Blocked Stormwater Drains: 5 Tips on Keeping Stormwater Drains Clean
With its diverse landscapes and unpredictable weather patterns, Australia relies heavily on effective stormwater drainage systems. These systems prevent flooding, safeguard infrastructure and marine life, and preserve the environment.
However, the consequences of neglecting our stormwater pipes and drains can be severe, ranging from property damage to contaminated water to environmental degradation.
As we delve into the heart of the matter in this discussion, let’s explore five indispensable tips for maintaining clean and efficient stormwater drains and how the premier plumbing company and professionals can help you.
1. Stormwater Drain Functionality
To appreciate the significance of keeping stormwater drains unobstructed, it’s essential for stormwater drainage solutions to grasp how these systems operate. Stormwater drains channel excess rainwater away from streets and structures, preventing waterlogging and severe subsequent water damage.
Stormwater drains, also known as storm drains, are crucial in managing rainwater runoff and preventing flooding in urban and suburban areas. Here are the key functions of stormwater drains:
- Rainwater collection: Stormwater drains collect rainwater from impervious surfaces such as roads, parking lots, sidewalks, and rooftops. Instead of allowing rainwater to accumulate and potentially cause flooding, storm drains direct it away from these surfaces.
- Flood prevention: One of the primary functions of stormwater drains is to prevent flooding by quickly removing excess rainwater from urban areas. It helps protect infrastructure, homes, and businesses from water damage during heavy rainfall.
- Surface water management: Storm drains contribute to the overall management of surface water by transporting rainwater away from developed areas. It helps prevent erosion, soil saturation, and waterlogging of the ground, maintaining the stability of the surrounding environment.
- Water quality improvement: Stormwater drains often include sediment basins or filters that capture debris, sediment, and pollutants rainwater carries into stormwater drains. It helps improve water quality by preventing these contaminants from entering natural water bodies.
- Preventing soil erosion: By quickly conveying rainwater away from surfaces, stormwater drains help prevent soil erosion. Erosion can lead to the loss of fertile topsoil and contribute to sedimentation in water bodies.
- Protecting infrastructure: Proper stormwater drainage protects infrastructure and stormwater systems such as roads, bridges, and buildings. Managing rainwater runoff prevents damage to these structures and extends their lifespan.
- Preventing waterlogging: In urban areas with extensive impervious surfaces, efficient stormwater drainage prevents waterlogging. Waterlogging can damage infrastructure, compromise road safety, and create breeding grounds for pests and diseases.
- Groundwater recharge: Some stormwater management systems incorporate features that allow for the recharge of groundwater. It is especially important in regions where groundwater levels must be maintained or replenished.
- Environmental protection: By capturing pollutants and debris, stormwater drains contribute to the protection of natural ecosystems. It is important for preserving the health of rivers, lakes, and other water bodies that receive stormwater runoff.
Proper design, construction, and maintenance of stormwater drainage systems are essential to ensuring their functionality and effectiveness in managing rainwater runoff and preventing adverse environmental impacts. Sustainable stormwater drainage system management practices also aim to balance human development with environmental conservation.
2. Common Causes of Blockages
Blocked stormwater drains can be a headache, causing flooding and potential damage to property. Understanding the common causes behind these blockages can help you prevent them in the future.
- Debris buildup: One of the most prevalent causes is the accumulation of debris such as leaves, twigs, and litter. These can easily find their way into the drains, especially during heavy rainfall or windy conditions.
- Sediment accumulation: Over time, sediment like sand, dirt, and silt can settle in stormwater drains, restricting the flow of water. This buildup can result from erosion, construction activities, or natural processes.
- Grease and oil: From kitchen waste or industrial activities, grease and oil can coat the walls of stormwater pipes, creating a sticky surface that traps other debris and impedes water flow.
- Tree roots: Roots seeking moisture and nutrients can infiltrate stormwater pipes, causing blockages and even damaging the infrastructure over time.
- Poor drainage design: Inadequate sizing or improper installation of stormwater drains can lead to blockages. Poorly designed systems may not effectively handle the volume of water during heavy rainfall events, resulting in backups.
By addressing these common causes and implementing proactive maintenance measures, you can help keep your stormwater drains clean and functioning efficiently.
3. How to Clean the Blocked Drains
Regular cleaning can help to prevent blockages, which is always better than being forced to get costly repairs.
Regular Inspection and Cleaning
Regular inspection and cleaning are the first and most crucial steps in keeping your stormwater drains clean. Initiate frequent checks, especially during heavy precipitation when blockages are most likely.
Look for obvious signs of blockages, such as accumulated debris, leaves, garbage, or silt buildup. Tools such as metal rods and high-pressure water jetting help remove these materials from the stormwater pipe and block stormwater drains.
Removing these obstructions ensures the unrestricted flow of water and prolongs the lifespan of your stormwater drains. Having routine cleaning schedules at least twice a year will significantly assist in preventing significant blockages over time and ensure that your drains are in perfect working condition.
Waste Disposal
Proper waste disposal plays a part in the cleanliness of your stormwater pipes and drains.
These stormwater pipes and drains are often blocked by debris or waste improperly disposed of. Be mindful of garden waste, rubbish, and harmful or toxic chemicals.
When these elements enter your stormwater drainage system, they can cause severe blockages and pollute the discharge water. Practise correct waste disposal habits and encourage others in your neighbourhood to do the same.
By disposing of waste properly, we maintain our stormwater drains and contribute towards a cleaner and safer environment.
4. Using Drain Maintenance Products
Part of your preventative maintenance routine should include using various drain maintenance products.
Install Drain Guards
Drain guards can effectively keep stormwater drains, grime, and other debris-free. Drain guards work by trapping debris and preventing it from entering the drain system. These are inexpensive yet highly effective preventative methods against blocked stormwater drain pipe blockages to avoid debris.
You can ask for help with the drain guard installation from professional and service providers. Nevertheless, cleaning these guards regularly is crucial to ensure they remain functional over time. An advantage of drain guards is their simple maintenance process, only requiring periodic cleaning to remove the trapped debris.
Bacteria or Enzyme-Based Drain Cleaners
For minor blockages, consider using bacteria or enzyme-based drain cleaners. Unlike conventional drain cleaners that often contain harsh and harmful chemicals, bacteria or enzyme-based chemical drain cleaners offer an eco-friendly alternative.
They work by producing enzymes or encouraging the growth of bacteria that biodegrade the blockage. The system breaks down the blockage into smaller particles that it can easily flush through. They are a gentler and safer choice for your plumbing and the environment.
5. How Professionals Can Help
Cleaning stormwater drains is crucial to prevent blockages and ensure the smooth flow of stormwater, even during storms. Professionals use various techniques and equipment to clean stormwater drains effectively.
Here’s an overview of the typical stormwater drain cleaning and process:
- Inspection: Qualified plumbers start by inspecting the stormwater drain system to identify the extent of the blockage and the type of debris causing the issue. It may involve using CCTV cameras to assess the condition of the pipes.
- High-pressure water jetting: High-pressure water jetting is a standard method for cleaning stormwater drains. A specialised nozzle is attached to a high-pressure water hose, forcing water into the drain at high speeds. It helps break down and dislodge debris, including dirt, leaves, and other obstructions.
- Vacuum excavation: In cases where there is a buildup of solid material, such as silt or sediment, professionals may use vacuum excavation equipment. It involves using a vacuum to remove the material from the drain without causing damage to the pipes.
- Mechanical cleaning: For more challenging blockages, employ mechanical cleaning methods, which involve using drills or drain snakes to break up and remove obstructions physically.
- Chemical treatment: In some situations, professionals may use chemical treatments to dissolve certain types of blockages or roots that have infiltrated the drain system. However, environmental considerations and local regulations often dictate the use of chemicals.
- Root cutting: Tree roots can infiltrate stormwater drains, causing significant blockages. Professionals may use specialised equipment to cut and remove these roots, allowing for proper drainage.
- Regular maintenance: Prevention is essential to avoiding severe blockages. Routine maintenance, including periodic cleaning and inspection, helps catch potential issues before they become significant problems.
- Debris removal: Once the cleaning process is complete, professionals remove any debris, silt, or other materials from the drain system. Proper disposal methods are employed to ensure environmental compliance.
- Documentation: Professionals may document the condition of the stormwater drain, any repairs made, and recommendations for future maintenance. This information can be helpful for ongoing management and planning.
Trained and experienced professionals should clean stormwater drains to ensure they perform the job safely and effectively. Additionally, adherence to environmental regulations is crucial to minimise the impact of stormwater and storm drain and cleaning activities on the surrounding ecosystem’s health risks.
Keep Stormwater Drains Flowing
The health of stormwater drains intrinsically links to the well-being of our communities and the environment. The consequences of neglecting these systems can be severe damage and far-reaching, impacting both infrastructure and ecosystems.
By adopting the five tips discussed − understanding stormwater drain functionality, identifying common causes of blockages, maintaining a regular cleaning routine, the use of various stormwater drain maintenance products, and how important professional plumbers are in maintenance and repairs − you can contribute to a cleaner, more efficient stormwater drainage system.
Let’s embark on this journey together, ensuring our streets stay dry, our homes remain safe, and our environment flourishes.
Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See Cyber Plumbers’ Terms & Conditions here.
