Auckland has had its share of reminders about what heavy rain can do to a property. The 2023 Auckland Anniversary Weekend floods and Cyclone Gabrielle caused widespread flooding and property damage across the region, and every storm season since has brought its own smaller reminders. Drains take the load first in any heavy rain event, and problems that were invisible in dry weather often show up once the ground is saturated. This guide covers what to check, who to call, and when it's worth booking a CCTV inspection, and it's worth bookmarking for the next time a serious weather warning comes through.

Immediate Safety First

Before checking anything, Auckland Emergency Management is clear on the basics: never drive, walk, or play in floodwater, even shallow water can be deep enough, fast-moving, or contaminated to be dangerous. If your property has flooded, wait for official clearance from emergency services or Auckland Council before returning, and once you're back, wear gloves and protective clothing, cover any cuts, and stay alert for contaminated water and electrical hazards while you inspect.

What to Check Once It Is Safe

Once the immediate danger has passed, work through the property systematically:

  • Gully traps are raised, grated, and clear of leaves or debris (a common overflow cause, per Watercare)
  • Downpipes are still connected and draining to the stormwater system, not pooling at the base
  • Any water on the property that is not draining away within a reasonable time
  • Manholes that are overflowing, lifted, or full of debris
  • New cracks, sunken patches, or soft/wet ground near the house that were not there before
  • Toilets, sinks or showers draining more slowly than usual, a sign the line itself may be affected

If you spot damage, Auckland Emergency Management recommends photographing it before cleanup starts, the same advice insurers give when a claim may be involved. See our companion guide on drainage inspection reports for insurance claims if that applies to you.

Who to Call for What

Not every post-storm drainage issue is the same call. As a rough guide for Auckland:

  • Blocked stormwater drain or flooding from public infrastructure: Auckland Council, 09 301 0101
  • Water main burst: Watercare, 09 442 2222, or text 3130
  • Manhole overflow or spillage: Watercare, who aim to have a team out within the hour
  • Flooding from a neighbouring property or an overland flow path: Auckland Council recommends discussing it with the neighbour directly first, then a written query for non-urgent cases or 09 301 0101 for urgent ones
  • Anything on your own private drainage line, not council or Watercare infrastructure: that's a private CCTV inspection, not a council call

Why a CCTV Inspection After a Storm Is Worth Booking

Saturated ground moves, and a joint or crack that was holding on in dry conditions can fail once the soil around it swells and shifts. A CCTV drain inspection is the only reliable way to see whether that has happened to your drains, rather than waiting for a blockage or a bigger repair to tell you. If the camera finds something, our pricing guide covers current rates, and our drain repair guide explains how different repair methods get chosen.

If the Damage Might Be an Insurance Matter

Where a storm has caused actual property damage, not just a drainage inconvenience, documentation matters before you start cleaning up or repairing. Photograph the damage, keep records of what happened and when, and hold off on non-urgent repairs until you have spoken to your insurer. Our guide on drainage inspection reports for insurance claims goes into what a written report needs to include if drainage is part of the claim.

Preventing the Same Problem Next Storm Season

  • Clear gutters and downpipes before winter and storm season, not after the first warning
  • Keep an eye on tree roots near drain lines, they don't need much of a gap to find their way in
  • If your property still has older clay or concrete drains, our clay soils guide explains why Auckland ground makes them more vulnerable over time
  • If you've had recurring issues after past storms, a CCTV survey ahead of the next season can catch a developing fault before it becomes an emergency

Quick Post-Storm Checklist

  • Wait for official confirmation it is safe to return home
  • Check gully traps, grates, and downpipes for blockages
  • Look for pooling water or drains running slower than usual
  • Photograph anything new, cracks, staining, sunken ground, before cleaning up
  • Call Auckland Council (09 301 0101) for public stormwater issues
  • Call Watercare (09 442 2222) for water main problems
  • Book a CCTV inspection if anything underground looks or drains differently than before

Common Questions

How soon after a storm should I get a drain inspection?
If you noticed slow drains, pooling water, or new cracking, book within a few days while conditions still reflect what the storm did. This also matches what insurers typically want if a claim is involved.
Is flooding on my property my responsibility or the council's?
It depends on the source. Auckland Council manages public stormwater infrastructure and takes reports on 09 301 0101, but flooding caused by blockages, broken pipes, or drainage faults on your own property is your responsibility to fix.
Can a heavy rain event actually damage a drain that was fine before?
Yes. Saturated, moving ground puts pressure on existing weak points, like small cracks or loose joints, that were previously holding. A CCTV inspection after a significant storm can catch this before it becomes a bigger repair.

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Noticed something off with your drains after the last storm? Book a CCTV inspection and find out what is actually happening underground.

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