When a Curtin homeowner began experiencing regular flooding and overflowing stormwater drains, he knew the issue was more than just a simple blockage. After years of patch repairs, it was time for a full upgrade. Our local plumber Canberra team, led by Liam, Thomas, and Alex, delivered a large-scale drainage renewal that restored performance, protected the home’s foundations, and earned another 5-star review.
⭐ “Large job replacing aging stormwater infrastructure around house. Done with great deal of consideration, respect for property, existing garden and landscaping and in a highly professional manner. Liam, Thomas and Alex in particular are to be commended.” — 5-Star Google Review
Problem
The property’s aging stormwater system was failing. Tree roots, cracked earthenware pipes, and years of debris buildup had caused constant blockages and overflows during heavy rain.
The issue began as a blocked stormwater drain, but CCTV inspection revealed multiple pipe collapses around the boundary riser and rear downpipes. Water was escaping under garden beds and against the home’s foundations, threatening structural damage and erosion.
Given the extent of the damage, a full stormwater infrastructure replacement was the only long-term solution, a major project requiring care, precision, and site sensitivity.
Assessment
After the initial inspection, Liam attended the property to complete a comprehensive assessment and discuss options with the homeowner.
Using CCTV drain inspection cameras, our team identified:
- Several sections of collapsed earthenware pipe around 8–10 metres from the house.
- Root intrusion and heavy silt deposits throughout the system.
- Misaligned joints causing pooling and slow drainage.
Hydrovac excavation was recommended to safely expose the damaged lines without disturbing established gardens and utilities, including gas and electrical services that ran close to the drainage route.
How Our Plumber Woden Team Solved the Issue
Over the course of several days, Liam, Thomas, and Alex completed a full stormwater renewal and reconnection, working carefully around established gardens and paved areas to minimise disruption.
The process included:
- Site preparation and marking of existing services before excavation.
- Hydrovac excavation to expose damaged pipework safely and protect the garden.
- Removal of old terracotta stormwater lines and replacement with 100mm PVC DWV pipe.
- Installation of new junctions, bends, and pits, ensuring correct falls and drainage capacity.
- Addition of a new agricultural (Ag) drain line along the rear garden to improve surface water runoff.
- Connection of new 90mm round PVC downpipes with proper fittings and support brackets.
- Jet rodding and CCTV inspection of all new lines to confirm flow and compliance.
- Backfilling and site clean-up, with care taken to preserve the homeowner’s lawn, garden edges, and paving.
The project was complex, but the team completed it efficiently, coordinating with hydrovac contractors and ensuring every trench was reinstated cleanly and safely.
Materials & Standards
All works were completed using Reece-supplied materials, installed to Australian standards:
- 100mm DWV PVC Pipe and Fittings – AS/NZS 1260 compliant
- Agroflex Draincoil with Filter Sock – prevents sediment and root infiltration
- 90mm Round PVC Downpipes – smooth flow and corrosion-resistant
- Universal Self-Sealing Trap – prevents odour and backflow
- Non-compacting backfill – used per design specification for hydrovac trench reinstatement
Workmanship adhered to AS/NZS 3500 Plumbing and Drainage, and the team maintained best-practice trenching safety and environmental controls throughout.
Results
Before: recurring blockages, standing water, and root-damaged earthenware pipes causing overflow and surface pooling.
After: a fully renewed, modern PVC stormwater network with clean, unobstructed flow and reliable protection against future flooding.
The client praised the team’s professionalism and care:
“Done with great deal of consideration, respect for property, existing garden and landscaping and in a highly professional manner.”
The result, long-term peace of mind and another 5-star Water Tight Canberra outcome.
Tips
To prevent major stormwater failures:
- Have your stormwater system inspected every 3–5 years using CCTV technology.
- Keep gutters and downpipes clear of leaves and debris.
- Trim trees near drainage lines to prevent root intrusion.
- Use licensed drain plumbers for all underground repairs to ensure compliance and safety.
Location Notes – Curtin ACT
Curtin’s established gardens and mature trees often lead to root intrusion and pipe collapse in older earthenware systems. Many homes in the area benefit from PVC upgrades and ag drainage installations to handle Canberra’s heavy stormwater events.
Our Plumber Woden team specialises in these long-term drainage solutions across Curtin and the Woden Valley region.
For prompt, professional assistance in the ACT, contact Water Tight Canberra on (02) 6195 9991 for services including emergency plumber Canberra or expert leak detection to keep your home safe and running smoothly.
Gallery
Before: Collapsed stormwater pipes and blocked downpipes causing garden flooding.
During: Hydrovac excavation and PVC pipe installation around landscaped garden beds.
After: New stormwater infrastructure installed, connected, and tested — site reinstated neatly.
⭐ “Professional, respectful, and efficient — outstanding stormwater renewal by Liam, Thomas, and Alex.” — 5-Star Google Review
