How to Keep Your Plumbing Safe During a Cyclone

As we write this blog article, Tropical Cyclone Alfred is causing severe damage to much of Queensland and parts of New South Wales. We hope everyone is doing all they can to stay safe and protect their families, their homes and themselves.

When it comes to protecting the home, knowing how to keep your plumbing safe during a cyclone can go a long way towards picking up the pieces once the event passes and the clean-up begins.

Most homeowners in areas susceptible to cyclones will typically have a plan in place to manage these and other severe weather events. With cyclones comes heavy rainfall, storm surges and strong winds that can wreak havoc on your plumbing system. A lack of active preparation can see that severe weather cause flooding, blocked drains and costly repairs.

Knowing how to keep your plumbing safe during a cyclone is key to storm damage and plumbing emergencies. Metropolitan Plumbing is here to provide some helpful tips on that front.

Inspect and Maintain Your Plumbing Before Storm Season

Prepping your plumbing system before storm season is one of the best ways to minimise storm damage and the expensive repairs that come with it. Make these a part of your maintenance routine:

• Inspect any exposed pipes, drains and gutters for blockages caused by debris, tree branches or other obstructions.
• Check for pooling water around your property as this can indicate possible drainage issues that heavy rain will only make worse.
• If you suspect any drainage concerns, book a plumber to conduct a CCTV drain inspection.
• Secure outdoor plumbing fixtures to protect them from strong winds.
• Invest in a reliable sump pump to manage flooding at the ground level.

Fix any issues early and you’ll avoid plumbing emergencies when storm season and the severe weather that comes with it strikes.

Secure Outdoor Plumbing Fixtures and Clear Storm Drains

Strong winds, heavy rain and flying debris can cause serious damage to outdoor plumbing fixtures when a cyclone hits.

To minimise any likely damage as best you can, secure all exposed pipes, taps and drainage systems in and around your property. Clear away any outdoor furniture, garden hoses and other loose items that high winds could potentially turn into projectiles. This won’t protect just your plumbing; it’ll protect you too.

Trim overhanging tree branches to reduce their likelihood of breaking and damaging your roof, gutters or plumbing system. Clear storm water drains to ensure water flows away from your property, reducing the risk of flooding. Check gutters and downpipes for blockages as clogged drains can cause water to pool and further damage.

Many of these tips are best carried out as part of a “prevention is better than cure” approach to a regular maintenance routine. Take these precautions to protect your home and plumbing from severe weather.

Get Ready For Power Outage and Water Supply Issues

Blackouts and water supply issues are common during a cyclone, so preparation is essential. A loss of power can affect your plumbing system, possibly for an extended period. It’ll leave you without clean water or the ability to manage flooding.

Take these steps ahead of time to stay safe and minimise disruption to your home:

• Stock up on bottled water for drinking, cooking and hygiene, should the water supply become contaminated.
• If you have a reliable sump pump, make sure it has a battery backup for added peace of mind. Alternatively, consider a solar powered model to prevent ground level flooding and manage storm water drainage.
• Know where your water meter and shut-off valve are so you can turn off the supply if necessary.
• Have a bucket or large container filled with water to flush toilets if you lose your mains water supply.
• Stay informed by monitoring local media and emergency services updates on water quality risks.

Having these preparations in place will help you manage plumbing issues during a severe weather event and avoid further damage to your home.

Prepare for Storm Surges and Rising Flood Waters

Storm surges are one of the biggest hazards of a tropical cyclone, especially in the northern regions of Australia that are most susceptible to these weather events.

When strong winds push seawater inland, it can overwhelm storm water drains, contaminate the water supply, and cause severe erosion. Low-lying coastal homes are most vulnerable as flood waters can back up into plumbing systems. The leads to problems like blocked drains, slow drainage, and potential pipe damage.

To minimise risks, clear storm water drainage before cyclone season. Install non-return valves to prevent backflow, and elevate outdoor plumbing fixtures where you can. After a severe weather event, check for excess water pooling around your home and contact a licensed plumber to assess any damage.

Call a Licensed Plumber to Assess Storm Damage

Picking up the pieces after a cyclone or other severe weather event is a major process. To get your home back to some form of working condition sooner, call a licensed plumber to inspect your plumbing system.

Strong winds, heavy rain and storm surges can weaken pipes, block drains and contaminate the water supply. A professional plumber can check for hidden leaks, assess storm damage and ensure your sump pump is working to prevent ground level flooding. If you have roof plumbing concerns or a plumbing emergency like a blocked drain or burst pipe, don’t attempt DIY repairs that can make the problem worse. A professional can also check your water meter for irregularities and check for backflow issues caused by flood water.

Acting fast will help protect your home, reduce repairs and get your plumbing back to normal.

Helpful Resources for Cyclone Preparation

Preparing for a cyclone is about more than just plumbing. It’s about staying informed and knowing where to get good advice. The following resources will help you protect your home, manage storm damage and access emergency services during severe weather:

• Get Ready Queensland – A government site with step by step guides on how to prepare your home before, during and after severe weather. Though aimed at Queensland residents, there is helpful information for anyone.
• Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) – Real time cyclone warnings, severe weather alerts and rainfall forecasts. Check BOM’s latest.
• State Emergency Service (SES) – Emergency assistance during storms and floods including sandbagging and temporary repairs. Find your local SES.
• Queensland Government Disaster Management – Evacuation routes, emergency contacts and storm recovery. Disaster management resources.

Using these resources will help you stay informed, take the right precautions to minimise potential risks, and access emergency services when needed.

Stay Safe and Protect Your Plumbing from Severe Weather

Yes, this information specifically targets the question of how to keep your plumbing safe during a cyclone. However, there is certainly information well worth taking on board for people in areas less prone to cyclonic activity, such as South Australia, Victoria and the southern regions of Western Australia.

Storm surges, strong winds and heavy rain can wreak havoc on your home. They can cause blocked drains and create other water supply issues. Securing outdoor fixtures and clearing storm water drains can reduce the risk of plumbing emergencies. After severe bad weather and heavy downpours, a licensed plumber can assess storm damage, check for leaks and ensure your water supply is safe.

Taking the right precautions before and after a cyclone can help keep your plumbing system safe and reduce potential damage. Staying informed, preparing for power outages and acting fast after the storm will make all the difference in protecting your home from further damage and plumbing issues.

Please note: Thanks for reading our blog “How to Keep Your Plumbing Safe During a Cyclone”. This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.

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