A blocked stormwater drain can be a significant problem, especially during the rainy season or after a storm. When these drains overflow, water can pool around your home and flow into the street. This excess water not only creates a nuisance but can also lead to serious damage if left unchecked. It can seep under doors, damage floors, erode walls, and cause dampness.
Although it might be tempting to ignore an overflowing stormwater drain or attempt to fix it yourself, the underground nature of stormwater pipes and the complexity of these blockages typically require professional intervention.
Luckily, for residents in and around Sydney, Baloo Plumbing offers a thorough stormwater drain unblocking service to protect your property from water damage and ensure it remains safe and secure.

What Causes a Stormwater Drain Blockage?
Stormwater drains, being outdoors and uncovered, are prone to accumulating various types of debris carried by rainwater from gutters and ground channels. While these drains and their underlying pipes are designed to handle small amounts of natural debris like twigs, stones, soil, and leaves, over time, both natural and man-made materials can lead to blockages.
Common causes of stormwater drain blockages include:

• Tree Roots: Roots can infiltrate and grow through pipes, obstructing water flow.
• Cracked and Damaged Pipes: Structural issues in pipes can lead to blockages.
• Insufficient Stormwater Pit: An inadequately sized stormwater pit can fail to manage the flow effectively.
• Garden Waste: Leaves, branches, and other garden debris can enter and clog the drain.

Additionally, stormwater drainage systems that are incorrectly connected to sewage pipes can cause back-flowing blockages.

 In any case, addressing a blockage promptly with professional help is crucial to prevent further issues.

Signs Your Stormwater Drain Needs Baloo Plumbing Specialists
Here are three key signs that indicate your stormwater drain requires professional attention:
1. Overflowing Gutters: Regular overflow from your roof gutters may signal that your stormwater drain is blocked, causing water to back up through your drainage system and potentially into your downpipe guttering.
2. Pools of Water: If you notice stagnant water or boggy patches around your guttering and drain opening after heavy rainfall, it could indicate a blockage. Prompt diagnosis is essential to prevent further issues.
3. Sediment and Leaves Around the Drain Grate: A build-up of debris such as twigs, soil, leaves, and pebbles around the stormwater drain grate can suggest an emerging or existing blockage. Regular maintenance is needed to address and prevent blockages from forming.

How to Prevent Blocked Stormwater Drains
Preventing blocked stormwater drains involves regular maintenance and mindful practices. Here are some effective strategies to keep your stormwater drains clear:

Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
Clean Gutters and Downpipes: Regularly remove leaves, twigs, and debris from your gutters and downpipes to prevent them from washing into the stormwater drains.

Inspect and Clear Drains: Periodically check stormwater drains for blockages and clean them as needed. 

We provide both these services at Baloo plumbing- cleaning and removing leaves and debris and we can inspect and clear out your drains using a high water jet blaster.

CCTV Camera
While basic maintenance can be handled on your own, Baloo Plumbing offers a thorough solution with our advanced CCTV tools. Our professional-grade snaking cameras are designed specifically for plumbing systems and allow us to inspect your stormwater drain in real-time. This ensures that your system is clear of blockages and fully prepared for the rainy season.

Jet Blasting

If we detect any issues during the inspection, we have the necessary equipment to resolve them. Our high-powered jet blasting tools can dislodge and flush away blockages, even those deep within your pipework. Additionally, we use water cutting tools to break down and remove any tree roots that may be causing obstructions in your pipes.

• Avoid Dumping Debris

Dispose of Garden Waste Properly: Do not dispose of garden waste, such as leaves, branches, or soil, into stormwater drains. Use designated green waste bins or compost.
Prevent Littering: Ensure that no litter or debris is discarded near or into stormwater drains.

• Ensure Proper Drainage System Installation

Check for Correct Connections: Verify that stormwater and sewage systems are correctly connected to avoid backflow issues. We can inspect the connections if you’re unsure.
Install Drain Guards: Use drain guards or covers to prevent large debris from entering the drain.

• Maintain Adequate Stormwater Pits

Check Pit Size: Ensure that stormwater pits are appropriately sized for the volume of water they need to manage. An undersized pit can quickly become overwhelmed. If you are unsure if you have the correct size stormwater pit, we can do a free inspection to check if it’s correct.

Stormwater Repairs

Stormwater management is a critical aspect of maintaining a safe and functional property. At Baloo Plumbing, we specialize in stormwater repairs to ensure that your drainage systems are working efficiently, protecting your property from water damage and flooding. Our expert team is equipped to handle a wide range of stormwater issues, from minor repairs to major system overhauls.