When we think of plumbing problems, we often focus on blocked toilets, sinks, or kitchen drains. But your stormwater drainage system — especially in Perth’s unpredictable weather — can pose a much bigger risk if left unmaintained.
At Drain Divers, we’re seeing more Perth homes and businesses suffer water damage, structural issues, and costly repairs from stormwater blockages. The worst part? These problems usually build up silently, below the surface, until it’s too late.
What Are Stormwater Drains, Exactly?
Stormwater drains are separate from your sewer system. They collect rainwater from your roof, driveway, gutters, and outdoor areas — then carry it away from your property via underground pipes. They’re critical for preventing flooding and water damage.
Why Do Stormwater Drains Block?
Stormwater drains often block due to:
- Leaf Litter & Organic Debris: Debris that has not been cleared away from your downpipes, grates or stormwater pipe openings, can enter the system causing compacted blockages.
- Sand & Silt from Gardens or Constructions Sites: Sand can accumulate along the bottom of the drain, causing a blockage to occur over time.
- Tree Roots Infiltrating Underground Pipes: Damaged pipes can allow Tree Roots to enter as they search for access to water. Tree Root Ingress is the most common stormwater blockage, and can only be removed with a High Pressure Water Jetter or Drain Excavation and Replacement.
- Crushed or Collapsed Pipe due to Ground Movement or Heavy Vehicles: Earthworks or Heavy Vehicles can impact the drains functionality due to accidental damaging when digging, or vehicles which have driven over the drainage system causing collapse.
- Poorly Maintained Gutter Systems: Maintaining your Roof’s Gutter System ensures no debris from the roof can enter the stormwater drainage system through downpipes.
Blocked stormwater pipes don’t always cause immediate signs — but when heavy rain hits, water has nowhere to go. That can mean:
- Water Pooling around your home’s foundations
- Rising damp or interior leaks
- Floors garages or sheds
- Erosion around your landscaping
- Council compliance issues or fines
Why Stormwater Issues Are So Dangerous
The water pressure from storm events is much greater than your internal plumbing ever sees. When the system backs up, it doesn’t just inconvenience you — it can cause real property damage and even undermine your foundations.
Worse, insurance often won’t cover water damage from a lack of maintenance.
What Can You Do?
- Clean gutters and downpipes regularly, especially before storm season.
- Install gutter guards or leaf diverters if you have overhanging trees.
- Book a CCTV drain inspection to check underground stormwater pipes.
- Get proactive stormwater jetting every 12-24 months.
Need Stormwater Help? We’re Your Team.
Drain Divers offers advanced CCTV inspections and high-pressure jetting to identify and clear even the most stubborn stormwater blockages. We help Perth homeowners, landlords, and body corporates avoid stormwater surprises before it’s too late.
📞 Call us today for stormwater inspections or emergency clearing.
