Don’t Let a Storm Catch You Off Guard
We see it every winter & spring on the Mornington Peninsula, the rain hits hard, and suddenly you’ve got a backyard that’s underwater or water pooling against your house.
If your stormwater drains are blocked, the water has nowhere to go and it can cause damage fast.
At SGT Plumbing, we specialise in stormwater drain clearing, repairs, and emergency callouts across Mornington, Langwarrin, Pearcedale, Frankston, Mt Eliza, and beyond. Here’s what you need to know (and do) before it becomes a costly problem.
Why Stormwater Drains Get Blocked, Especially in Winter
Stormwater drains are designed to move rainwater away from your roof, driveway, and yard into the local council system. But over time, they fill up with:
- Leaves, bark, and sticks from trees
- Silt and mud buildup after heavy rain
- Gravel or debris from construction
- Tree roots breaking into old pipes
- Cracked or collapsed stormwater lines
You may not notice a problem until it rains heavily. Then it’s too late.
Signs You Have a Blocked Stormwater Drain
Keep an eye out for:
- Water pooling near downpipes
- Gutters overflowing even when clean
- Gurgling sounds from stormwater grates
- Water sitting on your driveway
- Damp patches near the slab or foundation
- Soggy areas in the backyard or garden beds
If you see any of these signs, don’t wait for it to get worse. Blocked stormwater can back up fast and cause water ingress into the house, garage, or subfloor.
What To Do If You Suspect a Blocked Stormwater Drain
- Act fast, check gutters & downpipes
If water is backing up, inspect your gutters first. A blockage at the top can quickly overflow. - Don’t use chemicals
Drain-clearing chemicals are for sewerage, not stormwater and can damage PVC or older clay pipes. - Call a licensed plumber with the right gear
At SGT Plumbing, we use:- High-pressure jetters to clear blockages
- CCTV drain cameras to inspect your lines
- Root cutting tools for tree root intrusion
- Locator tools to pinpoint underground issues
- Book a full stormwater inspection
Especially if you live on a sloped block, have an older home, or have had drainage issues before.
Real Example: Langwarrin Blocked Stormwater Case
One of our clients in Langwarrin called after their driveway was completely underwater during a downpour. Our team arrived on-site the same day, jetted the stormwater line, and found a full root blockage about 8 metres in.
We cut the roots using our mechanical head, jetted the pipe clean, and followed up with a camera inspection. The client was back to clear drainage that same afternoon, and booked in to have the older clay pipe upgraded to PVC before the next storm hit.
Preventative Drainage Maintenance: Worth It?
Absolutely. A simple annual jet & inspection can:
- Prevent backups before storms
- Extend the life of your pipes
- Help identify tree root issues early
- Save thousands in water damage repairs
We recommend it especially for:
- Homes with lots of trees nearby
- Older homes with clay or earthenware pipes
- Sloped properties prone to runoff
- Properties with history of flooding or dampness
Call SGT Plumbing Before It Floods
Stormwater issues don’t wait — and neither should you. We’ve been keeping local homes dry and drains flowing for over 20 years.
✅ Emergency callouts available
✅ Jetting & camera inspections
✅ Fixed-price quotes
✅ Honest, friendly, local plumbers
Book your stormwater inspection now!
Frequently Asked Questions?
You can clear grates and gutters, but underground pipes need professional equipment. DIY jobs often miss the actual cause (like roots or silt) and the issue returns quickly.
Most jobs take 1–2 hours depending on access and severity. If repairs are needed, we’ll provide a clear quote once we have found the cause.
If your roof is leaking or gutters are overflowing during heavy rain, we recommend calling the SES (132 500) as they’re equipped to respond during active storm conditions. For safety reasons, we don’t attend roof work while it’s raining, but we’re happy to book a prompt visit once the weather clears to assess and repair any damage.
SGT Plumbing proudly services:
- Mornington
- Frankston
- Mount Eliza
- Langwarrin
- Somerville
- Seaford
- Mount Martha
- Hastings
- Pearcedale
- Cranbourne South
- Safety Beach
- Dromana
- Baxter
- Tyabb
- Bittern
- Red Hill
…and surrounding suburbs across the Mornington Peninsula & southeast Melbourne.
It depends on your policy. Some insurers cover water damage caused by blocked or overflowing stormwater, but not always the plumbing repairs themselves. We can provide photos and a detailed report to support your claim.
Yes! We offer preventative jetting and inspections for homes in high-risk areas, especially those with lots of trees or previous drainage issues. It’s an affordable way to avoid costly flooding later.
Older homes might have clay or concrete stormwater pipes, which are prone to cracking or root intrusion. Newer homes typically use PVC, which lasts longer but still needs maintenance. We can assess your system and recommend upgrades if needed.