5 Common Drainage Problems in Kiwi Homes

Kiwi homes can handle a fair bit of wear and tear, with highly changeable weather patterns like heavy rain, coastal humidity, and at times strong winds. But even with the most robust weather-proof homes, these buildings can come into some strife with home drainage issues. 

No matter the type of space, be it a vintage villa, an 80s build, or even a freshly built place, drainage problems need to be addressed right from the initial build through to the lived-in experience. No home can escape the consideration of drainage, but the great news is that you can stay on top of these common issues with upkeep and maintenance throughout the lifespan of your home. Proactive maintenance adds a preventative layer, helping your drainage system remain clear and functional. Let’s unpack some of the most common drainage issues and then learn ways that help you, the home or business owner, keep your business or abode in order. 

1. Draining

Yes, it’s true that blocked drains are potentially the most common issue that Kiwi homeowners have to work through. In kitchens, it’s easy to see how this happens. All that excess waste, like grease, food scraps and soap, can cause an at times gradual build-up of grime and gunk. If you have not yet come across a “hair-raising” situation in your shower yet, then you are very lucky. This issue can be very common in lots of showers. The problem worsens over time.

On the other hand, if you have access to outdoor areas at your place, then at times, too, leaves and debris can halt drainage from flowing easily. This results in the clogging of stormwater. Season to season, these effects vary, but in autumn, watch out for this scenario. Especially with those storms that, as Kiwis, we are more than used to, but still need to prep for. Blockages are a major drainage problem in Auckland during peak storm season.

Back to the kitchen, you might pick up on some unpleasant smells, or water may at times back up. Of course, while drain cleaners can provide temporary relief, they may not fully resolve deeper blockages. Deeper cleans require drain guards and the help of a professional to clean out the excess gunk. If you want to reduce drainage issues, then stay on top of cleaning routines and be mindful of what goes down the sink. 

2. Watch out for roots: Trees can cause damage

A big drainage problem in Auckland is tree-related. Kiwis love lush vistas, and all the greenery is a huge part of our culture. While trees are a staple of New Zealand living for many Kiwis, protruding trees can become a hidden threat to the integrity of many drainage systems. The roots of a tree are seeking moisture, and if there is even the smallest cut in a pipe, then tree roots can infiltrate the pipe. Look out for this as a homeowner, as it’s a common drainage problem in Auckland

What happens during this process? Practically speaking, this occurs when you hear gargling noises, have lots of blockages and even very green patches of grass in your garden. When this happens its so important to act and call a professional right away. Unfortunately, there are no tested DIY methods to help you when tree roots are intruding. Here, hiring specialists with specific equipment to help if top priority.  In severe cases, components of the pipe may need replacing, which drainage experts can help to fix. Tree roots can ultimately cause a home drainage issue. 

3. Poor drainage systems

If you see a big pool of water linger after some rain or even a storm, there is a chance that the problem could be decreased surface drainage. If landscaping was slightly off, soil could have compacted, or the drainage systems may just be poor, then mould can populate indoors.

As always, with New Zealand and Auckland especially often feeling the brunt of heavy rain, having ample, if not excellent, drainage planning is not just important but essential. Consider getting French drains or adding additional stormwater channels to keep water away from your doorstep. If you plan significantly in advance, you can prevent the likelihood of issues like this arising. Home Drainage Issues like these need to be looked at and monitored. 

4. Broken pipes

Another home drainage issue is the pipes themselves. Unfortunately, pipes have a limited lifespan. With wear and tear, they can often shift, crack, or even collapse in severe cases. This is often due to moving vehicles, corrosion and construction. You might have noticed a big water bill spike, maybe even soggy patches in your garden or pesky drain issues that seem involved. In order to diagnose the unique problem, you will need a professional to perform an inspection. The repairs may require small patches to be fixed or replacing the full pipe. This is a common home drainage issue.

5. Excess stormwater: an overloaded system

If you are living in an area with particularly old infrastructure, then you may encounter stormwater systems reaching and exceeding their capacity. This looks like water having nowhere to go, causing a backup in gutters and sometimes even in your home. In fact, this particular problem is increasing slowly with New Zealand’s significant weather shifts and stormy events happening more frequently.

To combat this, enforce some preventative measures by making sure your downpipes, gutters and stormwater drains are clear. Upgrading your drainage system or installing additional capacity may be necessary to handle heavy rain. Keep on top of home drainage issues such as these with some upkeep and maintenance. 

Pipe Fix Plumbing can help

If you want to avoid bigger issues regarding your drainage, then it’s a good rule of thumb to be on top of the pipes with regular maintenance so that early intervention is possible.  It’s a great idea to develop practical habits like getting rid of waste the right way, not disposing of oil down the sink, regularly unclogging hair from your shower, etc. These early warning signs make a huge difference and can be absolutely a game-changer for maintaining drain integrity.

 If you experience any of the issues mentioned here, then it may be time to call in Pipe Fix. Tom Davies is a master plumber who sets high standards for top-notch plumbing services in Auckland. With 20 years of experience, Pipe Fix Plumbing utilises a team with great know-how, excellent knowledge and certified results. Give Pipe Fix Plumbing a call today.