Blocked stormwater drains are a common headache faced by homeowners and property managers across Australia, particularly in urban areas. Stormwater drains play a crucial role in preventing flooding and water damage by channelling rainwater away from properties, streets and other important infrastructure.
When blockages occur, they can cause significant inconvenience, unforeseen damage and unexpected costs. Further muddying the waters is a trend amongst shonky plumbers, particularly in cities like Sydney, advertising drain unblocking services at unrealistically low prices. This leaves homeowners unsure of what to expect, who to trust and without a reasonable estimate of what it will cost to clear the blockage.
What is a Stormwater Drain and Why Do They Get Blocked?
Unless you’re a tradie, you’ve probably got questions about what stormwater drains are, how they work and why they get blocked.
Stormwater drains are essential for managing rainwater and preventing flooding by channelling water away from causeways and properties. In Australia, common stormwater drains include kerbside drains, gully pits, channel drains, downpipes, roof drains, driveway grates, yard drains, subsoil drains — the list goes on.
While these drains are often found on public roads, they also pop up on private properties, where homeowners are then responsible for their maintenance.
What Causes Blocked Stormwater Drains?
Stormwater drains are prone to blockages, which happen for a range of reasons:
- Debris: Leaves, dirt and litter accumulate in the drain and cause blockages, especially during Autumn or after heavy rain.
- Tree Roots: Anybody with a fig tree on their property (a common occurrence in Sydney) knows how the roots can take over as they go searching for water. Roots from figs and other tree species can infiltrate the drains and block the flow of water.
- Sediment build-up: Over time, dirt and sediment can settle in the drains, narrowing the flow channel and causing blockages.
- Other obstructions: Foreign objects and the incorrect disposal of waste often lead to blockages that restrict water flow.
How Common are Stormwater Drain Blockages?
Blockages of stormwater drains are actually a pretty common problem, especially in areas with heavy rainfall or lots of trees. In urban areas like Sydney and Brisbane, large trees, like the fig, are notorious for sending out roots that penetrate underground pipes.
Properties in regions with mature tree growth and older drainage systems that suffer from a lack of maintenance are more likely to encounter problems with their stormwater pipes.
During storms and periods of heavy rain, plumbers are often inundated with these plumbing emergencies, as pipes and drains become overwhelmed with debris and sediment.
Regular maintenance and the professional cleaning of stormwater drains can help prevent these issues, keeping your property safe from flooding and consequent water damage.
The Cost to Clear a Blocked Stormwater Drain
Blocked stormwater drains are an emergency for homeowners and property managers, who need to act quickly when they occur. While it would be nice to offer a fixed price quote, the cost of clearing a blocked stormwater drain will fluctuate based on a range of factors.
One of the main elements affecting costs is the severity of the blockage. For example, a blockage caused by debris like leaves and sediment can usually be cleared pretty quickly; more serious blockages involving tree roots will require more time, specialised equipment and expertise. The location of the blockage also plays a role. Blockages that are easily accessible are generally cheaper to clear, while those located deep in the drainage system or buried below concrete or driveways often entail increased costs due to the additional labour.
An additional pricing consideration is the type of equipment needed to clear and repair the blockage. CCTV drain inspections may be necessary to locate the site of the blockage, followed by high-pressure water jetting to clear stubborn obstructions. If the pipes are irreparably damaged, pipe relining may be required. While this will further increase the costs, it offers long-term prevention against future blockages.
At The Relining Company, the cost of clearing a blocked stormwater drain typically ranges from $200 to $600. For precise pricing, we offer an obligation-free onsite quote, ensuring you know what to expect before any work begins.
Who is Responsible for Clearing a Blocked Stormwater Drain?
Responsibility for cleaning blocked stormwater drains varies according to the location of the drain. Generally, local councils bear responsibility for drains located on public roads and footpaths, while homeowners are responsible for those within their property boundaries. If you’re unsure who is responsible for a particular drain, you should check in with your local council for clarification.
We Can Clear Your Blocked Drains
At the Relining Company, we have a tried and true process that ensures the resolution of blocked drains, no matter the cause. Here’s how it works.
- Initial Contact and Assessment: Once you make contact, you start our assessment of the issue, either over the phone or via an onsite visit.
- Obligation-free quote: We provide a detailed no-obligation quote based on the severity and location of the blockage.
- Clearing the Blockage: Our team employs advanced equipment, including high-pressure jets and CCTV cameras, to locate and clear the blockage effectively.
- Final Inspection: After the blockage is cleared, we conduct a thorough inspection of the system to ensure it is completely free of obstructions.
While complex cases may take some time, we can usually resolve a blocked stormwater drain within a few hours, getting your drainage back up and running.
How Pipe Relining Can Prevent Future Blockages
Pipe relining is a modern, relatively non-invasive method of repairing damaged pipes without the need for excavation. The process works by inserting a flexible lining into the damaged pipe and curing it in place, creating a durable, long-lasting seal that fixes existing cracks and prevents future blockages.
When it comes to stormwater drains, pipe relining is a beneficial solution, reinforcing pipes against root infiltration and other common issues. At The Relining Company, we specialise in pipe relining, ensuring your drainage system remains free from blockages for years to come.
The Relining Company Are Blocked Drain Experts
Clearing a blocked stormwater drain can vary in cost depending on the severity and location of the issue. By choosing The Relining Company, you’re guaranteed expert service, transparent pricing and long-lasting results.
If you’re dealing with a blocked drain, contact us today for an obligation-free quote, and we’ll help you get your flow back.
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