How stormwater differs from sewer
Sewer pipes carry waste from toilets, showers and sinks. Stormwater pipes carry rain from roofs, paths and driveways. They are separate systems and should never be joined.
That matters, because stormwater is allowed to flow to a street drain or a creek, and sewage is not. If you see sewage, it is not a stormwater problem.
Why they block up here
- Eucalypt leaves, bark and gumnuts fill gutters and downpipes
- Fine silt and sand wash off steep blocks and settle in pits
- Autumn leaf fall can block gutters and pits before the next big storm
- Roots can reach the pipe, particularly at joints in old earthenware pipe
A sudden downpour on a steep block sends water down the slope at speed. If a pit or drain is blocked, it can run straight at the house.
Signs of a blocked stormwater system
- Water spilling over the gutter edge in rain
- Pools around the base of a downpipe
- Wet or damp patches along walls and in the subfloor
- A pit or grate full of leaves and mud
- Water standing in the yard long after rain stops
What you can do yourself
Clear gutters and gutter guards when it is dry and safe. Use a stable ladder, or leave the roof to a professional. Lift pit lids and scoop out silt and leaves. Run a hose down each downpipe and see if the water leaves at the bottom.
Do not climb on a steep or wet roof. Do not put your hand into a drain you cannot see into.
When to call a plumber
Call if a downpipe stays blocked after you clear the top, if water backs up from a pit, or if the pipe underground has collapsed. A plumber can clear the line with a cable or with water pressure. See hydro jetting.
Where the pipe is damaged, a camera can show it. Ask whether it's needed for your job.
Tanks and overflows
If your downpipes feed a rainwater tank, the overflow must go somewhere safe. A blocked overflow can send water to a spot you did not plan. Check it twice a year.
Where the water ends up
On steep blocks, discharge points matter. Water should not be sent onto a neighbour's land or against a retaining wall. Councils have rules on stormwater, so check what applies to your block before you change the layout.
What it costs
The price depends on how many drains, how long the line is, and how easy the access is. Ask for a quote before work starts.
Before the storm season
- Clear gutters and pits after autumn leaf fall
- Check the downpipe connections to underground pipes
- Look at where water goes at the bottom of the slope
- Fix sags in gutters that hold water
Blocked drain in the Blue Mountains?
Call 0495 053 644Stormwater drains questions
Is a blocked stormwater drain a plumber's job?
Yes. A licensed plumber can clear and repair stormwater pipes on your property.
Can leaf litter really damage my house?
Yes. Overflowing water can soak the walls and the subfloor, and rot timber over time.
Do I need a pit on my block?
Many blocks have them. Check where your downpipes go and whether the water has a clear way off the property.
Who looks after the street drain?
Councils look after public stormwater drains. The plumber can help you decide whether the fault is on your side.
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