When your stormwater or sewer drain is not functioning as it should, it might be due to a blocked stormwater drain or a clogged soak hole. In either case, it is essential to address the issue promptly, either by unblocking it yourself or by calling in a local professional plumber or drainlayer to assist you.
In Canberra, the stormwater and wastewater infrastructure includes:
Pipes: There are over 2,700 kilometers of stormwater pipes managed by the Territory and Municipal Services Directorate. This network is crucial for mitigating urban flooding and maintaining stormwater quality.
Catchment Pits: The city has numerous stormwater pits, including over 94 gross pollutant traps and 15 retarding basins that help manage and filter stormwater before it enters the Murrumbidgee River system.
Treatment Plants: Canberra has two primary water treatment plants—Mount Stromlo and Googong—which collectively ensure safe drinking water supply and manage stormwater quality. These facilities process water from the city’s reservoirs, including the Googong and Cotter River systems
The Canberra Community Council is quite clear that they own and maintain the public pipes, manholes, catchment pits, and other assets that are responsible for managing stormwater flow, quantity, and quality. This means that they are committed to ensuring that the public drainage system operates effectively and efficiently.
However, it is important to note that landowners are responsible for maintaining the assets located on their property up to the point where these assets connect to the public infrastructure. This can include roof gutters, downpipes, grates, and catchpits, which are all crucial for proper drainage.
Generally, the Canberra Community Council determines the boundary between public and private assets based on one of the following criteria:
- The connection to the public stormwater system, regardless of the location or number of properties serviced.
- The point where the service connection serves more than one property.
- The point where the service connection crosses the property boundary.
If you are experiencing ongoing problems with stormwater drainage, the Canberra Community Council has excellent resources available for homeowners and developers alike. These resources can provide valuable information on how to manage and maintain your drainage systems effectively.
Identifying Causes
While you are attempting to fix your blocked drain, it is also worthwhile to consider what might have caused the blockage in the first place, especially if it is a recurring issue. Common culprits include leaves, weeds, and other rubbish that can accumulate and obstruct the flow of water.
Therefore, it is wise to take some time to prevent these blockages from occurring in the future. You might need to prune a tree that is shedding leaves or even relocate your compost heap to a more suitable location.
Additionally, check to ensure that the wrong items are not being flushed down your toilet. It is essential to educate your family about the 3 P’s, only pee, poo, and paper should be flushed. This simple rule can significantly reduce the risk of blocked drains in your home.
You may also discover that tree roots are growing into your pipes, or that your drainage system is filling up with silt or dirt over time. These issues can lead to significant blockages and should be addressed as soon as possible.
Step 1: Inspection
Begin by inspecting the area where the drain runs from. Is there a flooded yard or garden? Take a closer look at where the drainage system begins and see if anything is obstructing the flow. You may have a blocked gully trap or a blocked stormwater drain that needs attention.
You can tell if your gully trap is overflowing due to a blocked sewer drain by observing the colour of the water in the gully. If it appears to be raw sewage, it is a clear indication that the drain is blocked, and you should call a blocked drains plumber or drainlayer to unblock your sewer drains. However, if the water looks clear, it is likely just rainwater, which may not require immediate action.
Step 2: Call a Pro
If the blocked drain appears to be a serious issue, it may be necessary to call in a local plumber or drainlayer. These professionals have the right equipment and expertise to clear any blockages effectively and safely. They can quickly assess the situation and provide a solution that will restore your drainage system to proper working order.
If you decide to tackle the job yourself, it is essential to have the right tools and equipment on hand before you begin. Make sure you have rubber gloves, a bucket, a plunger, and drain rods ready to go. These items will help you manage the situation more effectively and ensure that you can address the blockage safely.
Dealing with blocked drains can be a frustrating experience, but by understanding the causes and taking the necessary steps to address the issue, you can help prevent future problems. Whether you choose to handle the situation yourself or call in a blocked drains plumber, being proactive about your stormwater and sewer drains will lead to a more efficient and effective drainage system in your home.
Remember, regular maintenance and awareness of your drainage system can save you time, money, and hassle in the long run.
Before you proceed with any DIY efforts, it’s crucial to take a moment to consider whether you are genuinely likely to resolve the issue at hand or, conversely, if your actions might exacerbate the situation!
It is not uncommon for enthusiastic DIY problem solvers to inadvertently cause damage to the waste pipes, traps, or drains in their homes. This can lead to more significant issues down the line, which could have been avoided with a bit of caution and forethought.
Additionally, it’s important to remember that only licensed plumbers are authorised to repair or replace waste pipes within your home. Similarly, only licensed drainlayers are permitted to handle repairs or replacements of drains that are located underground or outside your property. Engaging a professional ensures that the work is done safely and to the required standards, which can save you from future headaches.
Step 3: Clean out the blockage
If you find yourself dealing with a blocked stormwater drain, a practical first step is to use a garden hose to spray water through the drain from one end to the other. This can often dislodge minor blockages. In the case of a blocked gully trap, you should take a bucket and carefully scoop out all the water that has accumulated in the tray.
Following this, grab your trusty plunger and give it a good plunge to dislodge any blockage that may be present in the drain pipe. If, after your efforts, the blockage remains stubborn and does not clear, it may indicate a more serious issue, such as a collapsed or broken drain. In such instances, it is advisable to call a blocked drains plumber or drainlayer to professionally clean out whatever is obstructing your drains beneath the house.
Step 4: Flush’ n’ fill
Once you have successfully cleared all the blockages from your sewer and stormwater drains, the next step is to flush them with fresh water. Use a hose to fill up the gully trap, ensuring that it is not blocked again. If you have plugged stormwater drains, make sure to unplug them to allow for proper drainage.
If the blockage was specifically in your stormwater drain, it’s a good idea to head back into your yard and pour two buckets of water down the drain for good measure. This will help ensure that everything is flowing smoothly and that no residual blockages remain.
Step 5: Check for leaks
After you have completed all the cleaning, take a moment to inspect your section and the street to ensure that everything is only damp and not excessively wet. Sometimes, a thorough clean-out may reveal a leak in your plumbing system that was previously hidden.
If you do discover a leak under your house, it may be worth calling a plumber to take a closer look at the drains beneath your property. If you feel confident and want to save some money, you can attempt to address the leak yourself, but do consider the complexity of the task before proceeding.
Step 6: Clean up
Once you have finished your plumbing tasks, don’t forget to wash your rubber gloves thoroughly. It’s also a good idea to use bleach to clean out the bucket and plunger if they got dirty during this process. Keeping your tools clean will help ensure that they remain in good condition for future use.
Step 7: Relax – it should be fine now!
At this point, the water should be running freely through your drains, which is a great relief! If you have plugged stormwater drains, remember to unplug them or leave the plug off until it rains again, allowing the water to flow freely down the drain.
With these steps completed, you can now sit back and relax, knowing that you have taken the necessary actions to address the blocked drains in your home. Remember, regular maintenance and awareness of your drainage system can save you time, money, and hassle in the long run.
Happy digging!