Drain cleaning is as much about maintaining the systems as it is about cleaning the liquid waste that might have accumulated. Our Cleanway team knows that a good clean helps with maintenance.
But functional systems must also consider the weather factors. And with the rainy season approaching, getting your drains in order is essential.
This blog provides an argument as to why your business or household should schedule a drain cleaning service before you need one when the water load increases.
Understanding What Happens When Wet Season Arrives
During dry months, debris, silt, grease and other solid or organic matter accumulate slowly. Outdoor drains may gather leaves, soil, scattered litter; internal systems may build up grease and sludge gradually.
Once rain begins, these materials wash into systems, increasing volume, causing flow restrictions, encouraging odours and creating potential for overflow or flooding.
Drain infrastructure must handle both regular usage and surge events. Stormwater inflows increase considerably.
Grease and sediment that have sat undisturbed gain momentum. Drains that perform adequately during light conditions often fail when faced with constant heavy flow or debris inflow.
For operations located in northern Australia, tropical regions, or along the east coast, above-average rainfall can expose any weakness in your drainage system.
External pits, grated drains, yard drains, loading dock drains and even roof water outlets are vulnerable. Slopes may carry dirt and small debris into drains, planting seeds for blockages.
Grease traps closer to kitchen or food-production operations are under increased load, especially where cleaning operations continue.
By scheduling drain cleaning before the wet season, you reduce risk: less chance of emergency call-outs, reduced risk of sanitation or odour issues, fewer interruptions to traffic, loading or staff movements.
What Cleanway’s Drain Cleaning Service Offers
Cleanway includes commercial drain cleaning among its Industrial Services. We combine technical inspection, advanced cleaning techniques and waste removal.
Cleaning Methods
After inspection, the appropriate cleaning method is deployed. High-pressure water jetting is a core technique used for removing stubborn buildups of grease, sediment or sludge.
Where needed, mechanical tools (rodding, scraping) or vacuum extraction are used to remove dislodged material.
Cleanway’s equipment is industrial-grade and capable of handling large and small drains alike.
For external drains or stormwater channels that receive leaf litter and sediment, high pressure water does much of the heavy lifting.
Inside, for kitchen or food-processing drains, grease-trap cleaning and scheduled flushing remove oil, fat, and grease before they solidify and permanently restrict flow.
Post-cleaning Inspection and Waste Removal
Once cleaning is done, another inspection confirms that flow has been restored, surfaces are clear, and there are no remaining blockages. If camera inspection was used originally, return passes are often made.
Material removed – grease, sludge, silt, solid debris – is collected and disposed of through Cleanway’s waste management channels. That ensures cleanup does not itself cause downstream contamination or environmental risk.
Preventative Maintenance Advice
After the work, Cleanway provides guidance on maintaining drains.
That may include more frequent inspections, scheduling cleaning at intervals suited to your operations, installing covers or screens over external grated drains to reduce debris entry, or adjusting staff practices around waste disposal (especially fats, oils, rags or packaging).
Five Reasons Acting Before Wet Season Brings Tangible Benefits
Scheduling industrial drain cleaning early delivers measurable operational, safety and financial advantages.
If you’re interested in understanding more about liquid waste management, then consider reading our blog “How to Dispose of Liquid Waste”.
Reduced Downtime and Fewer Emergencies
When drains are pre-emptively cleaned, you avoid emergency drain blockages during heavy rains. Blocked drains can lead to yard flooding, staff needing to redirect traffic, or temporarily stopping operations while cleanup occurs.
Planning ahead means fewer surprise disruptions.
Lower Maintenance and Repair Costs
Persistent blockages or buildup, left unattended, often cause wear or damage to drain linings, grates, pipes or pits.
Water pooling or pressure backflow weakens infrastructure. Addressing cleaning before pressure builds reduces repair needs.
Improved Site Hygiene and Safety
Blocked drains can cause stagnant water, unpleasant odours, pest attraction and slippery surfaces. These issues affect staff safety, health, and morale.
Grease and organic matter in warm, wet conditions accelerate decay and smells. Clean drains help maintain hygiene standards, reduce risk of slips or contamination.
Added Environmental and Community Impact
Overflow from stormwater or yard drains can carry pollutants – grease, oils, solids – into surrounding land or nearby watercourses.
When drains run freely, less pollution escapes into the environment. Local communities often monitor for runoff from commercial sites.
Clean operation of your drainage system supports good neighbour relations and protects environmental values.
Better Operational Predictability and Budgeting
Emergency spill or drain issues often incur higher cost for urgent call-outs, overtime labour, urgent waste removal, possible equipment or property damage.
Scheduling cleaning when demand is lower (before wet season) usually means better availability, more competitive pricing, and fewer extra charges.
Cleanway offers scheduled maintenance contracts, which help businesses spread cost and avoid premium fees during peak periods.
Common Mistakes Businesses Make When Waiting Too Long
Some operations delay drain cleaning until symptoms arise: overflowing drains, persistent odours, slow drainage. By then, built-up grease or sediment has often hardened or settled in inaccessible areas, which increases cleaning complexity and cost.
Another mistake is waiting until the first big storm hits. At that time, many businesses are scrambling for drain cleaning services, increasing lead times and costs. Equipment and crews may be less available.
Also, postponing cleaning limits ability to monitor and detect early issues. Small cracks or joint separations in pipes, or minor deposits, may go unnoticed until after heavy flows force them into failure. Early action allows detection and repair while problems are smaller.
Conclusion
Scheduling industrial drain cleaning before the wet season arrives gives businesses a strategic edge.
Clean drains support safety, hygiene, operational continuity and cost control. Cleanway’s commercial drain cleaning services combine inspection, advanced cleaning techniques, and reliable waste removal to help companies protect infrastructure and avoid emergencies.
As wet conditions approach, assessing your drainage system now, arranging cleaning, and setting up preventive maintenance mean that when rain intensifies, your facility remains resilient.
Reach out to Cleanway to book a drain inspection and schedule your drain cleaning work well ahead of the rain