Signs Your Stormwater System Needs Repairs

1. Pooling water around your home

One of the clearest warning signs is water pooling near footings, driveways, or garden beds after rain. Properly graded stormwater should divert water away from your home within minutes. Persistent puddles often point to a blockage, undersized pipe, or collapsed section preventing flow.

2. Gurgling or slow drainage

If you notice gurgling sounds from your downpipes or slow drainage after storms, this suggests trapped air and partial blockages. Root intrusion, sediment, or cracked joints in older earthenware pipes are common culprits. Left unchecked, pressure buildup can lead to blowouts or flooding inside inspection pits.

3. Damp walls and musty smells

When water seeps into soil near walls or under concrete slabs, moisture can migrate into wall cavities. You might notice a musty odour, rising damp, or efflorescence (white mineral salts) appearing on bricks. These are signs stormwater isn’t being moved far enough from the structure, risking long-term damage to footings and render.

4. Erosion or sinking ground

Soil movement and subsidence around paved areas often mean a buried pipe has cracked or separated. Escaping water slowly erodes soil, creating voids that cause pavers or driveways to sink. Once a collapse forms, full replacement is usually required to restore structural stability.

5. Overflowing gutters or downpipes

Overflow during moderate rain isn’t always a roof issue—it can signal back pressure from below-ground pipes. If gutters and downpipes are clear but still spill over, water may have nowhere to go due to a downstream blockage. Immediate inspection is recommended to prevent ceiling leaks and fascia rot.

6. Unexpected plant growth

Lush patches of grass or weeds near buried pipes can mean a slow leak below ground. Roots naturally seek out moisture, and once inside older terracotta or concrete pipes, they multiply rapidly—leading to complete obstruction over time.

7. Unpleasant odours or insects near drains

Stagnant stormwater creates foul smells and attracts mosquitoes. Even though stormwater shouldn’t contain waste, organic debris trapped in grates or pits can rot when flow stops. Cleaning and flushing are quick fixes if caught early.

8. Water backflow in low areas

During heavy rain, if water rises out of surface grates or inspection points, your system may lack sufficient capacity or have a failed connection to the street. This can also occur if the council line is overloaded or your pipes have settled unevenly.

How to confirm stormwater damage

Professional plumbers use CCTV drain cameras to inspect pipes internally. The footage identifies the exact location and cause of failure—whether roots, collapse, or joint separation—without unnecessary digging. Jet blasting or section replacement is then targeted precisely where needed.

Preventative maintenance

• Clean gutters and downpipes every season, especially before winter.
• Flush surface drains with a hose to remove sediment buildup.
• Keep grates and strip drains free of leaves and mulch.
• Check that grates sit above garden beds to avoid mulch ingress.
• Inspect visible pipes for cracking or water staining.
• Arrange a professional inspection every few years for older systems.

Why prompt repairs matter

Delaying stormwater repairs can lead to costly foundation damage, subsidence, or even flooding inside living areas. In Adelaide’s mixed soils, trapped moisture expands and contracts clay, stressing concrete and brickwork. Quick action not only saves money but also preserves the structural health of your property.