Last summer, a homeowner called us after their back patio flooded overnight. The culprit? A drain packed solid with dirt and leaves.
The rainy season means busy days for plumbers because so many types of drains just can’t handle the rush of water.
In Australia, the weather swings from dry spells to sudden downpours, just the right recipe for clogged outdoor drains.
With Melbourne’s weather, Brisbane drain cleaning professionals advise keeping an eye on your outdoor drains year-round. This blog dives into the telltale signs your drain’s about to throw a tantrum.
#1 Downpipes backing up or overflowing before the gutter fully fills
You’ll spot this one when it rains, the gutters are barely half full, but water’s already spilling over the edge or pooling.
Most outdoor drains connect straight to the downpipes. When the underground section gets packed with leaves, mud, or fine debris washed off the roof, there’s nowhere for the rainwater to go. It backs up fast, especially during Melbourne’s heavy downpours.
Everyday habits that lead to blockages:
- Forgetting to clear gutters and drain grates before storm season
- Washing roof dirt or debris straight into the downpipe during cleaning
- Trimming trees or hedges without collecting the loose leaves and branches
- Letting leaves, twigs, and organic matter break down over time into sludge
#2 A foul, earthy smell near outdoor grates or drains
The smell is sometimes stronger on warm days or when the breeze hits just right. It’s not quite sewage, but it’s definitely not the smell of clean rainwater either.
That smell usually comes from decomposing organic matter trapped inside your outdoor drain. When there’s no proper water flow, the gases have nowhere to go but up.
Everyday habits that lead to blockages:
- Raking or sweeping garden waste toward drains instead of away from them
- Hosing patios and washing debris straight into the grates
- Forgetting to clear leaf traps or covers after storms
- Overwatering gardens near drains, which keeps the area constantly damp
- Leaving small piles of mulch or soil close to the drain opening where they can wash in during rain
#3 Gurgling or burping noises from external drain covers
It’s basically your drain saying, “I can’t breathe properly.” Those gurgling sounds are saying air is trapped somewhere in your drainage system.
When a partial blockage forms underground, water struggles to pass through, forcing air pockets to bubble back up through the grate.
Everyday habits that lead to blockages:
- Pouring greasy or soapy water down outdoor drains (this coats the pipes and traps bubbles)
- Letting leaves or garden waste sit over drain covers
- Overlooking the signs indoor, if your indoor drains gurgle too, the problem might be deeper in the line
#4 Weeds or moss growing abnormal around pipe opening
If one corner of your yard stays wet and green long after the rain’s gone, that’s your outdoor drain asking for help. That trapped moisture can lead to mould, musty smells, and even trigger breathing issues if left too long.
Everyday habits that make it worse:
- Ignoring damp patches
- Watering gardens too close to the drain area
- Letting mulch or compost pile near drain openings
#5 Rainfall causes slow-moving puddles
You’ll notice these puddles showing up right after Melbourne’s summer storms or the first big downpour of the season. That’s when months’ worth of dry leaves, dirt, and garden debris suddenly wash into the drain all at once. It’s like your plumbing system gets hit with a year’s worth of build-up in a single day.
Everyday habits that make it worse:
- Sweeping or hosing dirt into outdoor drains
- Ignoring puddles that always form in the same spot
- Not checking grates after big storms
Instead of draining through the pipes, it seeps across the surface or sits in low spots. This standing water can wear out concrete, attract mosquitoes.
#6 Pooling water around your driveway
Not sure if your driveway drain’s actually doing its job? Here’s a quick check you can do yourself. On a dry day, grab a bucket of water and slowly pour it near the drain. If it disappears quickly, your system’s clear. But if it hangs around or spreads across the driveway, you might have a small blockage or uneven slope that needs attention.
Behind the build up:
- Washing cars and letting soap, grit, or wax flow straight into the drain
- Ignoring small cracks or low spots that hold puddles after rain
- Parking heavy vehicles near the drain
#7 Tree roots visible or bulging pipe near the drain area
Roots are relentless and it could be the oldest backyard dilemma. They chase any hint of water, even if it means breaking through your pipes to get it. Once they find a crack or a joint that leaks, they curl in and grow thicker over time. Before long, the drain’s fighting a losing battle.
Common mistakes that feed the problem:
- Planting trees or shrubs too close to outdoor drains
- Watering heavily near root zones
- Using chemical root killers that corrode old clay or PVC pipes.
Plumbers see it all the time. A few early signs get ignored, then one storm later, the drain overflows.
No More Outdoor Drain Meltdown
Ask any plumber or tradie, you can tell a lot about a house by the little things. The cracks, the smells, the sounds.
Next time it rains, take five minutes to walk around your yard. Listen for gurgles, check your grates, and look for puddles that don’t drain. Stay ahead of the next storm season by giving your drains a little attention now.
Want to take your outdoor maintenance a step further? Read more at Affordable Pergolas.
