Can Too Much Rain Cause Plumbing Problems? Our Expert Plumbing Advice

It’s not sport to shoot the messenger, but in recent times, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology feels a little like the Summer Fun Police.

Typically for this time of year, the days would now be getting longer and warmer, and we’d be turning thoughts to more outdoor barbies, cricket on the beach and just enjoying life outside. Not so for Summer 2022/23. If anything, BOM is telling us to expect even more rain and an increased risk of further widespread flooding in areas.

When it comes to household plumbing, that kind of news is not music to anyone’s ears. Whereas normally, you might use this time outside to potter around making home improvements, Mother Nature has other ideas planned. We can hardly believe we have to pull together this plumbing advice for Summer, but that’s exactly what we’re doing. So, in preparation for BOM’s early warnings, here are three of the biggest wet-weather plumbing problems we think your home might face. We hope this advice goes a long way in preventing water damage to homes during storms.

EMERGENCY PLUMBING ON SYDNEY’S NORTHERN BEACHES – CALL 1200 854 391

Just before we get underway – if you require emergency plumbing at any point, contact Killara Plumbing. We’re here for you 24/7, rain, hail or shine. So if any wet weather event has caused more than a little plumbing damage to your property, call us immediately. Our team of local plumbers is here to look after your property’s stormwater plumbing and make you feel as safe as possible.

1. GUTTER OVERFLOW AND BLOCKED DRAIN PLUMBING

Gutters overflow, sure, but we tend to expect them to do so in Winter, not during the middle of Summer. In fairness, the effect can often be worse across colder months due to excessive Autumn leaves falling. At least by the time the warmer months roll around, those same leaves have had time to decompose and take up less surface area. That said, there is still plenty of debris, dirt and mud that can cause blocked drains and gutter overflowing throughout the northern beaches. Heavier than usual rainfall will wash a lot of detritus into drains, pipes and sewerage systems, so be on the lookout for signs.

The good news is that this problem can be avoided simply by getting outside and clearing blocked drains. Do it before the rain starts (definitely not during!). Use the time to inspect any roof and gutter problems and contact us if the job requires emergency drain unblocking (or just a more thorough going-over!).

2. TREE ROOTS IN PLUMBING

Tree roots love rain, so the wetter the ground, the more they have to drink and grow. Do you have a sluggish toilet when flushed? This is often the sign of tree roots growing into and piercing sewerage pipes in Sydney. You most certainly want to avoid this, as the results can be dramatic and costly. If your toilet signs prove correct, you already have sewerage pipe damage. It’s just a question of when things will go from bad to worse. You cannot DIY this plumbing issue – you need to call in a professional plumber.

We are experts at conducting thorough root risk analysis. We perform a non-invasive inspection using the latest underground camera equipment and technology. It does not take long, and we provide a full report upon completion, which gives you an excellent understanding of the level of any damage, where it is located and what is required to deal with the problem. We’ve been running these analyses and conducting any subsequent pipe relining for decades. You’re in good hands with Killara Plumbing!

3. CRACKED PIPES FROM UNDERGROUND SHIFTING

We only need to look at recent events in Victoria’s alpine area to understand that the earth can move and shift, causing terrible damage along the way.  Increased rainfall saturates the soil, making it so much heavier than normal. Either of these wet weather scenarios can lead to cracks in pipes. When both coincide, the results can be particularly dramatic. Again, this is one for the experts. So call our team, and we can take care of any subsequent pipe relining you might require.

PLUMBING HEALTH CHECK

Why not take advantage of our peace of mind plumbing health check? You do it regularly for your car to keep it (and you) safe, right? Well then, we suspect most of you spend more time in your home than your vehicle! Our plumbers can visit your residence to conduct a full 360 plumbing inspection and warn you of any potential plumbing issues before they escalate into emergencies. It’s a stitch in time that saves nine!

If we’ve never done any work for you before, then perhaps you’d like to read our customer testimonials, which should put you at ease. There is no question that with Killara Plumbing, you’ll have the best plumbers on the job!

CONTACT KILLARA PLUMBING

If this information has been helpful in demonstrating that too much rain can cause plumbing problems. If have questions or you’d like to call us out to your home, please get in touch with us. We’d be happy to hear from you and provide any additional information or no-obligation quote over the phone.