How to protect your stormwater drains from blockage?

Date Published: September 14, 2021, Last Updated on May 14, 2025 by Brian Doherty

How can you prevent blockage of stormwater connections? Taking a few precautions now, to protect your stormwater drains, goes a long way to minimise headaches in the future.

Be it your household or workplace, stormwater drain blockages should not be neglected. If you are unsure how to detect the warning signs of stormwater drainage or what causes stormwater pipes to get blocked, you can read more through our previous blogs on these topics.

Don’t let clogged stormwater pipes burn a hole in your pocket due to long-term structural damage to the building and its associated pipework. This can lead to expensive repairs later down the road. Doherty Plumbing Solutions has seen it all and knows how important it is to stay on top of your plumbing maintenance.

Besides, blocked debris inside the stormwater drains pose serious health concerns for your family members and pets. This is because insects and rodents can be attracted to decomposing matter which can quickly develop into unwanted sanitation problems. Mould can also grow on the moist walls around the blocked stormwater pipes and certain types of mould can cause severe health hazards and potentially become deadly. Black mould is notorious for causing symptoms such as diarrhea, headaches, memory loss & respiratory issues.

Steps to take care of your stormwater drainage

It pays to take some time off from your busy schedule and regularly monitor the stormwater drainage around your property. Here are 6 easy steps to follow.

Maintenance

Regular cleaning of stormwater entry points, gutters and downpipes, and checking them for signs of blockage will prevent long-term damage to these structures.
Inspection and maintenance of stormwater pipes every 2 years by a professional plumber like Doherty Plumbing Solutions is recommended. This is generally recommended to be done once before summer and once before winter.

Stormwater pipelines

When erecting the stormwater infrastructure (particularly for new building projects or renovations), using a licensed plumber will ensure the correct alignment of all pipework. This will encourage flow of stormwater from your property to the Council drains, and prevent unnecessary complications in the drainage system when high volumes of rainwater flow through these.

Filter installations

Physical installations such as leaf diverters, gutter guards, filters at stormwater grates will prevent the entry of unwanted objects and debris into the pipeline, thus reducing the chances of clogging. Prevention is the best course of protection.

Cable Machines

Doherty Plumbing Solutions is equipped with another effective tool at their disposal – the cable machine. With the long length of the cable, these are useful to detect clogs deeper into the stormwater drainage pipe where it would otherwise be impossible to reach.

Gardening

Consider where you are planting trees in your garden and keep stormwater points clear of leaves and dirt.
Trees too close to the stormwater network can lead to roots growing into these pipelines, causing a blockage. Tree roots will naturally grow toward the closest source of water so any pipework or drainage systems designed to control the flow of water are at risk. Additionally, the accumulation of dry leaves and dirt in the drainage system can be another culprit. Keeping leaves cleared regularly will go a long way to preventing leaf accumulation in places you don’t want it.

Where can you get plumbing help for blocked stormwater pipes in Melbourne’s east?

If you are concerned about the possibility of a blocked stormwater drainage system at your property, Doherty Plumbing Solutions is licensed and trained to handle your stormwater drain blockage.

Our team of experienced plumbers work across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. They can help promptly detect the root cause and resolve the issue at your home or business, with minimal disruption to you.

We have access to drain cameras and drain machines that can accurately diagnose plumbing problems related to stormwater blockage if required, and help with the cleaning process.

Contact the friendly team at Doherty Plumbing Solutions today.

• info@dohertyplumbingsolutions.com.au
• (03) 9877 5775
• 0417 577 432

How can your local Council help with blocked stormwater drains in Victoria?

All the infrastructure around the drainage of private properties is the property owner’s responsibility. This includes the sections of a pipeline that discharge water to the kerb and channel or pipe connections to a Council drain.

The point where your stormwater flows from the roof and discharges into the Council’s drainage infrastructure is known as the ‘Legal Point of Discharge’ (LPOD). The property owner is responsible for ensuring that stormwater pipes are connected to the appropriate Council-nominated LPOD.

If you suspect a blockage in one of your stormwater drainage pipes, it is suggested that you contact a licensed plumber to investigate.

For more specific information related to your local Council area, you can explore the following options.