Plumbing tips for Brisbane homeowners in preparation for storm season
It's that time of year again in Brisbane where we get swamped with heavy rain and storms. January, February and March we generally see around 140-160mm of rainfall every month, which is a lot of water. This can be great for the garden, but not so great for the rest of your property.
With the storm season comes localised flooding and the potential for a lot of property damage. Getting your home's plumbing and stormwater systems prepared in advance for this is so important, yet so often overlooked. Ensuring the full volume of your property's stormwater system is being used is key to moving excess water where it needs to go and minimising the risk of significant damage.
Here's a list of things you can do yourself, and that I can help with professionally as a licensed plumber too.
1. Clean leaves and debris from gutters, stormwater pits and channel grates
If you keep up-to-date with this it is quite easy to do yourself. However when you leave it for too long, decaying vegetation, dirt, leaves, mud and other debris may become quite embedded and difficult to remove. This is where a high-pressure hydrojet such as the one I use comes in handy to give them a good proper clean.
2. Trim tree branches hanging over stormwater infrastructure
If you have tree branches hanging over your gutters, roof, carport etc. it is best to trim these to keep these areas clear. This not only minimise leaves falling off and blocking drains, it also ensures plumbing infrastructure is not damaged during a storm so it can handle water flow efficiently.
3. Make sure areas around your downpipes and drains are clear
Things like soil, leaves, mud and decaying vegetation can very easily be washed down your drains, especially during heavy rain. These can buildup and cause blockages in your drain pipes, especially during storms. Keeping the areas around your drains and downpipes clear will significantly help minimise the risk of blocks.
4. Ensure your gutters and roof are in good working order
Faulty or damaged gutters and roofing will significantly impact the flow of water through the stormwater system. Leaks in your roof will obviously cause a great deal of damage to your home, so it's a good idea to make sure they are maintained and in good condition. As a licensed plumber I offer a range of professional roof plumbing services which you can view here.
5. Make sure your stormwater pipes are not damaged or blocked
This one is a little harder to do yourself unfortunately, but it can save a lot of headaches and money down the track. I offer a professional CCTV drain camera inspection service to investigate if your stormwater pipes are at risk of damage, tree root intrusions or blockages. This ensures they are in tip-top shape ready to handle water flow, but more importantly to catch any issues before they cause bigger problems.
6. Get your stormwater pipes and drains cleared with a hydrojet
For this I recommended professional cleaning via a high pressure hydrojet before each storm season. This ensures there are no blockages and the full volume of your stormwater system can be used during heavy flow. This is especially important if your drains are located in a muddy or dirty area.
Summary
Like most things, prevention is always the best medicine. Implementing the above recommendations will ensure your property is in good stead to minimise any potential damage from heavy rain, storms or flooding.
As your trusted local Brisbane plumber, I encourage you to give me a call if there is anything here I can assist with. I can even visit your premises and put together a free quote for a full inspection and action plan to make sure your stormwater system is ready. I'm fully committed to helping keep you, your family and your home safe and dry even in the heaviest of downpours.
Rhys Davis
Owner of Jim's Plumbing Chermside, Brisbane
