Why Clear & Functional Stormwater Retention Systems Are Essential for Unit Complexes and Public Areas

By Sewer Cure – Geelong, The Bellarine & Surf Coast's Drainage Maintenance Specialists

When it rains in Geelong, it can pour—and if your stormwater retention systems aren’t working properly, the result can be devastating. Whether it's a residential unit complex, a shopping centre, or a public park, blocked stormwater systems are one of the leading causes of localised flooding.

At Sewer Cure, we regularly attend sites across Geelong and The Surf Coast where flooding

could have been prevented with proper pit and retention system maintenance. This blog will

explain:

● What stormwater retention systems do

● Why they fail

● The risks of poor maintenance

● What you should be checking regularly

● How we help property managers and body corporates avoid flooding

What Is a Stormwater Retention System?

A stormwater retention system is designed to capture and control the flow of rainwater runoff

from roofs, roads, driveways, and landscaped areas. It usually includes:

● Stormwater pits and grated drains

● Underground retention tanks in the form of multiple large pipes

● Overflow outlets and pipes

● Gross pollutant traps (GPTs)

● Connection to the council drainage system or on-site dispersal areas

These systems slow down and filter water, preventing excess stormwater from overwhelming

public infrastructure or causing damage to properties downstream.

What Happens When Stormwater Systems Are Blocked?

Without regular cleaning and inspection, these systems can clog up with:

● Leaves and bark from trees

● Dirt, sediment, and garden mulch

● Plastic litter and general waste

● Concrete slurry and construction runoff

● Silt washed in during heavy rain

When the system is blocked, the water has nowhere to go—leading to:

● Surface flooding in car parks and driveways

● Flooding of courtyards and homes

● Water pooling in basements and stairwells

● Structural damage to buildings and retaining walls

● Slips, trips and falls for residents and the public

● Liability for body corporates or property owners

● Increased risk of mosquito breeding and algae growth

We've seen this happen in high-density developments around Grovedale, Bell Park, Armstrong Creek, and even at commercial premises in North Geelong.

Key Maintenance: Stormwater Pit & Drain Cleaning

Stormwater pits (also known as catch basins or grated pits) are your first line of defence. They trap solids and prevent them from entering pipes and tanks. But when neglected, they become the source of blockages.

Pit maintenance includes:

● Removing leaf litter and debris such as plastic rubbish

● Clearing sediment from the bottom of pits

● Ensuring all entry and exit points are unobstructed

● Checking grates for corrosion or damage

● Flushing and jetting connected pipes

● Repairing damaged rendering inside pits

At Sewer Cure, we recommend seasonal cleaning (especially before and after winter) for units, retirement villages, and council-managed spaces.

Real Risks of Poor Stormwater Management

Ignoring your stormwater system doesn’t just lead to wet feet. It can cause serious problems for residents, land lords, body corporates and property managers:

● Costly repairs to buildings, pavements, and foundations

● Blocked access to homes or businesses

● Council fines or non-compliance issues

● Reputation damage for property managers or body corporates

● Health risks from stagnant water and mould

With Geelong experiencing more intense storm events in recent years, preventative maintenance is no longer optional—it’s essential.

How Sewer Cure Helps

We provide tailored maintenance solutions for:

● Unit complexes

● Commercial car parks

● Schools and public grounds

● Council stormwater assets

● New developments

Our stormwater services include:

● CCTV drain inspections to locate blockages or system faults

● Hydro jetting to flush out sediment and debris

● Scheduled pit cleaning and reports for compliance

● Emergency response during flood events

● Advice on system upgrades or redesigns if required

We also offer ongoing maintenance plans to help strata managers stay ahead of issues before they become expensive emergencies.

Protect Your Property – Book a Stormwater System Check Today

Whether you're managing a unit complex in Belmont, overseeing a retail space in Corio, or need help with council infrastructure in Newtown, Sewer Cure is your trusted local drainage expert.

Don’t wait until your driveway’s underwater!

Book a stormwater inspection today and keep your retention system working the way it

should—quietly and effectively, rain or shine.