STORMWATER & Sewer Drain Cleaning

Don’t let a blocked drain turn your garden into a swamp during the next Canberra downpour. Professional storm water drain cleaning is essential to ensure your property handles heavy rain without flooding. Unlike sewer lines, stormwater drains often block with heavy silt, mud, and leaves that simple tools cannot shift. Regular maintenance prevents standing water and excess water, which can lead to property damage.

As a trusted local team with decades of experience, we provide comprehensive stormwater plumbers services. We don’t just poke a hole in the blockage; we clear the line completely to extend the lifespan of your plumbing system and protect your home’s foundations from water damage. Blocked drains are often caused by a build up of dirt, organic matter, and foreign objects, and obstructions like these can impede water flow. Regular maintenance helps prevent costly blockages and extends the lifespan of your drainage system.

Many homeowners try DIY chemical cleaners, but these can be disastrous for the environment and often damage older clay pipes found in established Canberra suburbs. Chemical cleaners can also damage pipes and lead to costly repairs, so mechanical or water-based methods are preferred. Professional stormwater drain cleaning requires advanced technology.

HydroJet Drain Cleaning We use high-pressure water jetting to blast away tree roots, silt, grease, and stubborn debris. This method is highly effective for cleaning storm water drains and removing blockages, helping to clean pipes thoroughly and maintain clear flow. Unlike an electric eel (which may just punch a hole through the mud), the HydroJet “scrubs” the interior walls of the pipe, restoring it to near-new flow capacity. HydroJet drain cleaning not only clears tree roots and debris but also prevents pipe damage that can result from aggressive or chemical methods.

CCTV Drain Camera Inspections We never guess. Our licensed plumbers use CCTV cameras to visually identify the exact cause and location of the blockage without needing to excavate your garden. This allows us to see if the issue is a simple clog or a structural collapse. Early identification with CCTV inspections helps avoid costly repairs by catching problems before they escalate.

When storm water drains fail, the result is often immediate flooding. If you notice water pooling against your house or overflowing gutters, you need emergency plumbing services immediately.

Trenchless Pipe Relining If our camera reveals a crack or root intrusion, we often don’t need to dig. Trenchless pipe relining repairs damaged stormwater pipes internally without the need for excavation. We insert a resin-soaked liner that cures to form a “pipe within a pipe,” sealing cracks and preventing roots from returning—all without destroying your driveway or landscaping. Drain relining is a permanent solution to fix damaged pipes and prevent root intrusion, even under concrete layers. Dr Drains Drain Relining is a permanent solution that seals pipes to prevent root intrusion. Storm water drain repairs can address blockages and damage to prevent flooding. Storm water drain repairs are essential to ensure efficient water management and prevent flooding.

One of the most common questions we get is: “Who pays for this?” In Canberra ACT, property owners are responsible for all maintenance up to the Stormwater Tie (the connection point to the main network), in accordance with local regulations and standards.

However, the ACT Government (Transport Canberra City Services) manages the system from the tie point onwards.

• Your Responsibility: Blockages within your property boundary (above the tie).
• Government Responsibility: Blockages in the public infrastructure (below the tie).

Icon Water is responsible for repairs and costs related to sewer line blockages on public land.

If a blockage is outside your property boundary, it should be reported to Access Canberra. Property owners may be reimbursed for inspection costs if the blockage is found to be in the ACT Government’s network. We assist you with this process, ensuring you don’t pay for repairs that aren’t your responsibility.

Ignoring a slow drain can lead to serious property damage and health risks. Watch for these early warning signs:

• Slow Drainage: Water pooling around grates or downpipes during light rain.
• Gurgling Noises: Strange sounds coming from downpipes or drains.
• Unpleasant Odours: Rotting organic matter trapped in the pipes often produces a distinct smell.
• Soggy Ground: Patches of wet, boggy grass near where your pipes run, indicating a leak or overflow.
• Blocked Toilets and Leaks: Toilets that are slow to flush, frequently blocked, or visible leaks around toilets and pipes can signal drainage issues and potential waste buildup.

Ignoring blocked drains, leaks, or waste buildup can lead to serious property damage, flooding, and health risks, including unpleasant odours and mold growth. Blocked storm water drains can also cause flooding and significant damage to your property.

We believe in long-term solutions, not quick fixes. Our licensed plumbers provide reliable and excellent service, and all our work comes with a satisfaction guarantee.

Vaporooter Treatment For pipes prone to root intrusion, we offer Vaporooter—a herbicide foam that kills roots within the pipe and inhibits future growth without harming the tree or the environment.

Routine Maintenance We recommend routine inspections of drains at least twice a year and after heavy rain events. Prevention is always cheaper than emergency excavation. Professional plumbing services can also provide preventative maintenance options to help you avoid future blockages in your storm water drains. Emergency plumbing services are available to restore functionality quickly and prevent further damage.

Drain Guards We can install quality drain guards and grates to trap rubbish and sediment before it enters the underground system, making your drains significantly easier to clean. Our reliable service is backed by positive customer reviews and a satisfaction guarantee.