Your stormwater pipes play an important role in protecting your house during times of intense storms and downpours, but it is also something that many homeowners seem to overlook. When these pipes are functioning properly, you barely notice them, but when they are blocked, broken, or poorly maintained, the consequences are often costly. In this post, we at Convic Australia will be sharing everything you as a homeowner need to know about stormwater pipe management—from understanding how they work to the warning signs and when it is time to call in a professional.
What is stormwater?
Stormwater is the definition given to water that falls to the earth under either rain or snowstorms and subsequently picks up all manner of debris and pollutants such as organic matter, litter, oil residues, and chemicals. However, unlike sewage, stormwater is typically not treated before it is discharged into waterways or the sea.
Why is stormwater pipe management important?
Stormwater pipe management is not the most glamorous, but it is still arguably one of the most important steps you need to take to protect your home. This is because
- It helps prevent flooding in your land.
- It protects your health and hygiene by preventing the creation of pest breeding grounds.
- It protects the house and its foundation from water damage.
- It protects the landscape and outdoor areas by preventing soil erosion.
- It reduces the risk of expensive repairs.
What Steps can I take as a homeowner for stormwater pipe management?
Be on the lookout for signs of blockages.
Slow or standing water, gurgling noises, as well as foul and unpleasant odours are potential indicators of blocked stormwater pipes. When you notice these telltale signs at an early stage, you can take the appropriate action and prevent more serious problems from manifesting. As the old saying goes, “Prevention is better than cure.”
Regularly clean your gutters and downpipes.
Time and time again, we see that stormwater pipes tend to get blocked by the accumulation of organic and inorganic debris, causing them to overflow and cause significant water damage to properties. In order to prevent this unfortunate outcome, homeowners must make it a point to
- Regularly clean gutters and install downpipes.
- Landscape and clear out the leaf litter.
- Use drain grates and covers for ground-level stormwater inlets.
- Install gutter guards and leaf screens.
Keep trees and roots in check.
Trees are on the constant lookout for moisture-rich areas, making storm stormpipes a prime target for root incursions. Therefore, do not plant any trees that have aggressive and extensive roots anywhere near stormwater drains. If you already have trees close by, you will need to conduct regular pipe inspections.
Use high-quality stormwater pipe fittings.
Poor-quality pipe fittings can significantly compromise the integrity of the stormwater drainage system and increase its inefficiency over time. Therefore, if you’re thinking of repairing or upgrading your system, choose durable and high-quality stormwater pipe fittings supplied by a recognised construction material supplier.
Schedule regular CCTV drain inspections.
If you’re having trouble identifying the problem with your stormwater pipes, contact a professional and have them conduct an inspection—it’s a small investment that can help save thousands of dollars in the long run.
Conclusion
Like we’ve said before, managing your stormwater pipes may not be the most glamorous part of home maintenance, but it is nonetheless one of the most important. As a homeowner, properly maintaining stormwater pipes can be a challenge, but the key to successfully doing so is staying proactive. Conducting regular inspections, proper landscaping, and even conducting CCTV drain inspections all make a difference in the long run. And when problems do arise, do not hesitate to contact a licenced professional and get their help.
