Blocked Stormwater Drains in Melbourne? Here's What You Should Know

Blocked Stormwater Drains in Melbourne? Here's What You Should Know

Melbourne’s unpredictable weather brings sunshine one day and torrential rain the next. This constant fluctuation puts a lot of pressure on our stormwater systems. If you’ve noticed water pooling in your yard, slow-draining gutters or damp spots near your home’s foundations, you could be dealing with a blocked stormwater drain.

What might seem like a minor annoyance can quickly turn into a major problem. Blocked drains can lead to structural damage, health risks and expensive repairs. Here is what you need to know about identifying, preventing and fixing blocked stormwater drains in Melbourne.

What Causes Stormwater Drains to Block?

Stormwater drains are designed to carry rainwater away from your roof, driveway and garden into the council’s drainage system. They are separate from sewer lines and do not carry wastewater from inside your home. Despite this, they are still very prone to blockages, especially in older Melbourne suburbs.

The most common causes of blocked stormwater drains include:

• Tree roots: Roots often find their way into small cracks in underground pipes. Once inside, they grow and eventually cause full blockages.
  
  
• Leaves and debris: Autumn leaves, dirt, mulch and garden waste can get washed into gutters and downpipes and build up inside the drains.
  
  
• Collapsed or cracked pipes: Over time, old clay or concrete pipes may collapse due to age or shifting soil.
  
  
• Poor drainage design: Some older properties were built without proper planning for stormwater flow, especially as Melbourne's rainfall patterns have changed in recent years.
  

Common Signs of a Blocked Stormwater Drain

Spotting a blocked stormwater drain early can save you thousands in repairs. Here are the main signs to look out for:

• Water pooling in your yard or driveway
  
  
• Gutters that overflow even with light rain
  
  
• Gurgling noises from external drains
  
  
• Damp patches on walls or concrete areas
  
  
• Musty smells or mould near outdoor drainage points
  

If any of these are familiar, you should contact a licensed plumber who specialises in blocked stormwater drains Melbourne.

Why DIY Drain Clearing Often Fails

While it may be tempting to try clearing the drain yourself, most blocked stormwater drains require professional tools and expertise. A garden hose, plunger or chemical drain cleaner won’t remove tree roots or clear out compacted silt from deep within the system.

Professional plumbers use high-pressure water jetting equipment to break through tough blockages. They also use CCTV cameras to inspect the inside of the pipes and identify what caused the problem. This helps ensure the drain is not only cleared but also repaired properly to prevent future issues.

What Happens if You Ignore the Problem?

Ignoring a blocked stormwater drain can lead to serious consequences. Water that cannot flow away from your home can cause:

• Flooding under the house or around the yard
  
  
• Foundation movement or cracks in walls
  
  
• Soil erosion and damage to landscaping
  
  
• Mould and mildew growth around the property
  
  
• Pest infestations due to standing water
  

Stormwater flooding is not always covered by home insurance if it results from poor maintenance. This means homeowners could be left to cover the cost of repairs out of pocket.

How MGR Plumbing Can Help

At MGR Plumbing, we understand the unique challenges of Melbourne’s stormwater systems. Our team of experienced plumbers uses advanced tools like hydro jetting machines and CCTV drain cameras to locate and fix blockages fast.

We provide:

• Same-day service for urgent stormwater blockages
  
  
• Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
  
  
• Fully licensed and insured plumbers
  
  
• Clean and respectful service from start to finish
  
  
• Expertise in handling Melbourne's older plumbing infrastructure
  

Whether you're located in Blackburn, Templestowe, Camberwell, or anywhere else across Melbourne, MGR Plumbing has you covered.

How to Prevent Future Stormwater Blockages

Prevention is always better than cure, especially when it comes to underground plumbing. Here are a few simple steps to help reduce the risk of blocked stormwater drains:

• Clean out gutters and downpipes at least twice a year
  
  
• Install leaf guards to stop debris entering the system
  
  
• Trim trees and remove plants growing close to stormwater lines
  
  
• Avoid washing soil or garden materials into drains
  
  
• Get a yearly drain inspection from a licensed plumber
  

By taking these steps, you can extend the life of your stormwater drainage system and avoid costly repairs.

Final Thoughts

Blocked stormwater drains are a common but serious issue for many Melbourne homeowners. Left unchecked, they can cause major damage to your home and garden. If you notice signs of drainage problems, it’s important to act quickly.

MGR Plumbing is here to help with reliable, local service for blocked stormwater drains Melbourne residents can trust. With decades of experience and the latest tools in the industry, we’ll get your drainage flowing again quickly and professionally.

Need help now? Contact us today to book an inspection or emergency stormwater drain service.