Blocked stormwater drains Gold Coast
A blocked stormwater drain shows up as water pooling in the yard, pits overflowing or gutters spilling in heavy rain. Pipes fill with leaves, sand and roots, and summer storms find the weak spots.
- Pits, downpipes and yard drains
- Jetting clears sand and silt
- CCTV to find breaks and roots
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Signs your stormwater is blocked
- Water pools in the same spot after every storm
- Gutters overflow even though they're clean
- A stormwater pit fills and doesn't empty
- Downpipes back up or burst at the joints
- Soil washing out or sinking near a pipe
- The overflow relief gully floods when it rains
Common causes
- Leaves and gutter debris
- Washed straight down the downpipes in heavy rain and packed into bends.
- Sand and silt
- Common on coastal and sandy blocks. It settles in pits and low points and sets hard.
- Tree roots
- Stormwater pipes are often shallow and unsealed, so roots find them easily.
- Crushed or broken pipe
- From driveways, vehicles or landscaping over shallow lines.
Stormwater is not sewage
Roof and yard water should drain to the street kerb or a stormwater system, never into the sewer. If your overflow relief gully floods every time it rains, ask the plumber to check whether a downpipe or yard drain has been connected to the sewer.
Stormwater pipes and pits on your property are generally the owner's to maintain. If water is backing up from the street drain itself, contact the City of Gold Coast on 1300 000 928.
What does it cost?
| Job | Usual range | Typical |
|---|---|---|
| Standard blocked drain clear | $150–$500 | $320 |
| CCTV inspection with high-pressure jetting | $350–$1,100 | $700 |
Ranges from 2026 Australian price guides. Your plumber confirms a firm price before starting. After-hours and weekend call-outs can cost more.
Common questions
Who is responsible for stormwater pipes?
Stormwater pipes and pits on your property are generally the owner's responsibility. If the street drain or kerb outlet is blocked, contact the City of Gold Coast on 1300 000 928.
Can blocked stormwater damage my house?
Yes. Water pooling against slabs and walls can cause damp, erosion and, in heavy storms, water inside. Clear blockages before the wet season.
Why does my sewer gully overflow when it rains?
Usually because stormwater is getting into the sewer, through a wrongly connected downpipe or a cracked pipe. A plumber can find the entry point with a camera.
Related services
Sources: What's The Damage, blocked drain cost guide (October 2026)
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