Why Stormwater Management At Home Is Important | Network Know How

What Is Stormwater Runoff?

Stormwater runoff is rain... in addition to anything else the rainwater may pick up along its way. Yes, stormwater can contain anything from soil, sticks, leaves, any type of organic matter... to chemicals, oil, rubbish, pesticides and any other nasty pollutants found in our streets. The primary purpose of maintaining your stormwater system is to yes, reduce your risk of property damage but also reduce the pollution that may find its way into our stormwater streams. Water quality does matter. When unwanted pollution enters local waterways, it impacts our natural environment.

As rain runs off impervious surfaces like roofs, driveways and paths... there is a need for effective water sensitive urban design for our residential spaces. Proper planning for hard surfaces, land and the environmental impact should be taken into consideration.

How old is your property and in turn, how old is your plumbing system and the stormwater plan? Understanding stormwater management and the impact a neglected system can have is a relatively modern concept.

Stormwater will exit your property in 3 main ways,

1. Surface runoff - freely travelling along the ground
2. Piped flow - to capture the water in pipes and drains in a designed plumbing plan
3. Groundwater - what may seep into the ground

All of these aspects should be taken into consideration. Probably the main aspect you have the most control over is your stormwater management system. This is all your gutters, pipes, drains and pits.

4 Key Areas To Successfully Manage Stormwater

Let's talk about successful stormwater management! We have compiled our top 4 areas for you the homeowner to focus on to ensure you are protecting your home and protecting our local waterways.

Sufficient stormwater drainage on your property

Remember, a stormwater system kicks into gear during a storm. From a light sun shower to the howling winter horizontal rain. Your system should be designed to handle an influx of water all at once.

The Australian Standards for Drainage is considered to be a living document. This means, with advancements in technology, science and systems, these standards are dynamic and can be improved or amended with increased knowledge. Essentially when we know better, we do better. This also applies to plumbing standards. Are you living in an older home? Maybe the plumbing standards have improved over time and your stormwater management needs to be brought up to speed.

A well-maintained stormwater system

A stormwater system is only effective when it's clean and ready for action. Maintain the drain. Water flow action that is. Removing pollutants from your pipes and drains will protect your home and its environment as best it can.

Reuse stormwater

Ever thought about a rainwater tank? It is an optimal way to capture and reuse stormwater. Rainwater can be redirected on your property to assist with watering your gardens, toilet flushes and even washing your clothes. This use will help to reduce your water bills as well as reduce the burden placed on your stormwater drains during a downpour.

Consider your landscaping

Designing your landscaping with consideration for your stormwater downpour is a smart idea. This will help to minimise the natural flow of excessive water and in turn filter your stormwater into the ground, naturally soaking the ground. Using modified hard surfaces like permeable paving will help in managing stormwater flow.  Planting native plants and looking for natural flows will help reduce the runoff, therefore reducing your overall stormwater runoff... keeping those nutrients on your land and not someone else's.

Why A Stormwater Drainage Health Check Is Important

Knowledge is power and doesn't leave you open to unknown risks. Education is key. Network Plumbing work closely with you to identify any underlying issues with your stormwater system. From a blocked drain to a collapsed pipe, our plumbers can assess your property to make sure your chances of an emergency situation are reduced.

It's not just an emergency situation you should be thinking about either. Continued unknown damage to your home should be factor in as well. If your stormwater drainage system travels underneath your house, it might be difficult to assess if there is an issue. Out of sight, out of mind. Our plumber will inspect all aspects, leaving no stone unturned.

If you're ready to speak to our drainage plumbers, have an inspection or just keen to talk all things drainage, call our friendly team on 02 9023 3232 today.