A stormwater drain’s job is simple. It collects rainwater and carries it away from your home before it has a chance to settle where it shouldn’t. But sometimes it only takes a decent Melbourne downpour for water to start pooling around the yard. The grate fills up instead of draining away.
In some cases, water can spread across driveways, garden beds, and even find its way beneath the house. But there are ways to clear stormwater drain blockages before they turn into a larger issue. Here, we’ll break it down along with the warning signs, common mistakes to avoid, and when it makes sense to bring in a professional for a non-invasive camera inspection.
Signs of a Blocked Stormwater Drain
Stormwater drains usually provide a few clues before flooding becomes a concern. Spotting them early can save a lot of hassle later.
- Water pooling around drain grates or low areas of the yard after rain
- Slow-draining stormwater pits
- Gurgling sounds coming from drain openings
- Water overflowing from downpipes
- Soggy patches that remain long after rain has stopped
- Damp areas developing close to the home
- Unpleasant odours around stormwater pits or grates
Occasional pooling after exceptionally heavy rain is not unusual. However, recurring blockages or water backing up through the system can indicate something deeper. The earlier you know your stormwater drain is clogged, the more likely you can prevent flooding.
Stormwater Drain Cleaning: Stay Safe Before You Start
So, how do you clear a blocked stormwater drain? Before anything else, make sure you have the right gear.
- Heavy-duty gloves
- Sturdy footwear
- Eye protection
- A bucket for debris
- A screwdriver or pry bar to lift grates
- A garden hose
- Basic cleaning tools
Stormwater systems can carry dirt, sediment, and bacteria, particularly after rainfall. That’s why it’s important that you have protective gear. Doing it at the right time is also crucial. Avoid working on drains during heavy rain or while water levels are rising. If conditions become difficult to assess or the blockage appears significant, consider stopping and seek professional advice.
Simple Steps to Clear Blocked Stormwater Drain
Many stormwater blockages occur close to the surface. Leaves, silt, garden debris, and organic material gradually build up until water can no longer move through properly. For shallow blockages, you may not need specialised equipment. Here’s what you can do:
Clear Debris and Flush
Start with the drain opening itself. Remove the grate and inspect the pit below. In many cases, the blockage is immediately visible. Leaves, twigs, soil, and accumulated sediment often collect near the entry point.
Using gloves or a small shovel, remove as much debris as possible and place it into the bucket. Once the visible material has been cleared, grab the garden hose. Remove the nozzle if fitted and feed the bare hose into the drain pipe. Push it as far as reasonably possible towards the blockage.
Turn the water on fully while gently pushing and twisting the hose. The added water pressure can help loosen compacted leaves and silt further along the pipe.
Use a Drain Snake or Rods
If flushing alone doesn’t cut it, the blockage may be deeper within the pipe. This time, you’ll need a drain snake or a set of drain rods instead of a garden hose.
Feed the equipment into the pipe slowly and rotate it as you move forward. This helps break apart compacted debris and can also dislodge smaller root intrusions. Afterwards, flush the drain again with the hose to wash away loosened material. A wet and dry vacuum can also be useful for removing shallow debris from pits and drain openings.
Use only gentle pressure, especially on older stormwater pipes. They can be vulnerable to damage if excessive force is used. If the blockage refuses to move, it’s best not to force the issue.
Stormwater Drain Cleaning: What to Avoid
There are a few common risks that can make stormwater problems harder to solve. Using harsh chemical drain cleaners is a good example. While they’re often marketed as a quick fix, these store-bought mixtures are generally not suitable for outdoor stormwater systems. Some can affect pipe materials and may eventually enter local waterways through the stormwater network.
Excessive force is another risk. As mentioned earlier, applying too much pressure or pushing rods through a pipe aggressively can damage older infrastructure. It also helps to avoid clearing the same blockage repeatedly without investigating why it keeps returning. A drain that blocks every few months often indicates an underlying issue that needs proper attention.
Stormwater Drain Blocked? When to Call a Professional
Still can’t reach the blockage? It’s highly likely that the cause is more substantial than surface debris. This is often the case if the stormwater drain keeps overflowing, backs up after every heavy rain, or refuses to clear despite several attempts.
Tree roots are one of the most common culprits across Melbourne properties. They naturally seek moisture and can enter even small openings in underground pipework. Cracked pipes, collapsed sections, and heavy sediment build-up can create similar symptoms. In such cases, professional equipment is paramount.
To conduct proper stormwater drain inspection, technicians use a CCTV drain camera. It goes to the inside of the pipe and pinpoints the exact location of the blockage. Once identified, technicians use high-pressure jetting to remove roots, silt, and debris. If they discover pipe damage, trenchless pipe relining may be needed to restore the drain without major excavation.
Protect Your Home From Flooding By Dealing With Blocked Stormwater Drain
Stormwater drains are easy to overlook until water starts collecting where it shouldn’t. If your area is expecting a downpour, make it a point to prepare. Clear minor blockages if you’re confident doing it on your own. If needed, there’s no harm in calling a professional. It’s important to recognise the warning signs early, so you can act on them fast.
Austest Pipeline Solutions is a quick call away if you ever need assistance. We’ve been helping property owners since 1993, identifying and resolving drainage issues through our licensed technicians, non-destructive CCTV inspections, high-pressure drain clearing, and a fixed-price guarantee.