Stormwater Drainage: Protecting Your Property From Flooding

Stormwater drainage is something most homeowners don't think about until it's too late. Today we're going to walk through the basics of how stormwater systems work and what you can do to protect your property. Your stormwater system is separate from your sewer system — it collects rainwater from your roof, driveways, and paved areas, and directs it to the street gutter, a council stormwater pipe, or a legal point of discharge on your property. The main components are downpipes from your gutters, underground PVC pipes, stormwater pits or grates, and sometimes an absorption trench or detention tank. Common problems we see include blocked downpipe connections where leaves and debris accumulate, collapsed or cracked underground pipes — especially old earthenware ones, inadequate pipe sizing that can't handle heavy rain events, and poor grading that allows water to pool against the house. Warning signs of stormwater problems include water pooling in your yard after rain, damp patches on interior walls, efflorescence or salt deposits on foundation walls, and soil erosion along the side of the house. If you're experiencing any of these issues, it's worth getting a stormwater assessment. We can do a CCTV inspection of your stormwater pipes, check the capacity of your system, and recommend upgrades or repairs. Prevention is always cheaper than dealing with flood damage.