Spring has arrived in South East Queensland with a bit of a bang.
Brisbane pushed into the mid-30s during the first week of September, while the Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting warmer-than-average conditions across much of Australia this spring. A strong El Niño is also now established, with parts of eastern Queensland more likely to experience below-average rainfall over the coming months.
At first glance, that might sound like we have less to worry about when it comes to heavy rain and stormwater.
Unfortunately, it isn’t quite that simple.
A Drier Spring Can Still Produce Heavy Rain
The Bureau’s spring outlook points towards generally drier conditions across parts of eastern Queensland, particularly early in the season. But seasonal rainfall forecasts describe the total amount of rain expected over a period of months. They don’t tell us exactly how that rain will fall.
We could have long stretches of hot, dry weather followed by a short, intense storm.
In fact, the Bureau has noted that warmer ocean temperatures around Australia can increase the amount of moisture and energy available in the atmosphere, potentially contributing to storm development and heavier rainfall when rain events do occur.
For homeowners, that distinction matters.
Your stormwater system doesn’t care how much rain fell during the previous month. It cares how much water is trying to move through the property right now.
Dry Weather Can Hide Drainage Problems
One of the difficulties with stormwater problems is that they can remain completely unnoticed while the weather is dry.
A partially blocked pipe may still handle a small shower. A damaged underground drain may appear to be working normally when very little water is entering it. Sediment, leaves and debris can accumulate without causing an obvious problem.
Then the first serious downpour arrives.
Suddenly water is overflowing from a stormwater pit, pooling beside the house, spilling from a downpipe or appearing somewhere it shouldn’t.
By that point, you’re trying to diagnose a drainage problem while thousands of litres of water are moving across the property.
Stormwater and Wastewater Aren’t the Same Thing
Another important distinction is the difference between the stormwater system and the wastewater system.
Stormwater deals with rain falling on roofs, driveways and other surfaces around the property. Wastewater carries water from toilets, showers, sinks and laundries.
They are separate systems for a reason.
Urban Utilities has specifically warned SEQ homeowners that extreme weather can place pressure on both networks and that understanding how the systems around a property are supposed to operate is important when preparing for severe weather.
Problems such as damaged drainage, incorrectly connected pipework or a poorly maintained overflow relief gully can become much more noticeable once heavy rain arrives.
What Should You Check Before Summer?
September is a good opportunity to look around the property while conditions are relatively dry.
- Check downpipes during rain. Water should disappear quickly rather than backing up or overflowing from connections.
- Look at stormwater pits and grates. Remove leaves, soil and other visible debris that may restrict water entering the system.
- Watch where water collects. Persistent pooling near the house, driveway or yard can indicate drainage problems or inadequate stormwater management.
- Keep your overflow relief gully accessible. It plays an important role in protecting the house if the wastewater system backs up and shouldn’t be buried, covered or obstructed.
- Pay attention to recurring problems. If the same section of the property floods every time there is heavy rain, there is probably a reason.
Sometimes the Problem Is Underground
The difficult part is that you can’t see most of a property’s drainage system.
Tree roots can enter damaged pipes. Older pipes can crack or collapse. Sections can move or develop poor falls. Sediment can accumulate inside stormwater lines and significantly reduce the amount of water they can carry.
This is where a CCTV drain camera can be particularly useful.
Instead of guessing what is happening underground, a camera inspection allows the plumber to inspect the condition of the pipework and identify obstructions, damage or other potential problems.
For properties with a history of drainage issues, it can make far more sense to investigate while the weather is dry than after the yard starts filling with water.
SEQ Is Getting Hot Early
The unusual start to September is another reminder of how quickly conditions can change in South East Queensland.
We may be heading into a warmer and somewhat drier spring, but that shouldn’t be confused with a guarantee of consistently dry weather.
It only takes one intense storm to expose a drainage system that hasn’t been working properly for months.
If you’ve noticed stormwater backing up, unexplained pooling, overflowing drains or recurring drainage problems around your property, now is a good time to get it investigated.
RJT Plumbing & Gas can inspect drainage problems, use CCTV drain camera equipment where required and help determine what is actually happening beneath the property before the next major downpour puts the system to the test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can South East Queensland still get heavy storms during a dry spring?
Yes. A drier seasonal outlook refers to total rainfall over a longer period and does not mean heavy rain events cannot occur. South East Queensland can experience extended dry periods followed by short, intense storms that place significant pressure on household stormwater systems.
What are signs of a blocked stormwater drain?
Common signs include water pooling around the property, overflowing stormwater pits, downpipes backing up during heavy rain, slow drainage and recurring flooding in the same areas of the yard or driveway.
Why do drainage problems sometimes only appear during heavy rain?
A partially blocked, damaged or undersized drainage system may cope with light rainfall but struggle when a large volume of water enters the system quickly. Heavy rain can expose restrictions, damaged pipes, poor drainage falls and other problems that are difficult to detect during dry weather.
What is the difference between stormwater and wastewater drainage?
Stormwater drainage carries rainwater collected from roofs, gutters, driveways and outdoor surfaces. Wastewater drainage carries water and sewage from toilets, showers, sinks, laundries and other plumbing fixtures. The two systems are designed to operate separately.
Can a CCTV drain camera find underground drainage problems?
Yes. A CCTV drain camera allows a plumber to inspect inside underground pipework and identify issues such as blockages, tree root intrusion, cracked pipes, collapsed sections, sediment build-up and other drainage problems without immediately excavating the area.
When should I have my stormwater drainage inspected?
An inspection may be worthwhile if your property regularly experiences pooling water, overflowing drains, downpipe backups or recurring flooding during storms. Investigating these problems during dry weather can make it easier to identify and address the cause before the next significant rainfall event.
