If people own a house in Sydney, they’ve likely received a notice from the city council informing them that their stormwater drain needs to be cleared. A blocked stormwater drain in Sydney can be quite a nuisance and, if not cleared at the earliest, will create more problems. It’s important that Sydney homeowners know their rights and responsibilities when it comes to blocked stormwater drains.
What Does A Stormwater Drain Do?
Stormwater drains are designed to collect water from the surface of a property. The collected water is taken to a stormwater pit designed to hold it until it can be pumped away. Stormwater pits are usually located in a property’s backyard or front yard. Still, homeowners may need to clear them manually if they become blocked and cannot drain properly.
Is It The Homeowner’s Responsibility To Maintain Stormwater Drains?
It is the responsibility of the homeowner to maintain or clear a blocked stormwater drain in Sydney. The city council does not have a legal obligation to maintain stormwater drains on private property, so it isn’t necessary for homeowners to report them being blocked unless they are affecting the neighbour’s property.
However, if Sydneysiders live on a strata title property and there is an issue with an internal or external drain within the private domain, then it would be appropriate for all owners in common (including the owners’ corporation) to undertake repair works.
The council may contribute towards costs associated with the maintenance of stormwater drains under some circumstances, such as when they have been damaged by natural disasters or flooding. Sydney floods can cause mass evacuations and large amounts of soil erosion, overflooding, or clogging stormwater drains in the city.
What Are Some Things That Can Cause A Blocked Stormwater Drain?
- Tree roots.
- Grass clippings and leaves.
- Garden waste, including lawn mower clippings, prunings, and trimmings from the garden.
- Building materials (e.g., wood) or building site waste (e.g., soil).
How To Unblock A Stormwater Drain?
If the problem is minor, people may be able to clear it using one of the following techniques:
- For very small blockages, try plunging the drain. A plunger will form a seal over the opening and create suction that pulls water out of the pipes. This method is best for blocked pipes in sinks or bathtubs rather than toilets because plungers do not fit well into toilet bowls.
- Use a wire coat hanger to unblock drains by poking it down into any cracks or holes in the blocked drain pipe and scraping out whatever debris is clogging up the plumbing system. People will want to be careful not to damage any other plumbing parts when doing this.
If the problem is a major one or if the homeowner doesn’t have sufficient knowledge on how to unclog a blocked drain, then contact professional plumbers immediately. Better let the professionals handle it than damage the drainage system and make it turn for the worst.
Who Is Responsible For Maintaining The Public Storm Water Drainage System in Sydney?
The local council is responsible for maintaining the stormwater drainage system in Sydney. This means that any repairs, replacements, or maintenance work will be carried out by them at no cost to the civilians.
However, if the house is on private land and has a blocked drain, it’s up to the owner to get it sorted.
