Stormwater emergency plumbing Melbourne

Noticed water pooling in your yard after rain? Or maybe you've heard that worrying gurgle from your drains? In Melbourne's unpredictable weather, a properly functioning stormwater system isn't just nice to have - it's essential.

Stormwater emergency plumbing Melbourne

Noticed water pooling in your yard after rain? Or maybe you've heard that worrying gurgle from your drains? In Melbourne's unpredictable weather, a properly functioning stormwater system isn't just nice to have - it's essential.

Qualified professionals

Qualified professional plumbers

Our team are highly experienced and fully certified plumbing professionals

Out of hours plumbing

24 hour emergency plumbers

With 24/7 availability we're here whenever you need us, day or night, weekday or weekend

Satisfaction guaranteed

Quality plumbing

We pride ourselves in a well done job. Your satisfaction is our ultimate goal

When your stormwater drainage needs help

Your property's stormwater system works tirelessly to protect your home from water damage. Sometimes, it needs a helping hand. You might notice:

  • Persistent puddles in your yard
  • Overflowing gutters during rain
  • Strange gurgling sounds from drains
  • Damp patches on walls
  • Musty odours around your property

Stormwater damage

Stormwater drainage issues can lead to serious structural damage, foundation problems, and even health risks from mould growth. With Melbourne's famous four-seasons-in-one-day weather, your drainage system needs to be ready for anything.

Our unique climate presents specific challenges for stormwater systems. Those sudden downpours can overwhelm blocked drains in seconds, while our tree-lined streets mean root intrusion is a common headache for property owners.

Unblocking stormwater drains

At After Hours Plumbing, we use advanced equipment and techniques to identify and clear blockages. From sophisticated CCTV drain inspections to high-pressure water jetting, we have the tools and expertise to keep your stormwater system flowing freely. Whether you're dealing with leaf buildup, tree root intrusion, or pipe damage, we've got you covered.

Choose After Hours Plumbing to fix your stormwater drainage problems

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Expert assessment of your drainage system

We'll thoroughly investigate your entire drainage system using CCTV cameras and acoustic testing to pinpoint exactly what's causing your headaches.

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Professional-grade equipment and techniques

We bring Melbourne's most advanced hydro-jetting and pipe relining technology to your doorstep, ensuring even the toughest blockages are cleared without damaging your pipes.

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Long-term solutions, not quick fixes

Rather than slapping on a temporary patch that'll have you calling back in a few months, we identify and fix the root cause of your plumbing issues, saving you money and stress down the track.

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Emergency response when you need it most

When your pipes are playing up at 3 AM and water's threatening your valuable possessions, our 24/7 emergency team can be at your Melbourne home within the hour.

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Local knowledge of Melbourne conditions

With experience of dealing with Melbourne's unique clay soils and aging infrastructure, we understand exactly how local conditions affect your plumbing systems.

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Guaranteed workmanship

Every job we complete comes with our rock-solid workmanship guarantee - if you're not completely satisfied with our service, we'll make it right at no extra cost to you.

Experience excellence

When you choose After Hours Plumbing Melbourne, you're choosing peace of mind. Our licensed plumbers arrive promptly, equipped with expertise and the right tools to fix your plumbing issues efficiently.

With transparent pricing, clear communication, and meticulous attention to detail, we ensure every job is completed to the highest standard.

Giving you one less thing to worry about.

About Stormwater drainage

What is stormwater drainage?
Stormwater drainage is a comprehensive system designed to collect, transport, and discharge rainwater and surface runoff from properties, streets, and urban areas. The system includes various components such as roof gutters, downpipes, surface drains, underground pipes, retention basins, and discharge points that work together to prevent flooding, water damage, and soil erosion while managing excess water during rainfall events.

Residential stormwater drainage typically begins with roof guttering that captures rainwater, directing it through downpipes into ground-level drainage systems. These systems often incorporate components like grated drains, channel drains, stormwater pits, and subsurface drainage pipes that transport water to municipal stormwater networks or approved discharge points. In urban environments, stormwater drainage is crucial for protecting building foundations, preventing soil subsidence, maintaining property integrity, and ensuring effective water management during heavy rainfall and storm events.
What is the Australian standard for stormwater drainage?
The Australian Standard AS/NZS 3500.3:2021 Plumbing and Drainage - Stormwater Drainage is the primary regulatory document that governs stormwater drainage systems in Australia. This standard outlines specific requirements for the design, installation, and maintenance of stormwater drainage systems, including calculations for rainfall intensities, pipe sizing, gradient specifications, and installation methods to ensure proper water flow and system performance.

The standard mandates that stormwater drainage systems must be designed to handle specific rainfall intensities based on geographical location and statistical rainfall data, typically accommodating a 1-in-20-year or 1-in-100-year storm event depending on the application. Additionally, it specifies requirements for materials, minimum pipe sizes, connection methods, inspection openings, and surface drainage components. Compliance with AS/NZS 3500.3:2021 is essential for all new installations and major modifications to existing systems, ensuring that stormwater drainage meets safety requirements, performs efficiently, and protects both private and public infrastructure from water damage.
How do I fix a blocked stormwater drain?
Blocked stormwater drains typically require a multi-step approach beginning with inspection and assessment of the blockage type. Common causes include leaf debris, soil buildup, tree root intrusion, and collapsed pipes. After Hours Plumbing Melbourne uses specialised equipment like CCTV drain cameras to locate and identify blockages, followed by high-pressure water jetting to clear obstructions. For severe blockages, hydro excavation or pipe relining may be necessary to restore proper drainage flow.

Prevention is crucial for maintaining clear stormwater drains. Regular maintenance includes installing gutter guards, clearing leaves from roof gutters, removing debris from grated drains, and scheduling professional drain cleaning. Tree root management near drainage pipes and regular inspections can identify potential issues before they develop into serious blockages that can cause property flooding or water damage.
What are the signs of a damaged stormwater pipe?
Common indicators of stormwater pipe damage include water pooling in yards, soggy soil patches, sudden lawn subsidence, foundation dampness, and unusual odors around drain areas. During rainfall, damaged pipes may cause overflow from grates, slow drainage, or gurgling sounds in the drainage system. These signs often indicate issues such as pipe cracks, joint separation, root intrusion, or pipe collapse.

Visual inspections by licensed plumbers using CCTV drain cameras can reveal the extent of pipe damage, including cracks, breaks, root infiltration, and pipe deterioration. Early detection through regular inspections is essential as damaged stormwater pipes can lead to soil erosion, foundation problems, property flooding, and compliance issues with local stormwater regulations.
How often should stormwater drains be cleaned?
Professional stormwater drain cleaning is recommended annually for residential properties, with more frequent cleaning needed in areas with heavy tree coverage or high rainfall. Regular maintenance includes clearing roof gutters quarterly, checking grated drains monthly, and inspecting pit covers and surface drains before wet seasons to prevent blockages and ensure optimal drainage performance.

Commercial properties and larger drainage systems may require more frequent cleaning schedules based on usage patterns and environmental factors. A comprehensive maintenance program should include CCTV inspections every 2-3 years to identify potential issues like pipe deterioration, root intrusion, or sediment buildup before they cause significant drainage problems or require expensive repairs.
Can I connect my downpipes to the sewer system?
Connecting roof downpipes or stormwater drains to the sewer system is illegal in Australia under current plumbing regulations and the Building Code of Australia. This practice, known as illegal stormwater connection, can overwhelm the sewer system during heavy rainfall, causing sewage overflow and environmental contamination. Licensed plumbers must ensure all stormwater is directed to the designated stormwater drainage system.

Property owners are responsible for maintaining separate stormwater and sewerage systems on their property. Penalties for illegal connections can include fines and mandatory rectification work. If you suspect your property has illegal connections, engaging a licensed plumber to inspect and rectify the drainage system ensures compliance with current regulations and proper water management.
What causes stormwater drain overflow during rain?
Stormwater drain overflow occurs primarily due to system capacity being exceeded or blockages restricting water flow. Common causes include undersized pipes for current rainfall intensities, blocked grates and pits from debris accumulation, tree root intrusion into pipes, and sediment buildup reducing pipe capacity. Climate change and increased urban development have also led to more frequent overflow events as drainage systems face higher water volumes.

System design factors such as inadequate pipe gradients, poor connection points, and deteriorated pipes can contribute to overflow issues. Regular maintenance, proper sizing of drainage components according to AS/NZS 3500.3:2021, and implementation of water sensitive urban design principles help prevent overflow events. Installing additional drainage capacity, retention systems, or upgrading existing infrastructure may be necessary in areas experiencing recurring overflow problems.
Do I need council approval to repair stormwater drainage?
Council approval requirements for stormwater drainage repairs vary depending on the scope of work and local government regulations. Minor repairs like clearing blockages or replacing damaged sections of pipe within property boundaries typically don't require council approval but must be performed by licensed plumbers in accordance with Australian Standards and the National Construction Code.

Major drainage modifications, new installations, or works affecting council infrastructure require development approval and detailed drainage plans. This includes changes to discharge points, installation of new stormwater connections, or works affecting neighboring properties. After Hours Plumbing Melbourne can advise on local requirements, obtain necessary permits, and ensure compliance with council regulations while maintaining proper documentation of all drainage modifications.
24 hour emergency plumber

Your 24 hour emergency plumber

When plumbing emergencies strike, you need a reliable team that responds immediately - not tomorrow or next week. Based in Werribee and serving Melbourne's Western, Northern and Inner suburbs, After Hours Plumbing delivers professional emergency plumbing services exactly when you need them, with expert solutions for burst pipes, blocked drains, hot water failures and gas leaks.

Beyond emergency callouts, we're your complete plumbing partners, offering comprehensive services including gas appliance maintenance, backflow testing, heat pump installations, air conditioning services and general plumbing work. With licensed professionals who prioritise quality workmanship and clear communication, we ensure every job is completed to the highest standard.

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What people say about After Hours Plumbing

I am very happy with Nathan’s quality work and his service. He was incredibly prompt, arriving shortly after I reached out about a pipe leakage issue in my house. His customer service was top-notch, he kept me informed every step of the way, explaining the process and ensuring I understood what needed to be done.Not only did he fix the pipe leakage with diligence and great attention to quality, but he also helped me with my kitchen tap while he was here and resolved it on the spot! Additionally, he provided me with a reasonable quote for replacing my aging hot water system, which I’ll definitely consider in the near future.I highly recommend Nathan for anyone looking for professional, reliable, reasonable and efficient plumbing services.Great work Nathan!
We have no hesitation in recommending Nathan. His work was thorough, professional and meticulous. He clearly takes great pride in his work. Our 24 year old hot water service died and Nathan was able to replace it the next day. He arranged purchase and delivery of the new heater and removal of the old hot water service. He is an excellent communicator and kept us in the loop re: arrival time etc.Thanks Nathan, Peter and Yvonne.
Twice we had Nath Schofield to do our projects. One to fit an outdoor sink for my outdor kitchen and next to fix the irrigation system for our garden. He did an amazing job and I highly recommend his services to anyone. He is very professional, knowledgeable and you will be very happy & contented with his neat work.
Nathan was very professional in all dealings with our hot water replacement. The job was completed quickly with no problems. Highly recommend for all plumbing service or replacement needs.
Nathan was very professional and very prompt. He identified the problem in no time . I would not hesitate to recommend Nathan to anyone who has any plumbing issues. Nathan is very responsible in his prices. Thank you for a great job .
Highly recommend Nathan & After Hours Plumbing Melbourne!Nathan was attentive and explored a number of options to help solve our problem.Great & prompt service!
We had a backyard leak in our irrigation piping on a Saturday late afternoon. Nathan replied less than a minute after I texted him and arrived at 7:30 the next morning to fix our issue, so we had to go only one night without water. So happy with our service.
I would recommend Nathan in a heartbeat. He has done a few jobs for me now and I've found him to be extremely trustworthy and very friendly. He is responsive, quickly diagnoses the issue and explains the work required in an easy to understand way. His pricing is fair and it's clear he knows his stuff with extra qualifications to provide a more comprehensive plumbing service. I will definitely continue to use Nathan in the future.
As a property manager, I would only recommend Nathan from After Hours Plumbing, & for my own home as well. We always receive detailed explanations of the issues we send work for, and get unprompted praise from our renters after he has left.Good results and fair pricing always!
Can always count on Nathan to turn up find the issue and fix it! Is reliable, trustworthy and I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone and everyone who is in need of a plumber!
Got water tap moved as it was too close to driveway and Nathan provided me a competitive quote, communication was fantastic and the work was immaculate. He gave me great advice on couple of things that saved me some $$.I definitely recommend him. Positive Responsiveness, Punctuality, Quality, Professionalism, Value
Nathan is a very helpful guy, I had issues with my water heater and called this guy as it was 6 PM so needed someone after-hours but rather coming to my house this man explained me everything over the phone and saved me $$$.Pretty unusual nowadays, wishing him more success.
Had Nathan over to install a new kitchen tap. He was highly responsive to messages and emails, was friendly and on time and did a great job. Will have no hesitation using Nathan again and recommending him to others. Positive Responsiveness, Punctuality, Quality, Professionalism, Value Services Tap installation
Highly recommend for all your plumbing needs. Very knowledgeable, friendly and professional with great communication and fast service time. I finally have got ‘hot’ hot water again thanks to Nathan diagnosing the issue and replacing my hot water service with a suitable replacement at a great price. I would not hesitate to recommend to anyone! Thanks for your great work 😁
Found this guy about 10 years ago and have kept his number ever since. Professional, Friendly, Polite to the kids/wife/pet, Reasonable prices, and is constantly offering suggestions to save me a buck.Really couldn't recommend more, Great to have in the contacts as your local guy
Highly recommend Nathan he is very professional, reliable, friendly and always does a great job. I've been using him for years now and never disappointed in his work 😊 Positive Responsiveness, Punctuality, Quality, Professionalism, Value
Great to have a tradesman actually turn up on time ! He was clear and concise with what he planned on doing and great people person. I would recommend highly. Services Plumbing pipe repair
Nathan provided great friendly service through the whole process. Would recommend and use his services again.
Highly recommend Nathan and will only use him anytime I need a plumber in the future. He exceeded all expectations and did not over charge on parts Positive Responsiveness, Punctuality, Quality, Professionalism, Value Services Plumbing pipe repair, Tap installation, Service not listed
Thanks Nathan for an easy quote and a fast hot water unit replacement. Will call again and thanks
Quick response. Knows what he's doing
Septic tank maintenance scheduled for After Hours Plumbing Melbourne and it was worth it.
Positive Responsiveness, Punctuality, Quality, Professionalism, Value Services Toilet repair, Water heater installation, Drain cleaning, Plumbing leak detection, Plumbing pipe repair, Tap repair, Tap installation, Sewer repair, Plumbing leak repair

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Emergency Plumber Western suburbs

We're available on YOUR schedule

At After Hours Plumbing, we will work around your busy schedule.

With our services, you don't have to skip a day of work or rush back home to let us in, with certain services available from the standard trade hours and continuing past 4 PM.