How to Keep Your Stormwater Drains Clean

Most people don’t tend to think about their stormwater drain system, and for good reason. But when they become blocked, they have the potential to cause serious damage to your property. When severe storm events occur, rainwater drains are often forced to their maximum capacity. While this usually isn’t a problem in properly maintained stormwater drains, it can lead to flooding if your drains aren’t in the best condition.

There are a number of things that you can do to ensure your stormwater drains are operating as they should be. Drainpro has put together this handy guide on how you can keep your drains in tip top shape this winter.

How Do Stormwater Drains Work?

When your stormwater drain is working efficiently, the stormwater from your property is carried through the public system into a body of water, such as an ocean, lake or a stream. However, stormwater can also collect large amounts of debris, including soil, organic matter, litter, garden fertilisers, oil residue from driveways, and other harmful chemicals. This not only has the potential to clog drainage pipes and cause flooding, but can also lead to pollutants flowing into rivers and oceans and affecting the natural environment.

The good news is that properly maintaining your stormwater drains is a simple and affordable way to keep your property’s drainage system working efficiently.

Common Stormwater Drain Problems

How do you know if you have a blocked stormwater drain? The easiest way to tell is by checking the drainage system itself immediately after a storm. You may notice things such as water pouring off gutters during periods of heavy rainfall, standing water around your property, or even gutters that appear to be visibly blocked or overflowing. If you conduct checks on your stormwater drains, you may also discover the grates appear rusty or damaged, or that there are trees where your stormwater pipe runs. All of these signs indicate that there is a larger problem in your stormwater drainage system that should be inspected by a qualified plumber or drainage professional.

5 Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Drainage System

Maintaining a clean stormwater drainage system can be simple and affordable. By conducting regular checks and bringing in experts when necessary, you can prevent small problems from developing into larger and more costly problems in the future. 

1. Regularly Clean Gutters and Drains

Debris such as dirt, soil and other organic matter often leaves storm water drains blocked. When gutters and pipes are clogged by this debris, the system stops working efficiently and can overflow, causing damage to your roof or your property’s structure. The experts at Drainpro recommend you clean your gutters regularly, or have them cleaned by a professional, to ensure they are free from any potential obstructions. You may also consider installing gutter guards or filters as a way to prevent debris from collecting in the rain water drain system altogether.

2.  Monitor Waterflow

A quick way to check the efficiency of your stormwater system is to monitor its waterflow. During a storm or heavy rainfall, take note of which direction the water is gushing. In an efficient stormwater system, the stormwater should flow towards the curb and away from your property. If you notice the flow of the water has changed, the team at Drainpro can conduct a full inspection to identify any obstructions in your stormwater pipe.

3. Regular Jetting

If your stormwater system seems to be continually blocked, flushing out the debris with a hose will only help to an extent. The best way to keep your system working efficiently is through a high pressure jet drain cleaning. This is a stormwater drain cleaning technique that uses pressurised water to clear debris and buildup within the pipes. 

4. Fix Cracked or Leaking Pipes

Occasionally the cause of an inefficient drainage system can be cracked or leaking pipes. This can be easily fixed with a small spot repair. If the problem is larger it may require a complete or partial renewal drain repair, depending on the extent of the issue.

5. Stormwater Pipe Relining

Stormwater drains should work effectively, even at maximum capacity. However, if your stormwater system frequently overflows, it is possible you may need more than just a simple cleaning. Professionals such as the team at Drainpro can reline your property’s pipes, a process that restores the damaged pipes to their original – or often an even better – condition. Relining can be achieved in both residential and commercial spaces.

Drainpro Are Melbourne’s Stormwater Drainage Experts 

At Drainpro, we have all the storm water drainage solutions you need to maintain your drains during the stormy season. Whether you’re after a general stormwater drain clean, high pressure hydro jet, or stormwater pipe relining using drain cameras, we have the cutting edge tools and expertise to get the job done right. Give us a call on 1300 620 273 or fill out our online contact form to get in touch with our team today.