Stormwater vs Wastewater: Know Your Drains

Start with where the water comes from

Timing helps describe a concern, but it is not proof of a pipe's route or the cause of a fault. Tell us what you know and what remains uncertain.

Why separation matters

Rainwater should use the property's stormwater arrangement. Directing it into a wastewater gully adds water to the wrong system. Similarly, wastewater should not be diverted into a stormwater drain.

Our gully trap overflow guide explains what to observe when wastewater comes out outside. Keep clear of contaminated water and leave changes to connections to the people assessing the work.

Use a property checklist

• Identify roof downpipes and accessible surface drainage from ground level.
• Note which outside features appear to receive household wastewater.
• Keep available drainage plans with earlier inspection records.
• Record whether the concern occurs during rain, fixture use or both.
• Photograph accessible areas without lifting covers or entering drains.

If you cannot identify a feature, describe its position rather than giving it a guessed name.

Choose the right next step

For rain-related pooling, the garden drainage checklist helps distinguish observations about surface runoff and the buried system. For routine preparation, use our stormwater maintenance guide.

If several household fixtures are affected, begin with the blocked drains guide. Explain any overlap between rainfall and fixture use so the enquiry includes the full pattern.

Ask for help with uncertain routes

We clear sewer and stormwater blockages and use CCTV with GPS location for drainage investigations. Share the address, plans and observations so we can discuss the work needed to understand the line.

Where ownership or a public network issue is involved, check the relevant council's requirements for the property. A clear description helps separate the drainage fault from questions about responsibility.