Autumn Maintenance: Why May is the Best Month to Inspect Stormwater Drains

Q: What happens if my stormwater drains are blocked during a heavy storm?

Blocked stormwater drains can cause immediate water backflow, leading to localized flooding, serious foundation damage, and high emergency call-out fees that significantly exceed the cost of preventative maintenance.

Q: Can I just clear the surface grates myself?

While clearing surface grates helps, most blockages occur in the horizontal pipes or 'sumps' where silt and autumn leaves settle. Professional clearing ensures the entire line is desilted and capable of handling high water volumes.

Camjet Pty Ltd
May 11
2 min read

Don't wait for winter floods. Discover why May is the critical window for stormwater drain inspections and cleaning in South Africa.

Autumn Maintenance: Why May is the Best Month to Inspect Your Stormwater Drains

In South Africa, May is more than just the start of the "big chill"—it is the most critical window for property maintenance. As leaves fall and the first winter rains loom, your stormwater system is under the highest threat of failure.

The "May Window": Preparing for South Africa’s Seasonal Shift

By May, the summer debris—sand, silt, and litter—has settled in your catch basins. Combine this with the massive influx of autumn leaves, and you have a recipe for a drainage disaster. Taking action in May ensures your system is clear before the ground becomes saturated.

3 Ways Autumn Leaves and Debris Sabotage Your Drainage

The "Matting" Effect: Wet leaves form a thick, waterproof mat over drain grates, causing immediate surface flooding.
Sub-Soil Blockages: Debris that slips through the grates settles in horizontal runs, reducing the volume of water the pipe can carry.
Root Acceleration: Tree roots often seek out moisture in pipes during the drier autumn months, expanding and catching debris.