We love what we do, so let us love you!
hello world!

DIY Tips to Clean and Clear Storm Water Drains

Why clean and clear stormwater drains?

Keeping gutters, downpipes and garden stormwater grates clean and clear of leaves and debris is extremely important for the health of your home. Gutters and downpipes carry water and debris from the roof, and in a storm, can lead to water build-up on the roof, and overflowing gutters — in all the wrong places. Water building up in the wrong places can potentially lead to roof damage, roof leaks, and mould or yard damage.

Blocked stormwater drains will lead to overflowing paths and bodies of water forming around your house, even flooding into your home. Again, this will lead to mould, mildew and moss growth — and worse still, water damage inside the house could affect carpets, wooden floors and furniture.

While professional plumbers are a sure way to unblock water drains and keep your property in top-notch condition, by following some simple tips and instructions, anyone can tackle this DIY project.

Let’s take a look at some simple DIY steps to clean and clear blocked gutters, downpipes and garden stormwater grates!

Gutter Cleaning

To achieve a clean and clear gutter, you need to gather some tools. Get a sturdy ladder, some gloves, a bucket and a durable brush.

  1. Place your ladder at one edge of the roof, making sure that the ladder is firmly in place with a nice even lean. If you don’t have the equipment to lock the ladder in place, it is recommended that someone stay at the base of the ladder to hold it firmly.
  2. With gloves on, start to remove any debris from the gutter and place it in the bucket for disposal.
  3. Once the area is clear, use the brush to get fine debris stuck to the bottom of the gutter. The brush will help to loosen debris so it can be cleared away by the next rainfall or with a hose.
  4. After you’ve finished cleaning and clearing one area, carefully climb down the ladder, reposition it at the next area and repeat these steps until the gutter is entirely clean.

Downpipe Cleaning

Now let’s look at how to clean and clear a downpipe. You will need a ladder, garden hose and gloves.

  1. Carefully position your ladder next to the downpipe.
  2. Try to remove as much debris as possible from the entry point. If you’re having trouble reaching debris, try to push some of it out of place with your hose.
  3. Run water through the downpipe to make sure that water comes out at the bottom freely.
  4. Occasionally, materials can be stuck deeper in the downpipe. In this case, you can easily remove sections such as the ‘elbow’, (or bent area of the downpipe, near the entry point), with a screwdriver.

Garden stormwater grate cleaning

The storm water drain can be slightly more difficult for DIY because it may connect with other properties. A great way to prevent any blockage is to regularly remove sticks, rocks or other debris from your yard that may cause a blockage.

 

If your grate is blocked, wearing gloves, remove the grate and remove debris that you can see. If you can’t find the blockage, it’s likely the blockage isn’t on your property and it’s best left to a plumber to handle.

Contact the professional plumbers at Pascoe’s Gas, Water and Electrical for an experienced plumber to expertly clean and clear your water drainage systems.

Call 1300 072 726 today for an obligation-free quote!

 

Please Note:

The information contained in this guide is general in nature.

Although every effort has been made to write this guide in an easy to understand format the accuracy of the information contained in this website is general in nature and may not take affect your individual home maintenance situation.

You should consult your local Government Agency and/or Safety Regulator before you are undertaking any work on your home. Plumbing, Gas & Electrical regulations may differ from State to State or Territory in Australia.

Pascoe’s Gas, Water and Electrical its officers, employees and agents disclaim all liability (except for any liability which by law cannot be excluded), for any error, inaccuracy in, or omission from the information contained on this website or any loss or damage suffered by any person directly or indirectly through relying on this information.

© 2023 Pascoe's Gas, Water & Electrical - All Rights Reserved
Plumbing License PL298 
ABN: 78 937 385 349
crossmenu linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram