Blocked Stormwater Drains: When to DIY & When to Call the Pros

Every property should have a storm drainage system – a series of gutters, downpipes, and drainage inlets (also called catch basins) that filter into a stormwater drainage network in your area. Storm drains are essential for preventing flooding and water damage to your home.

They divert the water, instead of allowing it to flood across pavements, seep into basements, or cause erosion around foundations. When debris obstructs storm drains, a whole host of problems can occur.

Let’s talk about when to address a blockage yourself and when to call in a trusted local plumbing company.

Causes of Clogged Storm Drains

Storm drainage systems can easily get blocked given that their role is funneling debris-filled water. Common culprits that lead to obstructions include:

Debris

Leaves, litter, gravel, mulch, and grass clippings easily wash into drains, accumulating over time and slowing water passageways. Food waste and trash can make things worse when improperly disposed of.

Tree roots

Invasive tree roots often penetrate underground drain lines seeking moisture. Roots grow gradually and create major pipe obstructions.

Damaged pipes

Old cracked drain lines or damaged pipes can let debris and roots in, creating blockages that don’t allow water to pass through.

Improper connections

Incorrect alignments, abrupt angle transitions, and uneven seam joints in underground drains enable sediment and roots to catch rather than keeping water moving freely.

Many times, blocked storm drains often result from a combination of these factors and need professional resolution.

Signs of a Blocked Storm Drain

It’s important to recognize the signs of an obstructed storm drain so you can get it fixed before rainwater overwhelms the system and leads to extensive damage. Be alert of the following signs:

• Water pooling in your yard – Following rain, water lingers on the property and new pockets appear where rain typically never accumulates
• Overflowing gutters – Gutters overloaded with rainwater suddenly cascade over edges rather than keeping flow contained. Downspouts may also have water coming from the seams
• Backed up drains – Water noticeably drains slowly rather than quickly disappearing after rainfall
• Flooded property – The most obvious and severe sign of blocked storm drains is flooding across your yard

When Can I Try DIY Cleaning?

You might be interested in clearing minor storm drain clogs before calling a plumber. There are certain scenarios where this would be okay to attempt including:

Clearing loose debris

Loose sticks, litter, leaves, and debris resting on drain grates can often dislodge manually with hooked rods or by gently lifting covers when safe/possible. Remove material.

Using hand tools

For a minor blockage, snake hand crank augers or hooked plumbers’ snakes can be put through drain pipes to drag out small debris. Expand efforts up to 50 feet max.

Flush with hose

Insert a garden hose 6-12 inches into drain openings while blasting water full force in order to wash down obstructions. Flush in 5 minute bursts.

Some homeowners might find success when a blocked storm drainage system has only minor issues. More involved obstructions require an assessment by a licensed residential plumber.

When to Call the Plumbing Pros

While minor gutter and drain screen debris can get removed through gloved hands or gentle DIY rodding, extensive or recurring storm drain issues warrant getting professional assistance.
Call a plumber if you suspect or notice:

• Underground piping issues
• Significant buildup of silt, roots, etc.
• Drain line damage or alignment issues
• Recurring or severe clogs
• An unknown problem
• The need for advanced equipment
• Major flooding

Plumbers have the expertise to quickly get to the real cause of your drain issues. Don’t make the mistake of going DIY when there is potential damage to your home at stake!

S&J Plumbing and Gasfitting Is Here to Help

With over 27 years of combined experience, our plumbers are properly equipped to handle even major obstructions. We serve both south and north Brisbane with offices in both areas. Call us 24/7 for any emergency plumbing issues.

Get in touch today!