6 Ways To Find Stormwater Pipes On Your Property
Have you just come in from staring at your yard, scratching your head, and wondering – How do I find stormwater pipes on my property? First up: you’re not alone. Stormwater drainage systems are absolutely essential for managing rainwater runoff – but quite often, they’re not easy to spot!
The good news? Finding them is often easier than you think. Start by looking for the most obvious signs, like:
- Drainage grates
- Downpipe connections
- Areas where water pools during heavy rain.
They’re all telltale indicators of where your stormwater system might be located. But if you can’t find your stormwater pipes, it’s not because you’re missing something obvious or because you’re just ‘bad at this’. Most people aren’t experts in stormwater systems – because they’re busy being experts in other things, whilst being extra-busy with the million other things we need to do!
Plus, sometimes stormwater pipes are buried deep underground or hidden in ways that make them nearly impossible to spot with just a quick glance. Struggling? Don’t stress. We can figure this out – together.
We’re going to walk you through an easy, step-by-step guide to help you locate your stormwater pipes—even if you’re starting from scratch. Whether you’re in Melbourne, Canberra, or Geelong, this guide will give you the confidence to find your drainage system. And if all else fails, we can quickly send out a plumber near you to help get the job done right.
Let’s dive in:
Step 1: Visible signs of a stormwater drain on my property?
The first step in figuring out how to find stormwater drains on your property is to look for visible clues. So let’s start by walking around your yard and checking for:
Drainage grates or pits: These are usually metal drain grates that allow water to flow into the stormwater system or concrete stormwater pit covers that are easy to spot unless covered with dirt and debris.
Downpipes: These are the pipes that run from your gutters down to the ground. Follow them to see where they lead – it’s often where they connect to the stormwater system.
Pooling water: After heavy rain, take note of where water collects. This could indicate a blocked or poorly functioning stormwater drain.
If you spot any of these, you’re on the right track. But if not, don’t stress – there are plenty of other ways to locate your stormwater system.
Step 2: Check your property’s stormwater plans
Still unsure how to locate stormwater pipes? Your next step should be to check your property’s stormwater plans. They are detailed diagrams that show the layout of your stormwater system – including the location of pipes, drains, and other components.
Here’s how to find stormwater plans for your house:
Contact your local council: Many councils keep records of stormwater drainage systems for properties in their area. You may need to submit a formal request or pay a small fee to access these documents. While they may not have much detail for your backyard, they should have some detail on discharge points and pipes along your boundary where the stormwater drain responsibility changes over.
Check the stormwater plans for my house: If you already have a copy of your house’s original building plans, they may include details about the stormwater system.
Ask your builder or plumber: If your home was recently built or renovated, the builder or plumber who worked on it might have a copy of the stormwater plans.
Having the plans upfront can make it a lot easier in your quest to understand how to find out where pipes are on your property.
Step 3: Use a metal detector/pipe locator
Want to scale your search up a bit? Some stormwater pipes are made of metal, so a metal detector can be a handy tool for locating them. Simply sweep the detector over your yard and listen for signals that indicate the presence of metal pipes.
But let’s be honest – most of our stormwater pipes are not metal! For these PVC pipes, you might need a more specialised tool, like a pipe locator. These devices use electromagnetic signals to detect underground pipes, and you can rent or purchase them from hardware stores. Better still, you can hire a professional to do the job for you!
Step 4: Look for manhole covers or inspection points
Another way to find out how to find drainage plans for my house is to look for manhole covers or inspection points. They’re access points that plumbers and maintenance workers use to inspect and repair the stormwater system. Look for round or rectangular shapes made of metal or concrete.
Found one?:
- Lift the cover (carefully!)
- Take a look inside
- Did it give you a better idea of where your stormwater pipes are located and how they’re laid out?
Step 5: Trace the path of your gutters & downpipes
Your gutters and downpipes are a key part of your stormwater system. To know how to find stormwater drains on your property, start by tracing the path of your gutters and downpipes. Follow them from your roof to the ground, and see where they lead. In many cases, they’ll connect directly to the stormwater pipes.
Still unsure? Try pouring water into your gutters or downpipes and watch where it flows. It will help you identify the location of your stormwater drains.
Step 6: Consult a professional
Tried all of that and still can’t locate your stormwater pipes? It’s probably time to call in the experts.
Professional plumbers have the tools, knowledge, and experience to quickly and accurately locate stormwater systems – even if they’re buried deep underground.
At Fix-It Right Plumbing, we specialise in helping homeowners like you find and maintain their stormwater systems. Do you need help:
- Locating your pipes?
- Repairing a blocked drain?
- Understanding your stormwater plans?
Our friendly team is always here to help. Whether you need Melbourne blocked drain plumbers, Canberra drain cleaning experts, or Geelong drainage specialists, we’ve got you covered. We use the most advanced techniques, like CCTV drain cameras and hydro-jetting, to diagnose and fix every issue, ensuring your stormwater system works efficiently all year round.
Why professional help is worth it
Is it possible to locate your stormwater pipes on your own? It probably is – as we’ve tried to explain! However, some situations simply require professional help, and there’s nothing we can do about it!:
Complex systems: If your property has a large or complex stormwater system, it can be difficult to navigate without expert guidance.
Blockages or damage: If you suspect your stormwater pipes are blocked or damaged, a plumber can use specialised equipment to identify and fix the problem.
Peace of mind: Knowing that your stormwater system is in good hands can save you time, money, and stress in the long run.
Stop stressing about your stormwater pipes!
Are you stressing about finding your stormwater pipes? It can feel daunting at first, but a little patience, reinforced with the right approach, and it really is do-able! But if you still find yourself stuck, the experts are only ever just around the corner.
Here At Fix-It Right Plumbing, we can help with all your stormwater needs. Whether you’re learning how to locate stormwater pipes or need a little extra advice about maintaining your system, our friendly team is only ever a single shout away. So let’s make sure your stormwater system is working as it should – so you can focus on the things you really know and care about!
Remember, if you ever feel overwhelmed about stormwater or any other plumbing issue, Fix-It Right Plumbing is only ever a single call or message away.
