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.