How to Keep Your Stormwater Drains Clear And Working

Stormwater drains are essential for diverting rainwater away from your home, business and landscaped garden features like retaining walls and terraced areas. Preventing rain water causing water damage and flooding.
From traditional stormwater drains to more specialised systems like French drains., Regular maintenance is key to ensuring any drain on your property is working efficiently.

Let’s explore the best ways to keep your stormwater drains flowing smoothly and what steps to take if you encounter a blockage.

Routine Care for Traditional Stormwater Drains

Traditional stormwater drains, designed to move water away from your roof, driveway, and other hard surfaces, this water is then channeled out onto the street into stormwater pits which take the water out into the sea.
This water must remain clean and not have chemicals, poisons and waste added to it.
Stormwater drains are susceptible to blockages from tree roots, leaves, dirt, and other debris. Regular maintenance keeps these drains clear and functional.

Maintenance Tips for Stormwater Drains:

• Remove debris such as leaves and dirt from around the drain grates regularly, especially after storms.
• Inspect for signs of pooling water or slow drainage, which can signal a clog.
• Hire a blocked drain plumber at least annually. A plumbing company like The Blocked Drain Guys can ensure your stormwater system is clear and functioning correctly, preventing future blockages.

French Drains: Keeping Groundwater in Check

French drains are subsoil drain systems designed to prevent groundwater from damaging your foundation or creating waterlogged areas in your yard.
These drains use perforated pipes surrounded by gravel to channel water away.
They are often installed behind retaining walls and around garden beds when the property has a slope.
Wet soil is heavy and the weight of waterlogged soil will damage your landscaped areas if the water has no where to drain.
Over time, soil and roots can infiltrate the system, causing blockages.

How to Maintain French Drains:

• Flush the system regularly to remove any accumulated dirt or sediment.
• Check for signs of clogs, such as water pooling around the drain area.
• Keep the gravel bed clean by removing leaves and other surface debris.
• For more complex clogs, reach out to The Blocked Drain Guys to perform professional hydro-jetting or other drain-cleaning services.

Spoon Drains: Directing Surface Water Away

Spoon drains, shallow channels designed to collect and move surface water, are common along driveways sporting areas and car parks where water must be quickly channeled away. Though they are effective, they can become clogged with mud,stones and rubbish.
They can also be damaged if heavy vehicles drive over them, so checking for damage now and again is important.

Maintaining Spoon Drains:

• Clean out any debris that gathers in the drain after storms or heavy winds.
• Ensure the slope of the spoon drain allows for proper water flow. If the slope is disrupted, water may stagnate and lead to blockages.
• If you notice any obstructions affecting water flow, contact The Blocked Drain Guys for a thorough inspection and repair.

Trench Drains: Keeping Surface Areas Flood-Free

Linear drains, also known as trench drains, are designed for surface water management, typically found around pools, patios, or driveways. These long, narrow drains are highly effective, but they too can become blocked if not properly maintained.

Tips for Linear Drain Maintenance:

• Regularly clean the drain grates to prevent leaves and dirt from clogging the system.
• Flush the drain with water to ensure it’s clear, especially after storms.
• If the drain isn’t functioning as it should, Creek to Coast can quickly assess and repair any issues to keep water flowing.

What to Do When a Blockage Occurs

Even with the best care, blockages can still happen in any stormwater system. Common signs include water pooling, slow drainage, and overflow from gutters. When this occurs, calling a drainage plumber is the best course of action.

Attempting to clear the blockage yourself could cause further damage, especially if the blockage involves tree roots or damaged pipes. That’s where The Blocked Drain Guys comes in. Using tools such as high-pressure water jetting and CCTV cameras, their team can diagnose and remove even the toughest blockages quickly and effectively.

General Stormwater Maintenance Tips for All Systems

To keep your stormwater drains functioning at their best, follow these general maintenance tips:

• Hire professionals for regular cleaning to prevent blockages from forming.
• Inspect your drains after heavy rainfall or windstorms for any signs of clogging or damage.
• Install gutter guards and drain grates to keep leaves and debris out of your drainage system.
• Plan your landscaping carefully to prevent tree roots from invading underground pipes.

Preventive care is the best defense against blockages and water damage. However, when issues do arise, The Blocked Drain Guys are your trusted partner for stormwater drain repairs and maintenance.

“In life as in water systems, regular maintenance and attention ensure the flow remains smooth.”