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Stormwater Drains Brisbane

Stormwater drains carry rain from your roof and yard, separate from the sewer. When they block or break, water pools and downpipes overflow. We clear the line, film it to find the fault, and tell you whether it's on your side of the boundary or council's.

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Stormwater vs sewer

Your property has two drain systems. The sewer takes waste from toilets, showers and sinks. Stormwater takes rain from gutters, downpipes and yard pits. They must stay apart: downpipes must not run into the sewer (Urban Utilities), because stormwater getting into the sewer is one of the main causes of blockages.

Urban Utilities does not own stormwater. Council is responsible for the stormwater network beyond the property boundary (Urban Utilities).

Signs you need it

  • Gutters or downpipes overflowing in heavy rain
  • Water pooling around the house or in the yard
  • A pit or grate that never seems to drain
  • Silt, leaves or roots coming out of a downpipe
  • Sunken ground along a stormwater line

Step by step

  1. We check the downpipes, pits and outlet.
  2. We clear the blockage, often by jetting.
  3. We film the line to find cracks, roots or collapses.
  4. We locate the fault and show you if it is your side or past the boundary.
  5. You get an itemised quote for any repair.

The rules in Queensland

Urban Utilities does not own stormwater; council is responsible beyond the property boundary (Urban Utilities). Downpipes must not run into the sewer (Urban Utilities).

QBCC licenses plumbing and drainage in Queensland. A business contracting for drainage work needs a QBCC contractor licence in Drainage or Plumbing and drainage, and the person doing the work needs an occupational drainer (or plumber and drainer) licence (QBCC).

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Send us a few details and we'll be in touch within 30 minutes.

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How it works. Easy as.

  1. Fill out the quick form

    A name, a number and what the drain is doing. Photos help if you have them.

  2. We'll be in touch within 30 minutes

    We ask a few questions and book a time that suits you.

  3. We come out, clear what we can and run a camera through the pipe

    If it is blocked, we get it flowing first. Then the camera goes in to find the cause.

  4. We show you the footage and explain what is wrong

    You watch it with us. We point out the crack, the roots or the sag, and roughly where it sits in the yard.

  5. Itemised fixed quote, inspection and repair costs shown separately

    Every line on its own, so you can see what the inspection cost and what the fix would cost.

  6. Say yes, flexible payment options if cash flow's tight

    No pressure to decide on the spot. If you go ahead, we can talk through ways to spread the cost.

  7. Fixed and checked on camera again, so you can see it's done

    Once the work is finished, the camera goes back in and you see the result for yourself.

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What changes the cost

Stormwater costs depend on how many downpipes and pits are involved, pipe length and access. Our guide prices are shown below where they apply. Repairs are quoted on site.

See the full cost guide

Stormwater repairs: Quoted on sitePrices are a guide only and depend on pipe length, access and condition. You'll get an itemised fixed price before any work starts.

Questions people ask us

Is the blocked stormwater on the nature strip council's job or mine?

Urban Utilities does not own stormwater. Council is responsible for the stormwater network beyond the property boundary (Urban Utilities). Pipes on your side are generally yours. If we film the line and the fault is past your boundary, we'll show you the footage so you have something clear to take to council.

Can my downpipe run into the sewer?

No. Downpipes must not run into the sewer, and stormwater getting into the sewer is one of the main causes of blockages (Urban Utilities).

Is stormwater Urban Utilities’ job?

No. Urban Utilities does not own stormwater (Urban Utilities). Beyond your boundary it's council's network.

Can I see the camera footage?

Yes. That's the whole point of how we work. You watch the footage with us on the day, we point out what we're seeing, and we explain where the problem is before we talk about any repair.

Should I pay for a camera inspection first?

Usually, yes. Older homes can have original drains, replaced drains or a mix of materials, so the actual pipe has to be checked before anyone recommends a fix. Without footage, a quote for relining or digging is a guess. We show the inspection as its own line, separate from any repair.

Related help

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Who fixes the sewer pipe in Brisbane: you or Urban Utilities? The connection point explained, when to call 13 23 64, and how stormwater is different..

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