Effective Solutions For Blocked Stormwater Drains

As a local plumbing and gas company, we know having blocked stormwater drains can be incredibly stressful for Gold Coast homeowners and property owners. Not only do blocked stormwater drains cause flooding, but they can also create health hazards, environmental pollution, and costly clean-up and repairs. That’s why at Local Plumbing & Gas Co., we are committed to providing effective solutions for blocked stormwater drains on the Gold Coast.

We provide preventive measures to help you avoid blockages in the first place and DIY solutions if you’re brave enough to tackle them yourself. But if all else fails, our team of professionals is always available to come out and unblock your drain quickly and safely.

 Today, we look at the causes and consequences of blocked stormwater drains, preventive measures, DIY solutions, and professional solutions available to help you restore your stormwater drainage system.

Causes of Blocked Stormwater Drains

At Local Plumbing & Gas Company, we see blocked stormwater drains all the time. Most of the time, the problem is caused by construction materials, soil and sediment, leaves and twigs, litter and debris, grease and oil buildup, and litter and debris.

• Litter and debris are the most common causes of blocked stormwater drains. Items such as plastic bags, bottles, cigarette butts, and other rubbish can easily be flushed down a drain and cause blockages.
• Leaves and twigs are other factors that often contribute to blocked stormwater drains. When leaves fall from trees and plants into the drainage system, they can catch onto other debris and form clogs.
• Grease and oil buildup are other culprits that can cause blocked stormwater drains. When fats, oils, or greases are not disposed of correctly, they accumulate in the pipes and create blockages.
• Soil and sediment can also make their way into stormwater drains and build up over time, leading to blocked drains.
• In the same way, building materials like concrete or asphalt can get into the drainage system and build up in pipes, clogging them.

Consequences of Blocked Stormwater Drains

A blocked stormwater drain can have severe consequences if left unresolved. Flooding and property damage are among the most common results of blocked drains, as water cannot flow freely through the pipes, leading to overflows and damage to buildings and landscapes.

Additionally, blocked stormwater drains can create health hazards as the blocked water stagnates and creates a breeding ground for disease-carrying mosquitoes.

Environmental pollution is also an issue with blocked stormwater drains. Blocked drains can cause wastewater to overflow into nearby rivers and streams, polluting our environment.

Lastly, blocked stormwater drains can be costly to clean up and repair. The blocked water can cause pipe damage and require professional intervention to clear it out, leading to costly repairs.

Preventive Measures

Fortunately, blocked stormwater drains can be easily prevented with the right maintenance measures. We recommend the following preventive measures to avoid a blocked stormwater drain on the Gold Coast:

• Proper waste disposal is the key to preventing blocked stormwater drains. Make sure all family members know what can and cannot be flushed down a drain, and invest in bins and composters for non-biodegradable items such as plastic bags, bottles, and cigarette butts.
• Maintenance of gutters and downspouts is also essential. Clear all debris from gutters and downspouts regularly to ensure they are free-flowing and not blocked by leaves or other materials.
• Avoid pouring grease and oil down drains, as this can lead to a buildup of fats and oils in the pipes, resulting in blocked stormwater drains. Instead, dispose of them properly in sealed containers.
• Regular cleaning of stormwater drains can also help prevent blocked drains. Make sure to clean out the stormwater periodically drains to ensure they are free-flowing and not blocked by debris or other materials.

DIY Solutions for Blocked Stormwater Drains

Although blocked stormwater drains should be left to professional plumbers, some DIY solutions may work in unblocking the drains.

• Clearing debris from the blocked drain is one of the most common methods of resolving blocked stormwater drains. Use a garden hose or ladder to clear out any leaves, twigs, dirt, or rubbish from the blocked drain.
• Using a plunger is another common DIY solution for blocked stormwater drains. A plunger can help to break up small clogs and unblock blocked pipes. It is important to wear protective gloves when using a plunger, as they contain bacteria that could be harmful if it comes in contact with the skin or eyes.
• Hose flushing is another DIY solution for blocked stormwater drains. Attach a hose to the blocked pipe and flush it out, using water pressure to remove debris that may be causing blockages.

Safety Precautions

Taking safety precautions when attempting DIY solutions to unblock blocked stormwater drains is essential. Ensure that protective clothing is worn, including eye protection and gloves. It is also important to avoid getting too close to the blocked pipe, as it may contain hazardous materials.

Professional Solutions

At Local Plumbing & Gas Company, we understand that blocked stormwater drains can be a major headache for homeowners and property owners. Because of this, we always suggest hiring a certified professional to deal with blocked stormwater drains.

Our certified plumbers are trained to identify and resolve blocked stormwater drains quickly and safely, using the right tools and techniques. In addition, we have the necessary experience and equipment to identify blocked pipes and clear them out without damaging nearby pipes or causing further damage.

Regular maintenance is also essential for blocked stormwater drains. Having your blocked drains inspected and cleaned regularly by a certified plumber can help prevent future blockages, saving you time and money in the long run.

Conclusion

Stormwater drains are essential to maintaining a healthy and functioning drainage system. Unblocking blocked stormwater drains should be left to certified professionals with the necessary experience and equipment to identify blocked pipes and clear them out safely and effectively. DIY solutions such as clearing debris from blocked stormwater drains, using a plunger, or flushing with a hose can be useful in some cases but should be used with caution. Regular maintenance is also essential for clearing blocked stormwater drains; having them inspected and cleaned regularly can help prevent future blockages from occurring.

At Local Plumbing & Gas Company, we provide professional solutions for blocked stormwater drains on the Gold Coast. Our licenced plumbers only use the most up-to-date tools and methods to find blocked drains and clear them quickly, safely, and effectively.

We’re here to help ensure your stormwater drains are free-flowing and properly maintained. We service the entire Gold Coast region, including ​ ​Coomera, Oxenford, Helensvale, Pacific Pines, Benowa, Bundall, Carrara, Nerang, Robina, Main Beach, and Southport. We also service the greater regions of South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales.

Get in touch with us today to learn more about our services for blocked stormwater drains, or book an appointment online.