1. Check that roof gutters and drainage systems such as downpipes and rain heads are properly sized for sudden downpours and hailstorms. If your gutters are too small and downpipes are not sized adequately enough to handle a deluge of rainwater, these might cause water to leak into the ceiling or cause the ceiling to gain weight and possibly collapse. (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.

Q: How would a plumber clear my blocked stormwater drains?

A: 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.