BLOCKED STORM WATER

A blocked storm water drain is a plumbing problem that generally presents itself during a weather event like rain or a storm. Your property will be fitted with gutters, down pipes and storm water drainage pits that collect the rainwater and dispel it to the storm water drainage network in your street. If you notice water overflowing out of your gutters or water pooling around your home, you have a blocked storm water drain.

The most common blockages to storm water drains are environmental matter like leaves, dirt, pebbles, sand, sticks and even garden covering materials like bark and mulch. Water will pick up whatever is in its path and carry it down the grates and pipes. An accumulation of this matter will cause a blockage. The problem with storm water drains is water generally runs down them during a rain event and if no one checks the drains after rain, the environmental matter can consolidate, causing a blockage.

The best way to prevent a blocked storm water drain is to keep gardens well maintained and remove any leaf matter from the gutters. Gutters should be cleaned twice a year removing all tree branches, leaves and any other matter that has accumulated throughout the year. Always use gloves when doing this job and ensure you stand on a ladder that is erected safely.

Blocked stormwater drains should be addressed promptly to prevent flooding on your property. The drainage points around your yard and the guttering of your home form an important part of the community’s stormwater management system and should be regularly maintained. If they are neglected and sediment builds up, some wild weather is all it takes for stormwater drains to become blocked and overflow.

To minimise the occurrence of a blocked drain and prevent further damage happening to your home, you can follow these steps below. Always remember that prevention is always the best course of action when it comes to blocked drains of any size in your property. By consistently carrying out these preventative measures, you will have your drain working effectively all year round by remaining clear and blockage free.