Laing’s Plumbing Co. designs, repairs, and maintains residential & commercial stormwater drainage systems that keep water moving where it should.
Our commercial and residential stormwater management solutions include:
At Laing’s Plumbing Co, we don’t just fix problems—we make sure the work is done safely and to the highest standards. We’re quality certified by ASIC and licensed by the QBCC, and every stormwater plumber in Brisbane Northside on our team is fully trained in OH&S, safety, and emergency protocols. That means your property stays compliant, and the job gets done right the first time.
No. Stormwater carries rainwater away, while sewer pipes carry waste. They are separate systems, and each needs proper maintenance.
For homes, once a year is usually enough. For busy commercial sites, more frequent checks are better to prevent blockages.
Most blockages can be cleared within a few hours, but major pipe repairs may take longer.
Yes, routine cleaning prevents debris build-up and avoids flooding during heavy rain.
In Brisbane, stormwater drains collect rainwater runoff from roofs, driveways, and gardens and direct it to local waterways and Moreton Bay — without treatment. Sewer drains carry wastewater from toilets, sinks, showers, and appliances to the sewage treatment plant. The two systems are completely separate. Connecting a sewer pipe to a stormwater drain (or vice versa) is illegal in Queensland, causes serious environmental pollution, and can result in significant council fines.
In Brisbane, responsibility for stormwater drains is divided by location. Brisbane City Council is responsible for drains in the road reserve (kerb, gutter, and street drainage). As a homeowner, you are responsible for all stormwater drainage within your property boundary — including roof gutters, downpipes, in-ground stormwater pipes, and connections to the kerb. If a stormwater pipe on your property is blocked or damaged, you must arrange and pay for repairs through a licensed plumber.
Signs of a blocked stormwater drain in Brisbane include: water pooling in your yard or driveway after rain, water overflowing from gutters not clearing through downpipes, water backing up at kerb connections after rain, a gurgling sound from stormwater grates, subsidence or soft ground near stormwater lines, and visible overflow from surface drains. During Brisbane's wet season, blocked stormwater drains can cause rapid property flooding — call a plumber immediately if you notice these signs.
Drain relining (also called pipe relining or CIPP — Cured-in-Place Pipe lining) is a no-dig method of repairing damaged underground pipes by inserting a flexible resin-saturated liner into the existing pipe. The liner is inflated and cured to form a new, smooth pipe within the old one. It is used in Brisbane when underground pipes are cracked, have root intrusion, or have collapsed joints but are still structurally viable. Relining costs far less than full excavation and replacement.
Stormwater drain repair costs in Brisbane: jet rodding to clear a blockage: $200–$500. CCTV drain inspection: $250–$500. Drain relining per metre: $350–$700. Partial pipe excavation and replacement: $1,500–$5,000. Full stormwater system replacement for a typical Brisbane residential property: $5,000–$15,000+. Most Brisbane plumbers provide a fixed price quote after a CCTV inspection to assess the extent of damage.
To manage stormwater runoff on a Brisbane property: (1) Ensure gutters and downpipes are clear and connected to the stormwater system. (2) Install additional stormwater pits and grates in low-lying areas prone to pooling. (3) Consider a rainwater tank to capture and reuse runoff. (4) Grade garden beds and paving to direct water away from foundations. (5) Install a French drain or ag-pipe system in areas with persistent waterlogging. (6) Have a licensed stormwater plumber inspect and map your property's drainage.
Sewer cleaning involves clearing blockages, buildup, and tree root intrusion from the main sewer lines carrying wastewater from your Brisbane home to the council sewer network. Methods include high-pressure water jetting, mechanical rodding, and CCTV inspection. Brisbane homeowners typically need sewer cleaning when: multiple drains are slow at once, toilets are gurgling or backing up, there is a sewage odour inside or outside the home, or the sewer line has not been inspected in over 5 years.
Minor stormwater work such as redirecting a surface drain or installing a simple soakage pit may be within the scope of a capable Brisbane homeowner. However, any work connecting to the council stormwater network, relocating in-ground stormwater pipes, or requiring building approval under the Brisbane City Council Planning Scheme must be completed by a licensed plumber and may require council approval. Consult a licensed stormwater plumber before starting work to avoid compliance issues.
