Having properly functioning drains can help reduce the risk of homes being flooded. If you own a home in Sydney or are renting, here’s how to prepare your drains for potential floods in Sydney:
Check Your Drains
If you live in Sydney and receive an early weather warning for storms or rain events, that’s the time to check your drains or get a professional to do it for you.
You’ll want to look for any debris such as fallen leaves, twigs, or other blockages that could prevent proper water flow, which may cause flooding during storms.
Sometimes blockages aren’t visible from the outside, so it’s smart to check inside the drains as well.
You can do this by inserting a long stick or pole down the drain to detect any blockage, or pouring water in to see if it drains away smoothly or backs up.
Clear Your Drains
Even if your drains appear clear, it’s essential to make sure that rainwater can flow through them easily. Clear away any leaves, rubbish, or debris nearby that could be blown into the drains during a storm.
Also remember to check and clean out your gutters. Remove leaves and dirt by hand or with a scoop and place the waste into a bucket.
If your drains are seriously blocked, it’s wise to call a drainage professional before the weather turns. Getting them cleared promptly is vital to staying protected during severe rain events.
If you find your drains frequently get blocked, talk to an expert about what might be causing it and possible long-term solutions.
Fix Any Damages
If your drains are damaged, even slightly—with cracks, rust, or weak points—get them repaired before any heavy rain arrives, as storms can make small issues worse.
It’s best to hire a professional for any repairs, but if that’s not immediately possible, using heavy-duty tape around minor cracks or corrosion spots can offer short-term protection. Avoid DIY drain replacements, which could cause more problems.
If you’re concerned about your pipes and can’t get a professional to your property in time, still reach out. Many specialists can offer advice by phone on how to protect your system temporarily.
Install a Drainage Grate
Installing a drainage grate helps prevent blockages during heavy storms by trapping debris before it enters the drain. This is especially helpful if your property is surrounded by trees or vegetation.
Drainage grates are commonly found across Sydney, especially in road gutters, to help keep water moving freely and reduce the risk of flooding.
If your drain is missing a grate or it’s broken, speak with a licensed drainage specialist to arrange a replacement or upgrade.
Invest in Stormwater Landscaping Features
Depending on your property’s exposure to heavy weather, you might want to consider adding landscaping features like berms or swales.
Berms are small raised mounds that guide water away from your home. These are often seen along roadsides to prevent water from pooling.
Swales work similarly but function as shallow grass channels that redirect water through your yard in a controlled, eco-friendly way.
These solutions are ideal if you have open land that could be landscaped to help reduce flood risk to your home.
Clean and Maintain Your Garden
To reduce how much debris ends up in your drains, make sure your garden is tidy before any heavy rain. An overgrown or messy yard can cause more leaves, branches, or dirt to clog your drainage system, risking damage or flooding.
Garden Maintenance Can Include:
- Mowing the lawn regularly
- Weeding and pruning back overgrown plants
- Cutting away tree branches that hang low
- Trimming hedges and bushes often
- Removing loose rocks or debris that could be swept into drains
Final Thoughts
Storms and extreme weather in Sydney can be unpredictable in how they affect your home. By taking the right steps to prepare your drains and property ahead of time, you can protect your Sydney home and family from flood damage and ensure better peace of mind during storm season