Stormwater can, in a very short space of time, ruin your property, causing structural damage and devastating flooding. That is why it’s so important that you do everything in your power to prevent stormwater drainage issues. The good news is you can read all about the most effective ways to minimise stormwater damage below. Keep reading to find out more.
Clean Gutters Regularly
One of the most vital ways of preventing stormwater damage is to make sure you clean your gutters regularly at a minimum of twice a year. After all, it’s your gutters that catch the stormwater, so if they are blocked there reduced protection for your property.
When cleaning gutters, safety should be a primary concern, as it usually involves working at height. Make sure to properly use a ladder, and wear gloves so your hands are protected from any sharp surprises. Hose out your gutters or clean them by hand, at the same time be sure to look for any cracks and repair them ASAP. After most of the debris has been removed you can flush the system with diluted chlorine bleach. But do be mindful of any effect this could have on pets or wildlife.
Clean Stormwater Drains
Stormwater drainage systems are specifically designed to cope with the increase in water that heavy storms bring. They do this by channelling waterflow away to minimise the risk of flooding. Unfortunately, stormwater drains will not work effectively if they are clogged, and that is why it’s crucial that you regularly clean and maintain them.
This means removing any notable blockages, flushing the drains with a power washer, and removing any surrounding debris that may become an issue later.
Improve Storm Drainage Around Your Property
Some of the most common stormwater drainage issues property owners experience are clogs and unwanted debris that prevent the drains from transporting the water away. Proper maintenance is the key to success here.
It can also be helpful to upgrade your drainage system with stormwater plumbing features like the ones below which, all of which can improve efficacy once a storm hits:
- Catch basins – which can catch runoff before it overflows
- Retaining walls, berms and ditches, – all of which can help redirect stormwater and help prevent soil erosion
- New drainage pipes – replacing and adding new pipes can help improve the efficacy of your storm drain system
Create Excess Water Drains
When dealing with an area prone to water pooling, adding additional excess water drains is good option. This is because they shift water away from areas in which it would usually pool, and in turn, minimise potential damage.
There are two main options to consider when adding an excess water drain. The first is to put a drain pipe underground which will whisk excess water away from an area. The other DIY option is to dig a trench (if your property allows) to divert the flow of excess water.
Trim Surrounding Trees and Vegetation
Another one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent stormwater damage is to ensure all vegetation and trees are properly trimmed. Plants close to your gutters and overhanging branches can find their way into your drains and gutters, blocking them and preventing them from properly working when you need them most.
To that end, it’s crucial that you regularly trim your plants and trees back from around your gutters and drains, or have a professional company do this for you.
Harvest and Infiltrate Stormwater
What if you could not only protect your property from stormwater drainage issues but put that stormwater to good use too? Well, that is precisely what you can do if you choose to harvest and/or infiltrate stormwater.
Green plumbing solutions have become increasingly popular, and there are several ways to capture rainwater. The most common plumbing solutions for residential homes is to install a rainwater tank. Other options include things like the use of include porous pavers that allow the water to permeate and slowly infiltrate into the ground. Stormwater infiltration systems are used in many commercial plumbing projects.
Lastly, you can use a rain garden. This is an area of your garden that is designed to be lower than the rest so it attracts more stormwater. Rain gardens usually include things that help slow the rate of water absorption into the soil such as smaller stones and plants that can stand being in deep water for a short time without harm.
Final Thoughts
Avoid the disastrous and expensive consequences of stormwater damage by following the advice above. For professional plumbing help with your stormwater drainage maintenance, checks, repairs and upgrades contact Contact OP Plumbing Services at 0417 299 820 or send us an email via our website here. OP Plumbing Services, We’re Here To Help!