Avoid Rain Water Damage Keep Your Storm Water Drains Clear
Proper stormwater drainage is essential in preventing water damage to your property. Blocked stormwater drains can lead to flooding, erosion, and even structural damage. Understanding the difference between sewer and stormwater drains, along with regular maintenance, helps keep your drainage system in top condition.
Stormwater Drains vs. Sewer Drains
Sewer Drains
Sewer drains are responsible for carrying waste from our:
- Kitchen
- Bathroom
- Laundry
- Plumbing pipes
The wastewater from our homes is sent to a treatment plant for processing before being released back into the environment.
Stormwater Drains
- Roofs
- Lawns
- Driveways
- Pathways
How to Keep Your Stormwater Drains Clear
1. Maintain Your Roof and Gutters
Leaves, twigs, and other debris can accumulate on your roof and gutters, eventually clogging downpipes and stormwater drains.
To prevent this:
- Regularly clean your gutters and downpipes.
- Install gutter guards to prevent debris from entering the drain system.
- Trim trees near your roof to reduce leaf buildup.
2. Remove Yard Debris
Yard waste can easily be washed into stormwater drains, leading to blockages.
Keep your drains clear by:
- Raking leaves and disposing of them properly.
- Planting grass and vegetation to reduce soil erosion and sediment buildup.
- Installing a stormwater grate to filter out large debris while allowing rainwater to flow freely.
3. Proper Waste Disposal
Litter and improper waste disposal are common causes of blocked stormwater drains.
Be mindful of the following:
- Litter: Plastic wrappers, paper, and other rubbish should never be thrown into drains.
- Dirt and Sediment: Excess dirt from landscaping projects can clog drains over time.
- Plastic Bottles and Cans: Properly dispose of recyclables instead of letting them wash into the drainage system.
- Leaves: Sweep your yard regularly, especially during autumn, to prevent leaf accumulation in drains.
4. Follow Best Practices
Stormwater drains are designed exclusively for rainwater.
To prevent contamination and blockages:
- Never dump rubbish, food scraps, or chemicals into the stormwater system.
- Avoid spilling oil, paint, or cleaning products down stormwater drains.
- Ensure stormwater drains remain free from grease, soap, and other pollutants that can harm aquatic life.
Why It’s Important to Keep Stormwater Drains Clear
Blocked stormwater drains are not just a nuisance; they pose serious risks, including:
- Flooding and property damage.
- Health hazards due to bacteria and viruses contaminating natural waterways.
- Environmental damage, as pollutants in stormwater drains flow directly into lakes, rivers, and oceans without treatment.
If your stormwater drain becomes clogged, it’s considered an emergency. Immediate action is necessary to prevent damage and protect public health.
For professional plumbing and electrical services, call us at 13 10 91. We proudly serve Canberra, Newcastle, Central Coast, Hunter Valley, Lake Macquarie, and Port Stephens.
Need more useful home maintenance tips? Check out our article on What You Should Know About Water Hammer.
Clearing Blocked Stormwater Drains With High-Pressure Water Jetter
Don’t let the rain ruin your day! Get your stormwater drains cleared now with our high-pressure water jetter. Say goodbye to blocked drains and hello to smooth-flowing water. Book our services today!
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