How Important Is Stormwater for Water Workx Plumbing?
Contrary to common belief, plumbing involves more than fixing clogged drains, hot water systems, and leaking pipes. A comprehensive plumbing network comprises primary parts such as the water supply, drainage systems, fixtures and equipment required to keep them running well.
At Water Workx Plumbing, our certified and trusted plumbers provide long-term stormwater repairs and replacements to ensure your home’s structural integrity and your family’s safety. Our team are qualified and experienced plumbers who can help ensure a fully functional stormwater drainage system on your property.
But what is stormwater, and why is it important for reputable plumbing companies? Below, you’ll understand what stormwater is and why it should be kept in good condition.
What is stormwater?
Stormwater (or storm water) refers to rainwater and melted water from snow and hail. Ideally, water runoff is absorbed by the soil and plants—which isn’t always the case in heavy downpours. Additionally, most available lands have been replaced by cemented roads, buildings, homes, garages, parking areas, and structures that prevent proper water absorption. Thus, the need to divert stormwater into the local and municipal drainage systems for appropriate disposal.
Unfortunately, continuing urbanisation, climate change, and problematic stormwater drainage and sewerage systems have contributed to heavy rains and significant flooding in Australia. They’re grim reminders of how drainage systems should be kept in tip-top shape.
Without a proper stormwater drainage system, your home too, can suffer the same consequences.
Understanding stormwater drainage systems
A stormwater drainage system fulfils two primary functions: to collect and temporarily store excess water and to prevent flooding in and out of the property.
Multiple fixtures are used to achieve this, including gutters, subsoil drainage pits, strip drains, and stormwater outlets that divert water runoff from the property.
Water collected from residential stormwater drain systems is transported onto the town’s drains. The expansive public and private drain networks send the runoff to natural bodies of water like oceans, ponds, and creeks. Stormwater storage can also be an eco-friendly option for some households.
Comparatively, sewer drains that eliminate household wastes run through a different network, often passing through treatment plants. As such, you need a plumber, who must also be a certified drainage specialist, to work on such issues.
Why is stormwater drainage important in plumbing?
Stormwater is an essential part of an outdoor plumbing system. Maintaining drainage systems is at the core of a plumber’s main responsibilities. Licensed professionals can conceptualise the drainage design to ensure compliance with local regulations.
Building and plumbing codes differ from state to state. Thus, specialists must consider local rules and other factors affecting the property structure, like climate and soil conditions. After securing the green light from concerned agencies, licensed plumbing companies and certified drainage contractors can take over and turn the proposal into fruition.
As such, skilled plumbers not only maintain and fix stormwater systems, they also help build them.
5 common issues caused by stormwater drainage problems
A well-functioning stormwater drainage system is created to keep rainwater away from the home’s foundation. Without such a mechanism, the property will experience multiple issues, including:
- Roof damage
Gutters are supposed to divert rainwater to your storm drains. If they get clogged or stop working, water can pool in your residence’s foundations or cause basement and yard flooding. Roof repair and replacement can be a costly home restoration project but can be prevented with periodic roof and plumbing maintenance schedules.
- Interior section degradation
Since water will look for ways to move and flow, it can seep into the cladding, attic spaces, interior walls and ceiling, causing wood rot, paint problems, and mould growth. Excessive rainwater can also damage costly home fixtures like electrical wiring and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
- Weakened foundation
Prolonged flooding not only attracts potentially damaging moisture in and out of your home. It can also weaken your home’s foundations and structures like the patio, driveway, garage, etc. Utility poles and underground pipes may also be compromised. In worst-case scenarios, your property’s grounds may become too saturated, causing your foundation to sink.
- Seepage issues
Besides being diverted back to rivers, streams, oceans and the like, soil can absorb stormwater. This runoff may contain contaminants, debris, chemicals, eroded dirt, and other pollutants that seep into the aquifer, serving as the main water source for households whether they’re using tap or well water. A good rainwater drainage system helps minimise the risk of pollutants returning to these sources—which can later cause plumbing issues.
- Other drainage problems
Care should also be taken to separate stormwater and sewer drain systems. This helps prevent severe stormwater contamination and treatment plants from being overwhelmed by heavy and incessant rains. Septic tanks can also become damaged due to prolonged flooding.
Final Thoughts
Stormwater system issues threaten properties and people’s safety and health, causing damages that can be costly to fix. When problems plague a property, plumbing contractors must be hired to identify and fix the problem.
As a field that requires specialised skills and knowledge, stormwater management involves installing, maintaining, and improving essential systems that prevent flooding, foundation problems, water damage and mould formation in your home. An experienced plumbing specialist can help property owners and builders prevent and arrest such issues.
