Stormwater Problems After Heavy Rain: 5 things homeowners should check first!

Heavy rain is becoming more common across Sydney, and when it hits, stormwater problems are often quick to show themselves. Overflowing drains, pooling water, and flooded yards aren’t just inconvenient,  if left unchecked, they can cause serious damage to your home.

Here’s what homeowners should check first after heavy rain, and when it’s time to call in a professional.

Check Stormwater Pits and Grates

One of the most common causes of stormwater issues is blocked pits and grates.

Leaves, dirt, mulch, and debris can quickly build up, especially after strong winds or garden work. When water can’t flow freely into the pit, it backs up and floods surrounding areas.

What to look for:

• Water sitting around the pit
• Slow draining after rain stops
• Debris covering the grate

A quick clean can help, but recurring blockages usually mean there’s an issue further down the line

Look for Pooling Water in Your Yard

If parts of your yard stay soggy or flood during rain, it could indicate:

• Collapsed or damaged stormwater pipes
• Blockages caused by tree roots
• Incorrect pipe fall or drainage design

Pooling water isn’t just a nuisance, over time it can lead to soil erosion, damage to retaining walls and even affect your home’s foundations.

Check Downpipes and Connections

Downpipes are designed to carry roof water away from your home and into the stormwater system. If they’re blocked, cracked or disconnected, water may overflow and run back toward your house.

After heavy rain, check for:

• Water spilling from the top of downpipes
• Cracked or broken pipe sections
• Downpipes that discharge straight onto the ground instead of into stormwater

This is especially important for older homes where stormwater connections may not meet current standards

Watch for Water Near Your Home’s Foundation

Water pooling near the base of your home can cause serious long term problems, including dampness, mould and structural movement.

If you notice:

• Wet patches along external walls
• Water entering garages or under-house areas
• Persistent damp smells after rain

it’s a sign your stormwater system isn’t doing its job properly.

Be Aware of Coastal and Tree Heavy Areas

In suburbs across the Sutherland Shire and surrounding areas, stormwater problems are often made worse by:

• Sandy soil that shifts over time
• Tree roots invading older pipes
• Ageing earthenware or concrete stormwater lines

These issues aren’t always visible from the surface and often require CCTV inspection to diagnose correctly.

When to Call a Plumber

If stormwater problems keep returning, DIY fixes usually won’t solve the underlying issue. A licensed plumber can:

• Inspect stormwater pipes with CCTV cameras
• Clear blockages safely and effectively
• Identify damaged or collapsed sections
• Recommend long term solutions to prevent repeat flooding

Addressing stormwater problems early can save thousands in water damage repairs later.

Need Help With Stormwater Issues?

At Plumbers Please, we help homeowners across Sydney identify and fix stormwater problems before they turn into costly repairs. If heavy rain has revealed drainage issues around your home, it’s worth getting them checked sooner rather than later.

📞 Call us on 0413 327 408
🌐 www.plumbersplease.net.au