Storms can occur anytime in Australia. Any storm, large or small, can cause extensive damage to property due to flooding, strong winds, lightning, and hail. Flooding can do damage outside and inside of your property. Water damage from a leaking roof or water coming inside the house due to rising flood waters can indeed be a serious problem.
Strong winds may cause branches to break and trees to fall and may result in damage to roofs, windows, and walls which could lead to water going inside the house and causing water damage. Heavy hailstorms can also cause damage to roofs and house structures. Severe lightning strikes, on the other hand, can result in a fire breaking out. It’s very hard to prevent damage caused by storms, but there are things that we can do to prevent and lessen the damage from these storms.
Here Are Some Ways To Prevent Storm Damage:
If you are unsure if your gutters and downpipes are sized correctly then please call us for some advice.
2. Check that gutters and downpipes are securely attached especially during strong winds. A sudden gust of wind during storms might dislodge and blow away an inadequately attached gutter or downpipe causing water to spill into the roof and run down the walls.
3. Trim overhanging trees regularly and install gutter guards to prevent leaves and branches from blocking the gutter. It’s always good to ensure that your gutters and downpipes are clear and clean from leaves, litter, and debris so that rainwater would run down unhampered straight to your stormwater drains.
4. Check windows and doorways for any gaps where water might come in and seal them. Storms bring in a lot of water and wind that might push water inside cracks and openings in your windows and doors thereby causing water damage inside your house. Fixing such gaps and openings would help ensure to keep the water going inside your property in the event of a storm.
5. Ensure stormwater drains are not blocked, clear and adequate during sudden downpours which can cause water to back up from the ground level. Remember, rainwater goes to your stormwater drains and if it is not clear, this would cause water to flood your backyard and possibly get inside your house during a storm. The best way to make sure that your stormwater drain is clear is by having an annual camera inspection and cleared by a water jetter or an electric eel.
Question
How would a plumber clear my blocked stormwater drains?
Answer
There are a couple of steps plumbers or drainers clear a drain, the following are just some of them.
High-Pressure Water Jetter
Electric Eel
Pipe Reline
CCTV Camera Inspection
Dig up Pipe Replacement
6. Clear the yard of any loose materials and objects that might block the stormwater drains. Your stormwater drain should not be impeded by things that might block rainwater from going down. Again, you do not want rainwater flooding your yard and possibly going inside your house and causing water damage inside.
7. Make sure you know where and how to turn off the main power, water, gas and solar power. This is important in such cases wherein a sudden electrical problem might occur or if water has gone inside the house. Knowing where to turn off the mains for these would be extremely helpful not only for everyone’s safety as well as to prevent more damage from occurring inside your property.
8. Install a Surge Diverter on your circuit board which will protect your home, and any devices plugged into your power supply down the line from the device. These diverters act like a switch – when they detect a sudden surge in the flow of electricity into your home they divert the surge safely away to the earth, protecting you and your appliances.
Here is another article that you may find interesting in regards to “Clearing drains the good old fashioned way”.
If you got any electrical and plumbing problems after a storm, don’t hesitate to call us at 13 10 91 to fix the problem right away. We serve Canberra, Newcastle, Central Coast, Hunter Valley, Lake Macquarie & Port Stephens.
Check Roof and House Structure for Damage Due Heavy Hailstorm
Don’t wait for the damage to worsen!
The Plumbing and Electrical Doctors are here to inspect your roof and house structure for any damage caused by a heavy hailstorm. Our expert team will provide comprehensive assessments and repairs to ensure the safety and integrity of your home.
Contact us today for a thorough inspection and peace of mind.
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