Why Water Pools Around Your Home: Common Stormwater Drainage Problems

Water pooling around a house after rain is more than an inconvenience. Repeated ponding can affect landscaping, paths and areas around the building. The cause may be at the surface, underground or higher up in the roof drainage system.

For more detail on the service itself, see our stormwater drainage page.

Poor surface falls

If paving, soil or landscaping falls toward the house rather than away from it, water can collect even when the underground drainage is working.

Blocked stormwater pipes

Leaves, silt, roots and debris can restrict stormwater pipes and cause pits or downpipes to back up during heavy rain.

Insufficient pits or surface drainage

Large paved or low-lying areas may need suitable pits, channel drains or other collection points to move water away efficiently.

Downpipe and roof drainage problems

Overflowing gutters or downpipes can dump large volumes of water beside the building. The problem may be above ground rather than in the yard drainage.

Damaged or poorly connected pipes

Crushed, broken or disconnected stormwater pipes can reduce flow and allow water to escape into surrounding soil.

Drainage needs to suit the whole site

Fixing one low spot may not solve the underlying issue if the broader property has poor falls or insufficient drainage capacity.

Diagnosis should come before excavation

A plumber can assess where water is entering, how it is supposed to leave and whether the issue is surface drainage, pipework or roof water.

Related plumbing services

You may also find these related service pages useful: stormwater drainage, yard drainage, stormwater overflow and flooding solutions.

Need help with this type of plumbing?

If you are planning this work or dealing with a problem now, see our stormwater drainage service page for the relevant plumbing options and next steps.