Every year, powerful storms drench Sydney, turning streets into rivers and homes into disasters. Continued predictions of severe conditions during the official storm season period from September to April mean it’s time to invest in a stormwater management plan.
Every storm begins at the top. Rainwater gushes off your roof, through the downpipes and into your yard like a high-pressure hose. This deluge can erode soil, seep into foundations, weaken retaining walls and turn backyards into swimming pools.
Can your drains handle this sudden influx, or will they buckle under pressure?
Storm Prep Basics
Sydney locals know all about the need to maintain their homes for the storm season. Storm prep maintenance tasks should be carried out at least once a year to make sure your drainage systems are clear of any obstructions and can flow freely in the event of heavy rain.
Gutters and Downpipes
Carrying out this maintenance can make the difference between a minor inconvenience and major damage when wild weather hits.
- Clear leaves and debris from the roof guttering
- Check downpipes are free of blockages
- Trim overhanging branches
- Consider installing gutter guards
Stormwater Drainage
The next step is to ensure your property’s stormwater system is up to the task. A stormwater management plan incorporates preventative measures and design strategies that can save you money in the long run and meet stringent council guidelines.
Stormwater Drainage Inspections
Effective drainage is critical, so it’s worth having your existing drainage system professionally assessed. Our plumbing team can carry out a comprehensive on-site stormwater drainage inspection to check for any existing issues or potential vulnerabilities.
During the inspection, we can:
- Use CCTV to inspect pipes and locate blockages
- Identify non-compliant plumbing installations
- Recommend drainage system repairs and upgrades.
Stormwater Drainage Repairs
Sudden downpours coupled with an overlooked drainage issue can be costly – just ask our licensed plumber in Ryde! You can check that all backyard drainage grates are free of surface obstructions like dirt, leaves, and silt. However, if you suspect there’s a blockage deeper in the drain, a professional plumber has the tools to accurately diagnose, locate and clear the blockage.
Backyard Drainage Installations
Adequate backyard drainage is very important for ensuring that stormwater flows safely over your yard and away from your home.
Commonly, residential homes are fitted with French and Point drains. Both remove water, but they work in different ways and are used for different drainage problems.
- French drain: A gravel-filled trench fitted with a perforated pipe. Designed to redirect underground water to prevent soggy soil and foundation leaks, these are strategically installed in high-risk or problem areas.
- Point drain: also called a stormwater pit, this drain is typically found in driveways, around pools and on balconies or patios. A grate is positioned to handle surface runoff water and channel it away into already established underground stormwater systems.
If you require additional drains to be installed, this is a job for a professional plumber in Sydney. We can handle the complexities of correctly installing and connecting drains to the existing network of underground pipes. We use our local expertise regarding catchments and flood areas to provide the most effective drainage solutions for your home.
If your backyard constantly floods, a pump system might be needed. Sydney drainage plumbers can assess, install, and connect a new pump to your stormwater line.
It’s also worth asking about installing backflow prevention valves. If stormwater flows down pipes in the wrong direction, this is a serious health hazard.
Start Your Storm Season Prep Today!
With another horrible, flood-prone summer looming, don’t wait for the puddles to appear. A proactive stormwater management plan can transform your home from vulnerable to resilient.
Get in touch with the Sydney stormwater drainage experts at Gladesville Plumbing today.
