Blocked Stormwater Drains: Common Causes & Fixes

Date Published: October 30, 2025, Last Updated on October 30, 2025 by Matthew Carter

Storm season is on the way, and with it comes heavy downpours that can arrive without warning. Your stormwater drains are designed to keep your home safe by carrying rainwater away quickly and efficiently. But when they’re blocked, even a short shower can lead to pooling water, damage around your property, and leave you with costly repairs.

In this guide, your local blocked drain plumber will explain what stormwater drains do, why blockages happen, the myths around fixing them, and how to prevent problems before they turn into an emergency.

Need help with a blocked stormwater drain? Call Adept Plumbing & Gas on 07 3520 7195.

What Is a Stormwater Drain and Why Does It Matter?

A stormwater drain is designed to manage water runoff from your roof, garden, and driveway. It connects gutters, downpipes, and stormwater pipes to your local council’s stormwater drainage system, keeping your property safe from flooding and structural damage.

If a drain blockage isn’t fixed quickly, it can cause:

• Water pooling in your yard or driveway.
• Overflow through roof gutters and downpipes.
• Cracks in walls or foundations from water seepage.
• Long-term damage to your property.

That’s why blocked stormwater drains are more than an inconvenience; they’re a risk to your home’s safety and value.

Common Causes of Blocked Stormwater Drains

1. Tree roots

Tree roots are one of the biggest causes of stormwater drain blockages. Roots search for water and nutrients, pushing into small cracks in stormwater pipes. Over time, they expand and completely block water flow.

2. Garden debris and roof gutters

Leaves, dirt, sticks, and bark often wash into stormwater drains during rain. Without regular cleaning of roof gutters and grates, this debris builds up inside the stormwater system.

3. Poor installation or old pipes

Older terracotta pipes are prone to cracking. Newer PVC pipes can still sag or collapse if poorly installed, creating choke points for debris.

4. Incorrect connections

In some cases, sewer pipes are wrongly connected to stormwater lines. This causes severe clogs and even health risks.

Signs You Have a Blocked Stormwater Drain

• Water pools around pits or grates after rain.
• Gurgling sounds in your drains.
• Overflow from roof gutters or downpipes.
• Slow water runoff in low areas of your yard.
• Damp patches around your home’s foundations.

Ignoring these signs can turn a simple fix into a costly repair. In severe cases, you may face emergency blocked drains that flood your property. You’ll need an emergency plumber to act fast before the damage spreads.

DIY Plumbing: What Works and What Doesn’t

Some homeowners try DIY plumbing before calling a professional. While you can attempt minor fixes, it’s important to know the limits.

• What might help: 
  • Using a garden hose to flush loose debris.
  • Clearing leaves from the roof gutters and drain covers.
  • Plunging minor blockages at surface grates. 
• What usually doesn’t work: 
  • Pouring chemicals down stormwater pipes (they rarely reach the blockage and can damage pipes).
  • Using makeshift tools like coat hangers.
  • Hoping the blockage clears on its own. 

For deeper or recurring blockages, you’ll need professional equipment like a drain auger, CCTV inspection, or high-pressure jetting.

And if you’re wondering what that might set you back, check out our guide on how much it costs to fix a blocked drain.

Professional Fixes for Blocked Stormwater Drains

DIY plumbing tricks can only go so far. When it comes to blocked stormwater drains, a licensed plumber has the tools, training, and authority to provide long-term solutions that protect your home from water damage. 

At Adept Plumbing & Gas, our team is fully licensed, insured, and experienced in stormwater systems across Logan, Brisbane Southside, and Redlands.

Here’s how we approach stormwater blockages:

CCTV Inspections

Using specialised drain cameras, we can see exactly what’s happening inside your stormwater pipes. This allows us to locate the blockage, check for cracks, and identify if tree roots are causing blocked drains. 

With a clear diagnosis, we can recommend the most effective fix instead of guessing.

High-Pressure Water Jetting

For stubborn debris like soil, leaves, and roots, high-pressure jetting blasts the blockage apart and clears the pipe walls. This is more effective than chemical cleaners and is safe for your stormwater drainage system.

Pipe Relining

If your stormwater pipes are cracked or weakened, pipe relining creates a new, durable lining inside the existing pipe. It’s a trenchless solution, meaning we don’t need to dig up your yard. This not only saves time and money but also provides a long-term fix that strengthens your drainage system.

Excavation and Replacement

In rare cases where the stormwater pipe has collapsed or suffered severe structural damage, full excavation is necessary. While more disruptive, this ensures your stormwater system is restored to proper working order and prevents repeated blockages.

At Adept Plumbing & Gas, we never take a “quick fix” approach. Every solution is designed to be safe, compliant with Queensland regulations, and built to last. 

Preventing Stormwater Drain Blockages

Simple steps reduce the risk of blocked stormwater drains:

• Clean roof gutters and grates twice a year.
• Install gutter guards to catch leaves.
• Trim tree roots or avoid planting large trees near pipes.
• Book annual plumbing inspections and maintenance, especially before storm season.

These small actions can protect your home from flooding and long-term structural damage.

When to Call a Licensed Plumber

If you’ve tried basic maintenance and the problem persists, it’s time to call a professional, such as Adept Plumbing & Gas. Licensed plumbers can:

• Identify hidden damage.
• Fix blockages safely and effectively.
• Provide solutions for long-term results.

In Queensland, only licensed plumbers can legally perform drainage work. You can confirm a plumber’s licence with the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC)

Need Help with a Blocked Stormwater Drain? We’re Here 24/7

Don’t wait until a small stormwater issue turns into flooding or costly repairs. At Adept Plumbing & Gas, we provide fast, licensed, and reliable solutions for blocked drains, any time of the day or night.

Call us now on 07 3520 7195 for immediate help, or request a quote online

 to get upfront pricing and expert advice. Our team is ready 24/7 to keep your home or business safe and your drains flowing.