PVC stormwater pipes can help harness the rainwater to benefit you and the environment

When it pours with rain outside, where does the stormwater actually end up?

As the rains come down, the stormwater gathers and there's a runoff effect. The water from the streets and stormwater pipes fills the stormwater drains and finds its way to the nearest ocean, creek, river or lake.

As you will know, in heavy storms when the water exceeds the capability of the drainage, flooding occurs. This is where you see things like cars driving through great pools of water on the roadside. The longer and harder it rains, the greater the impact.

There is a secondary problem to a stormwater runoff as well. The water is not treated when it is discharged into the waterways and the ocean. Whatever the rain has picked up on its journey is carried to the end point.

Stormwater collects a lot of suspended matter, some of which can be harmful to the environment

When you think about it, stormwater pipes merely transfer the problem of stormwater from one end of the pipe to the other. As the water pours out into the waterways, it upsets the local water balance and dumps all the suspended matter it brought with it, a lot of which can be devastating to the environment.

Things like:

• Organic matter
• Litter
• Oil residues from driveways and roads
• Sediment, bacteria and rust
• Fertiliser residue

When the rainwater arrives at the other end of the pipe, the receiving water body gets dumped with all this temporary flooding and pollution. But there is a way we can help reduce the negative environmental impact.

Rain gardens can be an effective way to capture stormwater and prevent excess runoff

There is a clever way you can address stormwater issues on your property. In a heavy downfall, make a note of where the water runs to and gathers. If the area is suitable, it could be the perfect location for you to construct a rain garden.

Rain gardens can trap and use stormwater runoff. The plants use the nutrients, and together with the soil, filter the water naturally. By planting herbs and vegetables in the rain garden, you can grow your own food supply; there's no need for mains water or active watering.

Include special filtering plants like the King Stropharia mushroom, which can filter the nutrients and waste from storm water.

With the additional help from stormwater pipes rerouting the runoff from the roof to your rain garden, you're capturing stormwater and keeping it out of the council drainage system and local waterways and lessening the chances of flooding in the streets.

As a bonus, you're creating a lush garden, and a way to save money on groceries.

Stormwater pipes can be very useful for capturing and using water around the house

No doubt you will know another valuable use for stormwater. If your stormwater pipes lead to a water tank, you are harnessing this precious commodity for use around the home.

With the appropriate filtration system, you can turn tank water into drinking water.

The purified water can also be used when:

• Showering
• Washing clothes
• Filling your iron
• Topping up your pool and more

Without filtration, the tank water is still extremely useful, for flushing toilets, washing your car and for watering the garden.

By capturing the rainwater and making use of it, you're helping control the amount of water going into stormwater drains.

By reducing stormwater runoff you're reducing stormwater pollution

To recap, there are downstream environmental benefits by reducing stormwater runoff into the drains and waterways.

The result is:

• Cleaner rivers, lakes and beaches making them safer for everyone
• Reduced flooding
• Healthier environment for plants and animals
• Less money being spent by councils emptying stormwater traps

Now, doesn't that make you want to get up and create your rain garden, and get a rainwater tank? What a great way to help the environment, and reduce your cost of living.

With PVC stormwater pipes you are on the way to rerouting that precious rainwater

PVC stormwater pipes are widely used as a drainage system for rerouting the rain which runs off hard surfaces that water can't penetrate, such as roofs, driveways and roads.

There are many advantages of PVC over traditional materials.

These include:

• Resistance to corrosion
• Economical to install
• Operating efficiencies
• Reduced maintenance costs

PVC stormwater pipes are the best pipeline solution for stormwater applications.

When you need any stormwater pipes and fittings, you can get them from Plumbing Sales

Plumbing Sales is Australia's largest online plumbing supplies store.

When you need fittings for stormwater applications, Plumbing Sales has a complete range online, including pipes, pipe adaptors, bend stormwater, couplings, junctions and caps.

Australians have been getting the best prices from Plumbing Sales for over 60 years, and the tradition continues.

Plus - there's free delivery for orders that are over $300.

Whatever you need in plumbing supplies, the name to know is Plumbing Sales.

The best prices online, anytime, that’s Plumbing Sales.