Stormwater Drain Cleaning: What You Need to Know

When maintaining your home’s drainage system, one crucial aspect often gets overlooked – the stormwater drainage network.

The last thing you want is to find your stormwater drain blocked. These vital channels are responsible for directing excess rainwater away from your property, preventing floods, and safeguarding your home from potential damage. However, over time, they can get clogged and hinder their ability to function efficiently. Let’s look further into the whys, hows and what-to-dos for when you have a blocked storm water drain at home.

The Hidden Perils of Blocked Stormwater Drains:

Various factors can lead to a blocked stormwater drain. It can restrict water flow and lead to potential flooding and property damage. Some of the primary causes of a blocked drain include:

• Debris accumulation: Leaves, twigs, litter, and other debris can accumulate in the stormwater system over time. These materials can enter the drains through open grates and cause blockages, impeding the smooth flow of water.
• Silt and sediment build-up: Soil particles and sediment carried by stormwater can settle within the drainage system. Over time, this silt can accumulate and obstruct water flow.
• Tree roots: The roots of nearby trees and plants are naturally drawn to sources of water. If they find a way into the stormwater pipes, they can grow and expand. This results in blocked drains and can even damage the pipes themselves.
• Damaged pipes: A storm water drain system can sustain damage due to age, wear and tear, or external factors like construction work or ground movement. The pipes’ cracks, fractures, and collapses can lead to blockages and reduced drainage capacity.
• Grease and oil: In urban areas, stormwater can carry grease, oil, and other pollutants from roads and parking lots into the drainage system. These substances can adhere to the pipe walls and trap other debris, eventually causing blockages.
• Foreign objects: Foreign objects like toys, plastic bags, and construction materials sometimes enter stormwater drains, leading to clogs.
• Structural issues: Poorly designed or inadequately sized stormwater drainage systems may not be able to handle the volume of water during heavy rainfalls, causing water to back up and creating blockages.
• Collapsed pipes: In severe cases, stormwater pipes can collapse entirely due to external pressure, ground movements, or deteriorating materials, resulting in a complete blockage.

Understanding the potential causes of a stormwater drain blockage is crucial for homeowners and property managers to unblock a stormwater drain, take preventive measures and seek professional help when necessary.

Regular maintenance and prompt attention to warning signs can help keep stormwater drains clear and functional, ensuring adequate water management during heavy rainfall events.

Stormwater Drain Cleaning Process

Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to combat the perils of clogged drains. A thorough inspection of your stormwater drainage system using advanced tools like CCTV drain cameras can help pinpoint the location and nature of the blockages.

Professional blocked drain specialists armed with high-pressure water jets can blast away the obstructions, restoring the drain’s capacity to its full potential.

1. The Power of High-Pressure Water Jets:

Traditional sewer drain cleaning methods might fall short when faced with blocked stormwater pipes. This is where high-pressure drain cleaning comes to the rescue.

These powerful tools can dislodge even the most stubborn debris and tree roots, leaving your stormwater drains clean and clear. It’s an effective, environmentally friendly solution that avoids harmful chemicals.

2. Gutter Guards and Regular Maintenance:

They say prevention is better than cure, which also holds for stormwater drainage issues. Installing gutter guards can be a game-changer, as they act as a barrier to prevent leaves and debris from entering the system in the first place.

Regularly cleaning and maintaining your stormwater drains can help you identify potential issues before they escalate into costly problems.

3. The Cutting-Edge Solution of Pipe Relining:

Sometimes, stormwater drain blockages might result from damaged or defective pipes. The traditional approach involved digging up the entire system to replace the damaged sections. However, now there’s a cutting-edge solution called pipe relining.

This process involves inserting a new pipe within the existing one and sealing off any cracks or leaks without requiring extensive excavation. It’s a time and cost-effective method that saves your wallet and landscape.

When to Seek Professional Help: Warning Signs and Common Issues

Knowing when to seek professional help for stormwater drain issues is essential to prevent further damage and costly repairs. Here are some warning signs and common issues that indicate it’s time to call in the experts:

Warning Signs of Blocked Drains:

• Slow Drainage
• Water Pooling
• Unpleasant Odours
• Gurgling Noises
• Overflowing Gutters

Common Issues:

• Clogged Drains
• Tree Root Infiltration
• Cracked or Collapsed Pipes
• Grease and Oil Build-Up
• Damaged Infrastructure
• Inadequate Drainage System
• Sewer Pipe Issues

 

Why Seek Professional Help?

While some minor blockages can be resolved with DIY methods, more severe issues require professional expertise and equipment. Here’s why you should seek professional help:

1. Expertise: Licensed plumbers and drain specialists have the knowledge and experience to effectively identify and address complex stormwater drain issues.
2. Advanced tools: Professionals use advanced tools like CCTV drain cameras and high-pressure water jets to locate and clear blockages accurately.
3. Preventive maintenance: Professionals can conduct routine inspections and maintenance to prevent future problems and ensure the longevity of your stormwater drainage system.
4. Safety: Stormwater drain cleaning can involve potential hazards, such as exposure to sewage or toxic substances. Professionals are trained to handle these situations safely.

By recognising warning signs and promptly addressing common stormwater drain issues with professional assistance, you can protect your property from water damage, ensure the proper functioning of the drainage system, and maintain a safe and clean environment.

Regular maintenance and proactive measures can save you from costly repairs and provide peace of mind during heavy rainfalls and the rainy season.

Unlock the Power of Clear Stormwater Drains with Metropolitan Plumbing

Metropolitan Plumbing is your go-to partner for effective stormwater drainage solutions. With a focus on maximising efficiency and functionality, our expert services address a wide range of issues, from blocked stormwater drains to invasive tree roots in sewer pipes.

We can tackle even the most stubborn stormwater blockages by using cutting-edge techniques like pipe relining and CCTV drain camera technology.

Our commitment to maintaining a well-functioning stormwater system ensures a safe and clean environment, protecting your property from potential water damage during heavy rainfall and ground runoff. Don’t wait for issues to escalate; contact Metropolitan Plumbing today and unleash the hidden potential of your stormwater drainage system.

Your home deserves the best, and Metropolitan Plumbing is here to deliver exceptional results with our blocked stormwater drain cleaning expertise.

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.