If you own a residential or commercial property, it’s essential to complete regular stormwater drain maintenance to create a safe environment for your family, friends, employees or visitors. When stormwater drains clog or overflow they can lead to flooding which creates an unsafe and potentially unhealthy environment.

In this article, we’ll explore why it’s so important to keep your stormwater drains clear and provide tips to help you maintain them so they drain efficiently and effectively.

The importance of keeping stormwater drains clear

Stormwater drains drain water away from your property to prevent flooding and ensure overall health and safety. When they clog or backup, it causes water to accumulate on the ground, this can make surfaces such as cement, tiles and some engineered wood floors slippery and lead to accidents or injuries. These puddles can also attract pests and rodents to your property in search of water. 

In addition, clogged stormwater drains and sitting water can lead to structural damage to your property’s foundations. This then results in costly repairs. But, by keeping your stormwater drains clean and flowing freely, you can minimise these risks and ensure the long-term integrity of your property.

Preventative maintenance ideas to keep stormwater drains clear

Regular preventative maintenance will help you avoid the above risks and protect your property and everyone on it from stormwater-related injuries. You can maintain your stormwater drains by:

Installing drain grates

Drain grates are durable covers that prevent debris, such as leaves, sticks and other objects from entering the drain while still allowing rainwater to flow fast and free into the system. These grates can help reduce the risk of blockages and even minimise the cleaning required, as all you’ll need to do is sweep or rake debris off to the side rather than removing it from inside the drain.

At Everhard Industries, we have a wide range of high-quality drain grates and covers in different materials and sizes to suit various residential and commercial stormwater pit and drainage needs. Our drain grates are available in everything from 316 stainless steel to galvanised steel and even cast iron for added durability for industrial uses.

Conducting regular cleaning

Similar to anything on your property, your stormwater drains require regular cleaning to prevent clogs and reduce the risk of property damage. You can thoroughly clean your drains by using a brush, broom or rake to remove leaves, twigs and other debris that accumulates on the drain surface and the grates (if you have them).

Undertake gutter maintenance

As your gutters feed into your storm drains, it’s essential to keep them clean and free-flowing by removing leaves and debris regularly. This will help prevent blockages in your drains and puddles from overflowing gutters. 

Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Clean out your gutters and downpipes at least twice a year, or more often if you have trees that overhang your roof or that shed heavily to prevent blockages and stop plants from attempting to take root in your gutters.
• Use a ladder or scaffolding to access gutters safely. If you’re not comfortable with height or don’t have the correct equipment, it’s best to hire a professional roof and gutter cleaner.
• Once you have removed any debris, flush the gutters with water to check for leaks or remaining blockages and ensure proper flow.
• Check that your downpipes are aligned properly and ensure they are not clogged with debris or sediment by flushing with water.
• Consider installing gutter guards or screens to reduce the amount of debris that enters your gutters. This will also make them quicker and easier to clean.
• Keep an eye out for signs of damage, such as sagging, rust spots or leaks, and address them promptly to prevent further damage.

Sweep regularly

Keep the area around your drain free from dirt, leaves, sticks and other debris by sweeping or raking it up for disposal in green waste, or using a leaf blower to blow debris into a nearby garden that won’t run into the drain. By removing debris, you can prevent leaves, branches and other rubbish or debris from being washed into your drains during heavy rainfall.

When you sweep or blow off debris from footpaths, parking lots and surrounding gardens, be aware of your stormwater drains and make sure you’re not moving the debris closer to them or even pushing it in.

Inspect drains regularly

By completing regular inspections of your drain systems you will be able to identify and catch any minor or potential damages before they turn into major problems. By doing so, you will minimise the need for repairs, avoid costly maintenance and keep your property in good condition.

Inspect your stormwater drains regularly for signs of:

• Damage: Look for cracks or corrosion in the pipes or grates.
• Wear: Inspect for signs of wear, such as rust or corrosion, on pipes and fittings.
• Blockages: Check for blockages caused by rubbish, debris, sediment, or other obstructions.
• Leaks: Inspect for leaks and signs of water damage around the drain and pipes.

Keep your stormwater drains flowing freely

By following these maintenance tips you can keep your stormwater drains clear and flowing freely. While no one enjoys cleaning and maintenance tasks, they’re a necessary part of property ownership that pays off by protecting your property and ensuring a safe and healthy environment.

If you want to install drain grates to streamline your maintenance routine or need to replace any parts of your drainage system, we’ve got you covered. Check out our range of high-quality drainage solutions at Everhard Industries.

Stormwater drains protect your property by managing excess water to prevent flooding in residential, commercial, and industrial areas. But there are many things to consider when choosing a drain and over time, these drains may need a little TLC to keep them flowing smoothly. 

But don’t worry, in this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about stormwater drains. We’ll discuss their purpose, the components, the types of drains and maintenance tips to keep them working as they should and installation options to get you started.

The Purpose of Stormwater Drains

So, let’s start with the purpose. Stormwater drains are designed to collect rainwater runoff from roofs, driveways, roads, and other surfaces and channel it to designated outlets away from your buildings. This helps to prevent flooding and preserve the integrity of your structures by protecting them from water damage or erosion. 

Components of Stormwater Drains

Next, let’s explore the components that make up a stormwater drainage system: 

• Inlets: The inlets are the openings or grates where water enters the drain, they’re generally located along streets or curbs.
• Pipes: These are pretty self-explanatory, like in any plumbing system, the pipes transport the water from the inlet to the detention/retention basins, waterways or treatment facilities.
• Detention/Retention Basins: The basins are responsible for the gradual release of water. They store the stormwater temporarily and then slowly release it into the environment or treatment system. This helps to prevent flooding from too much water being released at once.
• Outfalls: The outfalls are the discharge points where the treated or stored stormwater is released. These can flow into other man-made waterways or natural water bodies such as rivers, lakes or oceans. 

Types of Everhard Stormwater Solutions

At Everhard Industries, we design and manufacture a wide range of stormwater solutions, including pits, risers, and grates, to effectively manage and control stormwater runoff.

Stormwater Pits

Stormwater pits, also known as catch basins or sumps, are the chambers that are installed underground to collect and temporarily store stormwater runoff before safely releasing it. We manufacture a range of stormwater pits in different sizes and configurations to accommodate drainage needs for residential, commercial or industrial properties.

All of our pits are constructed from high-quality recycled polymer for added sustainability while also providing superior strength and durability against corrosion. Our pits also have integrated outlets and connections to allow for easy connection to pipes for simple and efficient water flow and management.

Stormwater Risers

Stormwater risers, or access risers, are the vertical shafts or extensions that allow you to access the pipes and pits for cleaning and maintenance. Risers are generally installed above ground level with an easy-to-remove lid or cover to make them easy to access and reach into for cleaning. 

Similar to our pits, our risers are made of recycled polymer to provide added durability to withstand heavy loads and environmental stressors. And with secure locking mechanisms and watertight seals, you can trust that they work reliably without any water infiltration. We also make them in various heights and diametres to suit your drainage system and needs.

Stormwater Grates

Finally, we have durable stormwater grates and grills. These are installed over the pits or inlets to minimise the risks of blockages from rubbish, leaves and other debris from entering the drainage system. 

We manufacture our grates out of high-strength and slip-resistant materials like iron and galvanised steel so they can safely be walked or driven over. Available in a range of sizes, shapes, and patterns, you’re sure to find a grate that blends in with your property and provides suitable drainage.

Maintenance Tips for Stormwater Drains

• Regular Inspections: Check your stormwater drains regularly for a buildup of sediment or debris that can cause blockages.
• Clear Debris: Remove any leaves, trash, and other debris from inlets and catch basins to prevent disruptive and potentially damaging blockages or backups.
• Clean Pipes: Schedule routine cleaning and maintenance to ensure water flows freely and prevent obstructions or damage.
• Prevent Pollution: Be aware of chemical spills near drains. Try to prevent letting chemicals, oils, or other pollutants run into your stormwater drains as they can contaminate the water and endanger aquatic ecosystems.
• Professional Services: If you suspect there may be a problem with your stormwater drain, or even if you just want it checked, you can contact a local plumber or drainage contractor to inspect, clean or repair your system.

Protect Your Property with Stormwater Solutions

High-quality stormwater drains can help to effectively manage water runoff and protect your residential, commercial or industrial property from flooding or water damage. By understanding the purpose of stormwater drains and keeping yours well-maintained you can safeguard your property and contribute positively to sustainability.

So, whether you’re considering installing a new stormwater drain or updating your existing systems, we can help. Explore our high-quality stormwater products or contact us for advice to meet your drainage needs.

Stormwater drains play an important role in managing excess rainfall, preventing flooding and protecting your property, but to ensure they work as they should, you need to know how to connect the drainage pipes effectively.

In this blog, we’ll share our seven top tips to help you connect your pipes properly to achieve optimal performance and longevity out of your drainage system. Whether you’re managing your existing stormwater drains or are looking at installing one of our innovative systems, such as our EasyDRAIN or DuraDRAIN or are still contemplating how to select the right drain grates, we can help you make the most out of your system.

Tip 1: Plan Your Layout Carefully

Before you start connecting drainage pipes, it’s essential to carefully design the layout for your drainage system. Keep in mind the slope of the land, the volume of water needing to be drained and the locations of your existing structures and plumbing system. 

Gravity helps water move downstream smoothly, so it’s important to use this to your advantage by planning accordingly for the natural slope of your land to guide water to your stormwater drains. By using the natural slope and gravity, you can successfully force rainfall to flow into your drainage system rather than pooling around your property or on driveways.

Tip 2: Choose the Right Materials

The next thing to consider is the materials that your system is made out of. Opt for high-quality, durable materials that are designed to withstand Australia’s harsh weather conditions and elements, such as direct sunlight, excess heat and heavy rainfall.

You also need to consider where your drains will be, and if they’re likely to be walked on or driven over, you need to opt for grates that are capable of handling heavy loads and foot traffic without bending or breaking.

At Everhard Industries, our drainage solutions are all designed to be high-quality, heavy duty and long-lasting in residential and commercial properties Australia-wide. Our surface water and stormwater drainage channels, grates, pits, risers and accessories are all also easy to install as they are fully integrated systems.

Tip 3: Use Proper Installation Techniques

Proper installation is the key to ensuring your drainage system works effectively and keeps your property safe and as dry as possible drying rainstorms. To ensure your drainage system is installed properly, it’s important to follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions, guidelines and best practices.

If you choose an Everhard Industries drainage system, you will know that you’re choosing a system that is easy to install and integrate. All of our systems come with everything you need for a quick and simple installation.

Tip 4: Pay Attention to Slope and Gradient

Proper installation goes back to what we briefly mentioned earlier about gravity and your natural slope. When installing your pipes it’s important to maintain the correct slope or gradient. For the best results, it’s best to aim for a minimum slope of 0.5% to 1% to ensure that the water flows smoothly and doesn’t pool or stagnate inside the pipes.

Tip 5: Use Proper Sealing Techniques

Proper sealing is also essential for preventing leaks and maintaining efficient water flow. When connecting the drainage pipes, be sure to use rubber gaskets or compression fittings to create watertight seals at the joints and connections. Then apply sealant or waterproof tape to cover any gaps or openings and prevent water seepage or infiltration. By applying proper sealant techniques, you can protect your pipes and drainage for longer.

Tip 6: Regular Maintenance and Inspections

Once your drainage system has been installed and working properly for a while, it’s still important to check on it periodically to prevent issues. By conducting regular inspections and maintenance you can ensure it remains in optimal condition by catching and addressing leaks, damage and wear and tear, like leaks, cracks or blockages early.

Important maintenance tasks include clearing debris from drain grates and pits to make sure they don’t cause blockages or damage to the pipes or joins. By staying proactive and completing this regular maintenance, you’ll be able to prevent minor issues from escalating into more significant problems.

Tip 7: Seek Professional Plumbing Assistance

While all of our Everhard drainage systems are designed for simple DIY installations, it’s still important to be aware of your skills and limitations and know when to call in the professionals. If you’re unsure of any of the processes involved, it’s best to contact your local plumber for advice.

Professional plumbers have all the skills, knowledge and specialised tools to ensure that your drainage system is connected correctly. They can also provide valuable advice and assistance for proper installation and techniques to troubleshoot any issues. They also know all the relevant and required building codes and how you can stay compliant.

So, by enlisting the help of professional plumbers, you will be able to have peace of mind that your drainage system is in capable hands and will function optimally for years to come.

The Key to Connecting Drainage Pipes Effectively

By ensuring your pipes are installed and connected properly you can protect your property from water damage and flooding with effective drainage. And with these seven tips, you’ll be well on your way to installing and maintaining your system in the best possible condition to ensure it stands the test of time and from Australia’s harsh elements.

So, whether you’re dealing with existing stormwater drains or planning to install new drain grates, correct connection is the key to long-term success. With careful planning, durable Everhard materials, and attention to detail, you can achieve optimal performance and peace of mind for your drainage solutions.

Selecting the right drainage solution for your property can make all the difference in how well it can manage your rainwater runoff. Residential and commercial properties have different needs, so it’s essential to choose a drainage system that suits your property to ensure longevity and effectiveness.

So, in this comprehensive guide, we will explore our Everhard drainage solutions, including DuraDRAIN, EasyDRAIN, and more to help you find your best fit.

Understanding Your Drainage Needs

The first step in choosing a drainage system is to assess your needs and requirements. Consider the size of the area you need to drain, the average volume of water runoff, your existing land terrain and slope, and any other potential challenges or environmental considerations that may impact your system.

By having a clear understanding of your scope and requirements, you can narrow down your options and choose the most suitable drainage solution for your property.

Everhard Industries Drain Solutions

At Everhard Industries, we offer a wide range of drainage and drain grate systems to help keep a property protected from water buildup. Our drainage solutions range from residential systems to larger drainage systems for commercial properties. Our surface water and stormwater drainage channels, grates, pits, risers and accessories are all fully integrated systems, making them easy to use and install.

Now, let’s explore some of our unique and innovative systems:

EasyDRAIN

For those seeking versatility and ease of installation, EasyDRAIN is an ideal residential solution. Featuring a modular design and lightweight construction, EasyDRAIN channels can be quickly assembled and installed without the need for specialised tools or equipment. 

Our EasyDRAIN range includes three designs:

• EasyDRAIN Standard is a click-together drainage system designed for outdoor applications, medium to high rainfall areas and areas with a medium to high water flow.
• EasyDRAIN Compact is as it sounds, a more compact drainage system designed for medium to low rainfall areas and areas with a medium to low water flow.
• EasyDRAIN Edge is an architectural and sustainable drainage system that is installed completely underground revealing a small 20mm slot of complete water capture. However, despite its size, it has been tested to handle a water flow of 149L per metre per minute.

DuraDRAIN

DuraDRAIN is a durable and reliable commercial drainage system designed to withstand heavy loads and high-traffic areas. Constructed from robust materials such as recycled polymer for the channel which is reinforced with galvanised steel edges, DuraDRAIN channels offer superior strength and durability.

With various grate options available, DuraDRAIN can be customised to meet performance requirements for footpaths or commercial driveways. These drainage systems are also easy to install.

Flo-way & Rainwater Pits

In addition to surface drainage solutions, Everhard Industries offers a range of Flo-way & Rainwater Pits designed to capture and manage water effectively. These pits are available in various sizes, materials and configurations to accommodate different applications, requirements, and aesthetics. They are also designed to integrate with our EasyDRAIN ranges.

These pits are designed for use under garden taps, downpipes or any location where surface water collects, however, as they are smaller than our channels, they should not be exposed to vehicle traffic.

Stormwater Solutions

At Everhard Industries, we also offer a wide range of stormwater solutions designed to effectively manage rainwater runoff and protect properties from water damage. Our stormwater solutions provide efficient drainage in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. These solutions are engineered to meet stringent performance standards and comply with regulatory requirements, ensuring peace of mind for property owners, developers and plumbers.

Designed and manufactured in Queensland, our drainage systems are built to withstand the harsh environment, including extended UV exposure and heavy rainfall. Our grates and covers also come in a variety of sizes and materials to ensure we have an option to suit any project.

At Everhard Industries, we are committed to being environmentally friendly and sustainable, not just in our manufacturing processes, through using recycled materials, but also in how we design our products. Our stormwater management systems are all designed to collect and hold debris that enters the stormwater pit so you can remove it, ultimately minimising the risk of debris entering and contaminating our waterways.

Choosing the Right Drainage Solution

So, in conclusion, when it comes to choosing the right drainage solution for your property, it’s essential to consider all of the factors that impact it, such as load capacity, installation requirements, maintenance needs, and aesthetic preferences. 

By evaluating these factors and the features and benefits of each of our drainage systems against your requirements, you can make an informed decision and find your perfect solution. So, whether you opt for DuraDRAIN, EasyDRAIN, or another Everhard drainage solution, you can rest assured that you are investing in a high-quality, reliable system that will last.

When it comes to managing water flow and preventing flooding in residential and commercial spaces, the choice of drainage systems plays a pivotal role. In this article, we will compare four distinct drainage solutions offered by Everhard – DuraDRAIN, EasyDrain Edge, EasyDrain Compact, and EasyDrain Standard. Each product caters to specific needs, ensuring effective water drainage while addressing diverse environmental and usage scenarios.

DuraDRAIN – A Heavy-Duty Commercial and Residential Solution:

DuraDRAIN stands out as a robust and versatile drainage system suitable for heavy-duty applications in carparks, driveways, and commercial areas. Key features include a 100% recycled polymer construction, UV stabilisation for enhanced durability, lightweight design for easy installation, and pre-shaped outlets for quick connection to stormwater pipes. The five-year warranty on polymer products and a one-year warranty on metal grates underline the product’s commitment to longevity. DuraDRAIN offers a reliable solution for areas experiencing high rainfall and water flow.

EasyDrain Edge – Perfect Blend of Functionality and Aesthetics:

Designed primarily for residential use, EasyDrain Edge excels in preventing flooding in driveways, houses, pathways, and garden beds. The unit, made from 100% recycled polymer, boasts UV stabilisation for extended life.The EasyDrain Edge is seamlessly installed beneath the surface, ensuring that only the sleek 100mm slot remains visible, discreetly capturing water without compromising the aesthetic appeal of the space. This compact and nearly invisible design makes the channel suitable for areas with low rainfall and water flow.

EasyDrain Compact – Versatility and Design Options:

EasyDrain Compact, another residential solution, shares similarities with EasyDrain Edge in terms of construction materials and UV stabilisation. The compact unit offers additional design flexibility with two grate options – polymer or galvanised. Like other EasyDrain products, it prevents flooding, reduces slip hazards from pool overflow, and combats soil erosion. The compact unit is recommended for areas with low rainfall and water flow, such as pedestrian areas around the house.

EasyDrain Standard – Balancing Functionality and Design:

Catering to medium rainfall and water flow areas, EasyDrain Standard provides an effective residential drainage solution. With 100% recycled polymer construction, UV stabilisation, and a variety of grate options, it combines functionality with design flair. This unit is suitable for preventing flooding in driveways, houses, pathways, and garden beds. The interchangeable grates offer customisation, and the product comes with a five-year warranty on polymer grates and one-year warranty on stainless and galvanised grates.

In conclusion, EasyDrain offers a comprehensive range of drainage solutions to address various needs in both commercial and residential settings. Whether you require heavy-duty performance, aesthetic appeal, design flexibility, or a balanced solution for medium rainfall areas, there’s an EasyDrain product to fit the bill. The commitment to using recycled materials, UV stabilisation, and warranties on products reflect Everhard’s dedication to providing sustainable and reliable drainage solutions.