The good news? A little knowledge goes a long way.
In this article, you’ll learn about:
First, watch our Allianz Home Safety Specialist, John, show you where to find your stormwater drains and what to look for.
Out of sight: How to maintain stormwater drains
Last updated on 14 July, 2026
Think your gutters are doing all the work when it rains? They're only half the story. Hidden stormwater pipes carry thousands of litres of water away during a downpour. If they block, water can back up into your home, damaging foundations, floors, and even neighbouring properties.
Hi, I’m John from Allianz.
If your drains are blocked, water can back up fast across the patio, under your doors and even in your walls.
You’ll need to clear all the debris to get things flowing.
Allianz Prevention helps you catch common issues before they become problems.
Search Allianz Prevention to check out tips to care for your home.
Disclaimer: Booking fee applies for Home Health Check service (‘HHC’). Available to existing Allianz direct Home & Landlord Insurance customers living in eligible Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane postcodes. T&Cs apply. For full details of HHC service visit Allianz Prevention. HHC service delivered by AWP Australia Pty Ltd for Allianz Australia Insurance Limited. Tradespeople can be organised at homeowner’s request. Additional costs payable by homeowner.
Why blocked drains pose a serious risk
In Australia, we’re used to the weather swinging from drought to deluge with very little warning. That’s why your stormwater system is so important. These underground pipes are an extension of your gutters. When they’re working properly, they channel water safely away from your home.
Because stormwater drains are hidden, blockages often build up during dry months and only become obvious when it’s too late. If water has nowhere to go, it can pool around your foundations and seep under floors. This can weaken your home’s structure, and cause mould and pest problems.
As always, prevention is the best cure.
Four common causes of blocked drains
Knowing what can block your drains can help you prevent flooding during heavy rain. Here are the most common culprits:
1. Leaves and organic matter
It’s tempting to hose lawn clippings or leaves into the nearest grate. However, this debris can collect in the pipes and create a stubborn blockage. Always clear leaves and garden waste away from your drains instead.
2. Tree root invasion
Tree roots naturally seek out moisture. They can find tiny cracks in older pipes and grow into thick blockages that stop water in its tracks.
3. Putting the wrong things down the drain
Stormwater drains are designed only for rainwater. Pouring paint, oil, or chemicals down a grate can harm waterways and cause blockages. Grease and oils can harden underground, causing long-term damage to pipes.
4. Missing or damaged grates
If a drain cover is broken, sticks, balls, and rubbish can enter the system and clog it. Check your grates often to make sure they’re intact and fitted correctly.
How to check your stormwater drains yourself
Drain maintenance doesn’t take much time. From a quick monthly check to an annual flush, a little effort can help prevent a costly disaster.
Monthly checks (5 minutes)
Quarterly inspection (15 minutes)
Annual maintenance (30 minutes)
If you notice persistent slow drainage, multiple blocked points, or signs of tree root invasion, call a licensed plumber straight away.
Storm damage and your Allianz Home Insurance
When wild weather strikes, your Home Insurance covers insured events, likes storms, cyclones, and rainwater. However, a 72-hour exclusion period may apply for loss or damage caused by a cyclone, flood, flood water combined with rainwater and/or run-off. This means you may not be covered for 72 hours after taking out a policy or increasing your cover.
Your insurer will expect you to look after your home. In some cases, insurance claims may be affected where a home isn’t regularly maintained and falls into disrepair.
The bottom line? Don’t let your drains become a case of ‘out of sight, out of mind’. Give them regular attention to make sure they can do their job when it rains.
Allianz Prevention
For useful links and handy resources on caring for your home, check out Allianz Prevention.
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Disclaimer
This article has been prepared by Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFSL234708 ("Allianz"). It is a summary of key concepts and not meant to represent the complete picture on any given matter. It is not meant to be legal advice. The information should be read in conjunction with the relevant legislation and regulations. In some cases, information has been provided to us by third parties and while that information is believed to be accurate and reliable, its accuracy is not guaranteed in any way.
Any opinions expressed constitute our views at the time of issue and are subject to change. Neither Allianz, nor its employees or directors give any warranty of accuracy or accept responsibility for any loss or liability incurred by you in respect of any error, omission or misrepresentation in this article.
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*Conditions apply
- 72-hour exclusion period may apply
We may not provide cover for any loss of or damage to your property caused by cyclone, flood, flood water combined with run-off and/or rainwater, grassfires and bushfires during the first 72 hours after you first purchase a policy or increase your cover under an existing policy. Refer to PDS for when exclusion periods apply.
- Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFSL 234708 (Allianz) has partnered with AWP Australia Pty Ltd ABN 52 097 227 177 to conduct the Home Health Check on its behalf. Allianz is the insurer of your Home Insurance product.
- Please refer to the Terms and Conditions. Our Home Safety Specialist will undertake reasonable fixes that can be carried out in the allocated 90-minute timeframe.
Allianz acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live and work across Australia. We pay our respect to First Nations Elders past and present.
Any advice here does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions apply. Before making a decision about this insurance, consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS)/Policy Wording and Supplementary PDS (if applicable). Where applicable, the PDS/Policy Wording, Supplementary PDS and Target Market Determination (TMD) for this insurance are available on this website. We do not provide any form of advice if you call us to enquire about or purchase a product.
Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFS Licence No. 234708 is the insurer of any general insurance products offered, and Allianz Australia Life Insurance Limited ABN 27 076 033 782 AFS Licence No. 296559 is the insurer of any life insurance products offered. Each entity is responsible for any statements and representations made about its products, on this website.