires a more complex solution. Therefore, it’s almost always best to put those DIY tools aside and call in a qualified plumber.

Before we take a look at the most effective methods of unblocking a clogged stormwater drain, let’s explore the most common signs and causes. And, as prevention is always better than cure, we’ll take a look at preventative measures you can take to protect your stormwater drains and avoid blockages in future.

Signs of a Blocked Stormwater Drainage System

Before we go any further, it’s worth looking at the key function of a stormwater drain pipe.

Essentially, stormwater drains connect pipes from homes to larger sewer systems, effectively managing rainwater. They prevent flooding and water damage by diverting excess water away from properties.

It uses a system of gutters, downpipes and other elements to funnel any surplus rainwater, snowmelt and other surface runoff away from house roofs, stress and other impenetrable surfaces and into the drainage system. Of course, if that drainage system has an obstruction, it gets blocked, potentially leading to further problems.

The Most Common Tell-tale Indicators

It might be obvious to some people, but others will completely miss or ignore the signs of having a blocked stormwater system. Here are some of the tell-tale indicators to look out for:

• Water overflowing from the base of your downpipes. This is an obvious sign that there’s a blockage in the stormwater drains.
• Roof gutters overflowing with water. Gutters should catch rainwater and direct the flow into downpipes, but water overflowing gutters is a sure sign that there may be a blockage in the downpipes.
• Water pooling near drains, and backyard areas becoming boggy. If some parts of your backyard are muddy, it’s an obvious sign that water isn’t leaving the drainage system.
• Slow water drainage is another sign of a blockage, along with gurgling sounds coming from your drains.

If you notice these early signs, it’s time to get onto the problem straight away. You definitely want to avoid water dripping through your ceiling or your entire backyard turning into a muddy bog.

Main Causes of Blocked Stormwater Pipes

Many factors can cause a blockage in your stormwater drains. Though debris and tree roots are among the most common causes, there are many more to consider.

Here are the main causes of blocked stormwater drains:

• Debris – This is the most common cause of blocked drains. Leaves, dirt, branches and other natural materials can cause debris, as can soaps, sanitary towels, toilet paper and food waste. All of these items can cause serious blockages.
• Tree roots – like all of us, trees need water to thrive and survive. They will typically seek the nearest source of water to stay hydrated. That source is often the water found in pipes, and the way they get to that water is by the tree roots breaking through small cracks in the pipes. Once the roots are in there though, they stay there and continue to grow. This intrusion ultimately obstructs the flow of stormwater through the pipes and causes the blockage.
• Water flow problems – Gravity plays an important role in water flow leaving your property. Water doesn’t flow uphill. Pipes must be properly installed and include falls to ensure water flow so debris particles don’t accumulate. Slow draining water, gurgling noises and bad odours coming from sinks are all indications of poor water flow.
• Heavy rainfall – This can disrupt drainage systems, causing blockages and potential flooding. During heavy rain and storms, an accumulation of mud, dirt, leaves and other material will get into drainage systems, creating blockages. Most drains just aren’t designed to take that level of water flow.
• Broken pipes – When pipes crack, water can’t flow freely and the pipe can collapse, causing a clog. Broken pipes can be the result of aging or poor installation. Another cause can be tree roots which break into pipes seeking moisture.

Stormwater drainage problems can be messy and expensive to deal with when you leave them too long. We always recommend nipping them in the bud ASAP to protect your home.

Ways to Unblock a Stormwater Drain

If you encounter a blocked stormwater drain on your property, you’ll no doubt be tempted to try some DIY work to fix it. However, solving a blocked stormwater drain problem is often more complicated than simply attacking it with a drain auger and some caustic soda as you would with a blocked shower. You may be lucky and find the debris blocking the drain near the entrance.

In a situation like this, you might be able to easily clear the blockage if it’s within reach. But more often than not, the solution is usually a bit trickier than that and requires professional expertise.

The most effective way to unblock a congested stormwater drain is with a professional plumber and a hydro-jet drain cleaner.

Hydro-jet drain cleaning is tailor-made for clearing stubborn and significant stormwater pipe blockages. It uses extremely high-pressure water jets to break up and clear away the most common causes of blocked stormwater drains – from sludge, silt and other debris to even tree roots! Hydro-jet pressure levels can reach as high as 5000psi, so you’ll enjoy a quick and efficient clean up of your blockage.

Once the blockage has been resolved, the plumber might feed a CCTV camera through the drain and into the pipework. They’ll examine the result to make sure that the hydro-jet has not caused any further damage and that the obstruction hasn’t simply just been shifted further down the pipes.

What Problems Does a Blocked Drain Cause?

A blocked stormwater drain is a bad enough problem on its own, as it prevents water from leaving your drainage system and causes a build-up. But this, in turn, leads to a range of deeper problems that will soon make your home an unpleasant place to live.

Among the many problems a blocked stormwater drain can cause are:

• Damage to floors – Water flow from blocked storm water drains can cause flooding and pass under doors, causing damage to floors and carpets.
• Damage to ceilings – If your drainage system prevents water from entering, it can back up into your roof. This can cause leakages and, in turn, water damage to ceilings and other items. Ceiling leakages also present a danger near electrical items.
• Algae and mould – Moist conditions caused by a drain blockage generate the ideal environment for the growth of algae and mould, again causing damage to your property.
• Health risks – The moisture caused by blockages can become a breeding ground for bacteria, which leads to mould growth. This poses a health risk for people with asthma and other chronic illnesses.
• Mosquitoes – Rainwater that pools and has no flow may become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Prevention is Better Than Cure

The best way to prevent blocked stormwater pipes and drains is to set up a regular cleaning routine. A professional drain cleaning once or twice a year can make a big difference. Clearing away any leaves, twigs and other debris from your gutters – before it has the chance to wash away through your home’s downpipes will also benefit you greatly.

Recognising the early signs of a blockage can also make a difference. It’s always easier to clear a drain blockage when it has just started to become a problem, rather than giving it time to build-up and develop into a more solid clog.

It’s also possible to install gutter guards and grates in certain locations, which will definitely help to prevent blockages. While they can keep debris out of the drain, you’ll need to keep them clean to prevent further debris intrusion.

Wrapping It Up

In many cases, blocked drains in the shower or kitchen sink are a relatively easy fix that any DIYer can attempt. However, when you find your stormwater drain blocked, always have a trained, professional plumber treat it as soon as possible. They’ll have the right technology to clear the blockage safely and thoroughly, with as little disruption as possible.

Of course, stormwater drain blockage prevention is always better than cure.

We’ll always recommend:

• Keeping your gutters and drains clean
• Being mindful of any tell-tale signs of possible blockages, and
• Acting on those warning signs as soon as possible
• In most cases, call a professional

That’s the most important message. When you find yourself with a blocked stormwater pipe or drain it usually requires a qualified plumber and some more advanced equipment, so don’t hesitate to contact a professional. You can count on Metropolitan Plumbing to unblock a stormwater drain and have your stormwater drainage systems flowing freely.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.