As we hit mid-Spring it won’t be long until the heavy downpours of Summer are upon us, and this year, with another La Nina declared, it is likely that the storms will be frequent and heavy. 

So with lots of rain already having fallen this year, and plenty more expected, what can you do to prepare your home to better cope with the impending deluge and prevent any unwanted plumbing issues? 

1) Clean your gutters

Throughout the year your gutters fill up with leaves, dust and dirt. Some gutters and rainwater tanks we have seen lately have accumulated so much debris that they are growing plants! 

Obstructions in your gutter pose several risks in heavy rain:

First, having debris in your gutters means there is less room for water, when rain has nowhere else to go it backs up and your gutters overflow. Water always follows the path of least resistance, and you just want to hope that that path of least resistance isn't into your roof and through your ceilings.

Second, if you have loose debris in your gutters (that can still be moved by the water) you risk that debris washing into your downpipes and blocking both the downpipes and your stormwater system.

Third, if you rely upon water that is caught on your roof for drinking, everything in your gutters is likely being broken down into small particles and being washed into your water tank (that includes dead animals, animal poop and all other nasties that are actually really common on your roof).

2) Remove debris that could be washed into your stormwater pits and drains

Most properties in built up areas will have stormwater pits and drains around the house designed to remove excess rain away from buildings. 

During storm season it is important to ensure that you keep your yard clear of debris that could be washed into these drains and cause blockages. Regularly rake up leaves, and ensure that loose rocks and gravel are contained as best as possible in garden beds. 

It is also really important to ensure that you keep these drains clear of obstructions - in small backyards it’s easy to forget and set up the sandpit or kiddy pool on top of them! 

3) Check your gutters, downpipes and roof to make sure they are in good condition

A small roof leak, a cracked downpipe, a loose gutter or a broken roof tile might seem like a small maintenance issue, but in heavy rain a small issue can quickly become a very expensive and unpleasant one.

Be proactive in repairing any issues prior to the rain arriving. Securing a leak in heavy rain is not an easy thing to do, neither is repairing a roof/gutter or downpipe in the wet when glues and adhesives don’t work and it is too dangerous to be on a wet roof. While as plumbers we do everything that we can in order to ensure that we repair these issues before too much damage is done, oftentimes when people fail to rectify issues prior to rain it becomes too unsafe or the chemicals that we need to use can’t cure and they simply have to wait until the roof dries out - often after considerable damage has already been done to walls and ceilings. 

4) Ensure that all of your downpipes are being piped away from your foundation

Occasionally we find instances of downpipes dumping water directly on the ground at the corner of a home. Oftentimes, these houses end up having significant issues movement and cracking as the water undermines their foundations.

To avoid any issues, we recommend that prior to heavy rain you check to make sure that water from downpipes is escaping away from your home. 

If you need any assistance preparing your home for the upcoming storm season - please don’t hesitate to give us a call on 0439 648 390.