In Sydney, according to the Weather Channel we have just experienced the wettest May 40 years!
Well it has been wet, and the rain in the suburbs along Sydneys coast both yesterday and today, the last 2 days of May 2011 have done plenty to boost the average for the month.

The volume of water running into stormwater grates and drains has at times put our stormwater pipelines under plenty of pressure.
We have had plenty of blocked drain emergency calls from people with overflowing drains that could easily be prevented.
These few simple tips will help avoid stormwater overflows.
As most of our beautiful deciduous trees have lost most of their leaves by now, it is often these leaves that create overflow problems when the rains come quickly.

1. Clear leaf and tree debris from your roof gutters and downpipes.
2. Keep channel grates, driveway grates and drains clean and clear.
3. Dont stockpile household items over any of your outside drains.
4. Run a garden hose through these drains periodically to check they are flowing.
5. Know where your stormwater pipes run to, and ensure these outlets are clear.

If you are not sure, please ask us.

P.S. I got home last night to overflowing gutters at the front of our home. Fortunately I could clear the leaf debris easily and allow the rainwater to run into our stormwater pipes .