Optimal performance: 6 tips for proper stormwater drainage

Stormwater drains are typically at their most effective with manageable capacities. However, a severe storm can overwhelm the system’s maximum capacity, and this risk is even greater when the system isn’t running at full capacity.

This is why stormwater maintenance is essential, with things like gutter cleaning, grate maintenance and having the best stormwater pits Sydney has on offer keeping your system running smoothly.

Here are six tips for ensuring your stormwater system is running at full capacity:

1. Jet on the regular

Stormwater drainage systems that experience regular blocking can be flushed out with a hose. This may help, but it is not an ultimate resolution that you should always choose.

An optimal stormwater solution can be achieved by having your drains regularly water-jetted. These experts can efficiently clear the system of buildups and debris whilst providing an optimal opportunity to inspect the drainage condition for potential/current problems that may require a bigger job than a simple jetting.

2. Add a stormwater pit & pump

If your current stormwater drainage system isn’t getting the job done, it may be a good idea to install a stormwater pit and pump to produce a lower water flow level. Stormwater pumps push through a large amount of water away from your home whilst the pit creates storage to hold off runoffs before it can drain through the attached pipes at a velocity that can handle water flow.

A camera inspection may be required pre-installation to evaluate the area surrounding your home.

3. Keep your gutters clean

If your gutters are inundated with dirt, leaves and other debris, this can potentially fill your pipes and cause stormwater overflow. This can then go on to cause serious damage to your home, roof and building structure.

The most simple practise you can do is regularly clean your gutters to ensure your stormwater system is free from blockage. You can also install filters or gutter guards on stormwater grates. These are all ideal for keeping your stormwater system clear.

4. Maintain your grates

If your home has numerous stormwater drains, it is important to evaluate the grates and ensure they are clean and well-maintained after a storm. Grates can easily catch debris, so it is important to clean them after a big storm.

If you see that your grates are losing their form, you might even want to replace them before the next big storm rolls through.

5. Monitor your home’s water flow

During a storm or even just a big rainfall blast, evaluate the direction in which the water is gushing. Stormwater should flow away from your property towards the curb.

If it is flowing towards your property, you should contact a team who can reline your pipe. They can produce a CCTV camera evaluation to see what has happened and if there are any obstructions in your system.

6. It may need to be relined

Stormwater drainage should always run at its intended capacity, as this is the only way to truly stop it from overflowing. However, if it constantly blocks or overflows, then there may be a larger problem at hand. Your system may require relining to ensure that it is able to drain and clear without any further problems.

These are some of the most efficient methods for ensuring your stormwater drainage system is running at full capacity. Some of them take more work than others, but it all goes a long way to ensuring your home is safe from the ultimate pitfalls of a bad storm coming through the area!

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