6 Common Drainage Issues Faced by Brisbane Homeowners (And How to Fix Them)

If you’re living in Brisbane and dealing with drainage problems, you're not alone. Between storm season, clay-heavy soil, and older home plumbing, drainage issues pop up often including in areas from Brisbane, Moreton Bay and beyond. Some problems are easy to fix. Others? Not so much. But either way, the sooner you spot them, the easier they are to deal with.

1. Blocked Stormwater Drains

Blocked stormwater drains are one of the most common drainage issues in Brisbane especially after heavy rain. These drains are designed to carry rainwater off your property, but they often clog with leaves, mud, sticks, and garden runoff.

When stormwater can't flow away, you might notice water pooling in your yard, overflowing gutters, or even flooding near your foundation. In areas on Brisbane's Southside and Moreton Bay, this can quickly lead to erosion or slab damage.

How to Fix It

Here are a few actions you can take if you get a blocked drain on your property.

• Clear visible debris from grates and gutters
• Use a hose or drain snake to flush pipes if the blockage is minor
• Call a drainage plumber for jet blasting if the clog is deeper

2. Tree Root Intrusions

Older Brisbane homes often have clay or concrete pipes, which are more likely to crack. Roots from trees, especially gumtrees and fig trees can find these cracks and push their way inside. Over time, the roots grow, block water flow, and trap other debris, making the blockage worse.

If your toilet gurgles, your drains run slow, or your backyard smells musty, roots could be the reason.

How to Fix It

Here are a few things you can do if you suspect you have a tree root intrusion.

• CCTV drain inspection by a professional plumber to confirm the location and size of the root problem
• Jet blasting to clear the root intrusion (in minor cases)
• Pipe relining or replacement for permanent repairs

All of these things should be one by a licensed professional, never try to do the work yourself as you could end up causing more damage to your plumbing system.

3. Poor Yard Drainage

Some Brisbane properties, especially those built on slopes or with clay-heavy soil, suffer from poor natural runoff. That means rainwater pools near the house or runs back toward the slab. Over time, this can lead to foundation damage, mold, and cracked walls.

This issue is common in suburbs like Red Hill or The Gap, where homes sit on hilly blocks and yard grading wasn’t done properly.

How to Fix It

• Install French drains or surface trenches to redirect water
• Re-grade your yard to improve slope and drainage
• Add gravel or drainage cells in wet zones

4. Collapsed or Broken Pipes

Pipes don’t last forever. In Brisbane, older homes often have terracotta or clay pipes that break down over time. Heavy vehicles parked on lawns, shifting ground, or tree roots can often speed this up. When pipes collapse, drains can block completely, and waste has nowhere to go.

This often shows up as repeated blockages, slow drainage in multiple fixtures, or a sudden bad smell coming from your bathroom or laundry so if you notice any of these, it might be time to call in a professional.

How to Fix It

Call a licensed plumber in to inspect the situation, they will be able to help by conducting the following:

• CCTV drain inspection to confirm the damage
• Pipe relining for no-dig repairs (if the damage isn’t severe)
• Pipe replacement if the structure is too far gone

5. Smelly or Dry Floor Drains

Got a drain that smells like rotten eggs or sewage? It could be a dry trap. Floor drains in laundries, garages, or spare bathrooms don’t get much use, and the water in the P-trap evaporates. This allows sewer gases to come back up into your home.

These smells are common all over Brisbane during summer when high temps evaporate water faster.

How to Fix It

• Pour a bucket of water into the drain every few weeks to keep the trap full
• Use mineral oil after water to slow evaporation
• Install a trap primer if it happens often

6. Overflowing Downpipes or Gutters

Your gutters and downpipes are part of your drainage system too. If they’re full of leaves, mud, or blocked at the base, stormwater can back up. This can cause water to run down walls, enter roof cavities, or flood patios and decks.

This is becoming a common issue in Brisbane suburbs with lots of trees like Kenmore or Carindale.

How to Fix It

Here are some things you can to to prevent overflowing downpipes or gutters on your property:

• Clean your gutters and downpipes every season
• Install gutter guards to reduce leaf build-up
• Check for correct fall and outlet clearance

Why Drainage Problems Are Common in Brisbane

Brisbane’s climate plays a big role in drainage issues. Long dry spells dry out pipes and soil then when a sudden storm hits hard, it overwhelms your blocked systems and causes damage. Add in old infrastructure, hilly terrain, and large trees, and you’ve got a recipe for regular drainage headaches.

Homes in areas like Moreton Bay and even inner-city areas like Paddington or Newmarket are no strangers to flooding pits, slow stormwater flow, or recurring smells from backyard drains.

When to Call a Drainage Plumber

If you’ve tried clearing the drain and the problem keeps coming back, it’s time to call a professional. Some signs you need help include:

• Bad smells that don’t go away
• Multiple slow drains at once
• Water pooling near your foundation
• Sudden gurgling noises in pipes
• Overflow during light rain

Trying to fix these yourself can waste time or make things worse. A licensed plumber can inspect, clear, and repair your system without digging up your whole yard.

What Makes Draintech Brisbane Different

At Draintech Brisbane, we focus only on drainage. That means we’re faster, more experienced, and better equipped to handle all kinds of drain issues across Brisbane and nearby suburbs. From CCTV inspections to trenchless pipe relining, we use modern tools to find and fix problems properly.

• We service Brisbane Northside and Moreton Bay.
• Emergency response available 24/7
• We don't hit you with hidden fees, we'll give you a fixed, upfront price.
• Fully licensed, local, and drainage-only specialists

Tips to Prevent Future Drainage Problems

Want to avoid drainage issues in the future? Here are some easy habits you can do to prevent any issues occuring:

• Don’t pour fat or oil down the kitchen sink
• Clean out hair catchers in showers regularly
• Check gutters and stormwater drains before storm season
• Flush floor drains monthly if they’re not used often
• Get a yearly drain inspection if your home is older than 20 years

Tired of Drainage Hassles? Maybe It's Time To Call The Pros

Drainage issues are a hassle, but they’re not the end of the world especially when you know what to watch for and who to call. Whether it's a smelly drain or a full stormwater blockage, Draintech Brisbane is ready to help.

If your drains are acting up, don’t wait. Book a drain inspection today and keep your home safe, dry, and stress-free.

Contact Draintech Brisbane now to sort your drainage for good.