Storm Season Isn’t Over Yet, Are You Prepared?
Storms canoccur 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:
1. Check Roof Gutters and Drainage Systems
Ensure that your roof gutters and drainage systems, such as downpipes and rain heads, are properly sized for sudden downpours and hailstorms. Inadequately sized gutters can cause water to leak into the ceiling or even lead to a collapse due to added weight. If you’re unsure about the adequacy of your gutters and downpipes, feel free to call us for advice.
2. Secure Gutters and Downpipes
Make sure that gutters and downpipes are firmly attached, especially in preparation for strong winds. A sudden gust during a storm can dislodge poorly attached gutters, causing water to spill into the roof and down the walls.
3. Trim Trees and Install Gutter Guards
Regularly trim overhanging trees and install gutter guards to prevent leaves and branches from clogging the gutters. Clear and clean gutters and downpipes ensure that rainwater flows directly to your stormwater drains without obstruction.
4. Seal Windows and Doors
Inspect windows and doorways for any gaps where water might enter and seal them. Storms often bring strong winds and heavy rain that can push water through cracks, causing interior water damage. Fixing these gaps will help keep your home dry.
5. Maintain Clear Stormwater Drains
Ensure that your stormwater drains are unblocked and adequate to handle sudden downpours. Blocked drains can cause water to back up, flooding your backyard and potentially entering your home. An annual camera inspection and cleaning with a water jetter or electric eel are recommended.
Question: How would a plumber clear my blocked stormwater drains?
Answer: Plumbers typically use several methods to clear blocked drains, including:
- High-Pressure Water Jetter
- Electric Eel
- Pipe Reline
- CCTV Camera Inspection
- Dig up Pipe Replacement
6. Clear Yard of Loose Materials
Remove any loose materials and objects from your yard that could block stormwater drains. Ensuring that nothing impedes rainwater flow will help prevent yard flooding and interior water damage.
7. Know How to Turn Off Utilities
Familiarize yourself with the locations and procedures for turning off your main power, water, gas, and solar power. In the event of an emergency, being able to quickly shut off these utilities can prevent further damage and ensure everyone’s safety.
8. Install a Surge Diverter
Protect your home and electronic devices from power surges by installing a surge diverter on your circuit board. These devices detect sudden surges in electricity and divert them safely to the earth, safeguarding your appliances and reducing the risk of electrical fires.
For additional insights, check out our article on “Clearing Drains the Good Old-Fashioned Way.”
If you encounter any electrical or plumbing issues after a storm, don’t hesitate to call us at 13 10 91 for prompt assistance. We serve Canberra, Newcastle, Central Coast, Hunter Valley, Lake Macquarie, and Port Stephens. Stay safe and storm-ready!
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.
THE DOCTOR GETS IT DONE