Preparing Your Plumbing for Storm Season
Queensland, Australia is no stranger to the power of Mother Nature. With its tropical climate and geographical location, it often faces severe storms during the storm season. These storms can bring heavy rains, strong winds, and sometimes even floods. One of the most vulnerable aspects of your home during such a season is your plumbing system. In this blog, we'll explore why it's essential to prepare your plumbing for the upcoming storm season and share some crucial tips to help you weather the storm.
Before we dive into the preparation tips, let's take a quick look at some facts and statistics about storm seasons in Queensland:
1. Cyclones - Queensland experiences an average of 4 to 5 tropical cyclones each season, with varying degrees of severity. These cyclones often bring intense rainfall, which can overwhelm drainage systems.
2. Flooding - Queensland has its share of flood-prone areas, and heavy rainfall during the storm season can result in flash floods and rising water levels. Flooding can put immense pressure on your plumbing system.
3. Lightning Strikes - Storms in Queensland are frequently accompanied by lightning, which can cause electrical surges that affect your plumbing appliances, such as hot water system and rainwater pumps.
Preparation Tips for Your Plumbing
1. Inspect Your Gutters and Downpipes
- Clean your gutters and downpipes before the storm season to ensure water flows freely. Clogged gutters can lead to water overflowing and damaging your home's foundation. We recommend booking a high pressure drain clean and a CCTV Camera inspection to ensure your drainage is in good working condition.
2. Elevate Appliances
- If you live in an area that is prone to flash flooding, look at elevating your hotwater sysytems and other critical appliances above potential flood levels. Water and electrical systems don't mix well.
3. Inspect Sump Pumps
- Ensure your sump pump is in good working order. A functioning sump pump can help prevent water from accumulating in your basement or below ground level areas during heavy rains.
4. Emergency Shut-off Valves
- Know the location of your home's emergency shut-off valves for water and gas. This knowledge can be invaluable during storm-related plumbing emergencies.
5. Regular Maintenance
- Schedule routine plumbing maintenance to identify and address potential issues before they become major problems. This includes leak detection, pipe corrosion, and tree roots infiltrating pipes. This can be performed by booking in a CCTV Camera inspection and pipe location.
6. Emergency Plumbing Supplies
- Assemble an emergency plumbing kit with essential tools, such as some copper fittings, plumber's tape, and pipe repair materials. In the event of minor damage, you can take immediate action until a certified plumber arrives.
7. Emergency Contacts
- Keep a list of local plumbers and emergency services handy. Quick response to a plumbing emergency can prevent further damage.
Preparing your plumbing for the upcoming storm season in Queensland is essential to protect your home and loved ones from potential damage and inconveniences. By following these preparation tips and staying informed about storm forecasts, you can significantly reduce the impact of severe weather on your plumbing system. Don't wait until the storm clouds gather—start your plumbing preparations today and ensure a safe and dry season in the Sunshine State.
~ Keep it Breezy
Queensland, Australia is no stranger to the power of Mother Nature. With its tropical climate and geographical location, it often faces severe storms during the storm season. These storms can bring heavy rains, strong winds, and sometimes even floods. One of the most vulnerable aspects of your home during such a season is your plumbing system. In this blog, we'll explore why it's essential to prepare your plumbing for the upcoming storm season and share some crucial tips to help you weather the storm.
Before we dive into the preparation tips, let's take a quick look at some facts and statistics about storm seasons in Queensland:
1. Cyclones - Queensland experiences an average of 4 to 5 tropical cyclones each season, with varying degrees of severity. These cyclones often bring intense rainfall, which can overwhelm drainage systems.
2. Flooding - Queensland has its share of flood-prone areas, and heavy rainfall during the storm season can result in flash floods and rising water levels. Flooding can put immense pressure on your plumbing system.
3. Lightning Strikes - Storms in Queensland are frequently accompanied by lightning, which can cause electrical surges that affect your plumbing appliances, such as hot water system and rainwater pumps.
Preparation Tips for Your Plumbing
1. Inspect Your Gutters and Downpipes
- Clean your gutters and downpipes before the storm season to ensure water flows freely. Clogged gutters can lead to water overflowing and damaging your home's foundation. We recommend booking a high pressure drain clean and a CCTV Camera inspection to ensure your drainage is in good working condition.
2. Elevate Appliances
- If you live in an area that is prone to flash flooding, look at elevating your hotwater sysytems and other critical appliances above potential flood levels. Water and electrical systems don't mix well.
3. Inspect Sump Pumps
- Ensure your sump pump is in good working order. A functioning sump pump can help prevent water from accumulating in your basement or below ground level areas during heavy rains.
4. Emergency Shut-off Valves
- Know the location of your home's emergency shut-off valves for water and gas. This knowledge can be invaluable during storm-related plumbing emergencies.
5. Regular Maintenance
- Schedule routine plumbing maintenance to identify and address potential issues before they become major problems. This includes leak detection, pipe corrosion, and tree roots infiltrating pipes. This can be performed by booking in a CCTV Camera inspection and pipe location.
6. Emergency Plumbing Supplies
- Assemble an emergency plumbing kit with essential tools, such as some copper fittings, plumber's tape, and pipe repair materials. In the event of minor damage, you can take immediate action until a certified plumber arrives.
7. Emergency Contacts
- Keep a list of local plumbers and emergency services handy. Quick response to a plumbing emergency can prevent further damage.
Preparing your plumbing for the upcoming storm season in Queensland is essential to protect your home and loved ones from potential damage and inconveniences. By following these preparation tips and staying informed about storm forecasts, you can significantly reduce the impact of severe weather on your plumbing system. Don't wait until the storm clouds gather—start your plumbing preparations today and ensure a safe and dry season in the Sunshine State.
~ Keep it Breezy