What is Stormwater? Why a functional system is crucial to your home.
- m2fplumbingsolutio
- Oct 23
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 23
Stormwater is often overlooked on the scale of priorities around the home.
Ensuring the proper functioning of our stormwater systems is crucial, as system failures can lead to significant structural damage, pose health risks, and negatively impact the environment.
What is stormwater?
Stormwater is rainwater that runs off surfaces such as roofs, roads and sidewalks.
During a rainfall the water is collected by our gutters, downpipes and drains, it then flows through the city’s mains and discharges directly into our waterways. (Rivers, Creeks & Oceans).
Stormwater does not undergo treatment before entering our waterways. Therefore, it is essential to avoid disposing of chemicals and sewage into stormwater pipes. Any litter discarded on the streets is washed into stormwater systems during rainfall and eventually ends up in our waterways, leading to pollution.
Stormwater vs Sewer.
Stormwater and Sewer systems are separate systems that manage different types of water and undergo different treatment processes.
• Stormwater systems collect rainwater runoff and discharge it into waterways.
• Sewerage systems process wastewater from homes, including toilets, showers, baths, basins, and sinks. This water is sent to treatment plants, where it is purified before being released into waterways or reused as recycled water.
Both systems are crucial for maintaining a healthy and sustainable environment. It’s important that we don’t cross connect and contaminate the two systems.
Legal Point of Discharge.
When managing stormwater, it is essential to understand the concept of the Legal Point of Discharge (LPOD) and identify which LPOD applies to your property. The applicable LPOD determines the requirements for stormwater pipe installation, whether the pipes are directed to the front or rear of the premises. Options for discharge include kerb discharge, direct discharge into a stormwater pit, or discharge into an easement.
Who is responsible for repairs to the stormwater pipe underneath the footpath and nature-strip?
Property owners are responsible for stormwater pipes up to the LPOD; beyond that, it’s council property. You need council permission and permits for any repairs or renewals and must follow their regulations. If damage occurs between the front fence and the LPOD, the owner covers the costs. Always contact your council before working on the nature strip or footpath.
Signs your stormwater drains are blocked.
During periods of rainfall:
• Overflowing gutters and downpipes.
• Water pooling or spilling from surface grates, strip grates, pits, and areas surrounding downpipes.
• Leaks appearing on interior ceilings, often noticeable as drips around light fixtures or stains.
Following rainfall:
• Persistently damp soil surrounding the property or gradual erosion of soil.
• Visible cracks in the home’s foundations, exterior brickwork, interior walls, or concrete driveways. • Accumulation of ‘efflorescence’ (white salty stains) on external walls and concrete surfaces. • Presence of green moss on concrete or paved walkways.
Negative impacts resulting from a blocked stormwater drain.
• Structural Weakening:
Continuous moisture from leaks or overflows may lead to the deterioration of timber, the sinking or shifting of stumps, and dropping or breakage of concrete driveways or slabs. Water retention will a also accelerate rusting of gutters and downpipes. Which will result in costly structural repairs.
• Erosion:
Pooling water caused by blockages can erode soil and compromise building foundations, potentially resulting in cracks in walls or driveways surrounding the property.
• Pest and Disease Breeding Grounds:
Stagnant water provides an optimal environment for mosquitoes, other insects, as well as bacteria and fungi.
• Mould and Rot:
Water seeping into a building’s structure encourages mould growth, which can cause significant health issues.
• Damage to Pipes:
Pipework in the ground may experience further damage if the bedding supporting the pipe is compromised.
The presence of moisture can encourage tree roots to grow into the area and pipes.
What actions can be taken if stormwater issues are suspected?
Start off by making sure you regularly clean gutters, downpipes, and grates to ensure proper functioning. Trim branches or trees that overhang gutters and grates.
If there is a possibility of damage to the underground pipes, the next recommended step is to conduct a CCTV inspection of the property's drains. This process will help identify any faults and enable us to advise you regarding necessary repairs or replacements.
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