The Sunshine State is infamous for its tropical storms and cyclones throughout the rainy season. A heavy storm can wreak havoc on local drainage systems, and while stormwater drains are designed to drain large volumes of rainwater off your property quickly during a storm, they don’t always work as well as they should.
Let’s consider why stormwater drainage is important in Queensland, what plumbing issues commonly arise during storm season, and how to prevent stormwater drainage issues in the Sunshine State.
When Is Queensland’s Storm Season?
The Queensland storm season runs from October to April. The exact timing of this varies each year, as it’s determined by a combination of weather patterns and other factors such as solar activity. In general, the storm season is shorter in the tropics and longer in southeast Queensland.
Storms can also extend into what would normally be a dry period if there are La Nina conditions, which is why it’s important to maintain your stormwater drains in Queensland all year round.
Common Plumbing Issues In Storm Season
The heavy rain experienced during storms in Queensland can cause a number of plumbing issues, especially if your stormwater drainage isn’t in full working order. Some of the most common plumbing issues that residents experience during the rainy season include:
- Blocked and leaking pipes that can’t drain properly, often caused by clogs and debris
- Blocked stormwater drains, which means that large volumes of rainwater can’t drain off your property
- Wet, cracked ground, usually caused by water pooling on your property
- Dead plants, caused by insufficient drainage leading to wet ground
Water Pooling On Gutters And Pipes
If you notice any of these issues during a storm or after a period of heavy rain, it may indicate that blockages are preventing water from draining off your property.
While some of these issues may not seem particularly serious, others can cause significant damage to your home. If stormwater is allowed to build up and pool indefinitely, especially during periods of very heavy rain, this can eventually lead to flooding and large-scale damage.
If you notice cracks emerging in the ground around your property, this is a sign that the foundations around your home are being impacted by poor drainage. If left untreated, this may lead to more cracks and sagging floors, and even cause structural damage to your home.
How To Prevent Stormwater Drainage Issues
Preventing stormwater drainage issues from arising in the first place – or fixing them as soon as they occur – is the best way to protect your property from serious, irreversible damage.
There are some stormwater drainage issues that you may be able to fix yourself, but more severe issues usually require professional assistance.
Keep Gutters And Drains Clear
Garden debris, including dead leaves and stones, is one of the most common causes of stormwater drainage issues. Keeping your outdoor space clear of dead leaves, litter, and other debris is one of the best ways to prevent blockages from occurring in the first place.
You can also clean your gutters regularly, at least once a year, and consider installing leaf guards to deflect falling leaves away from gutters and eaves troughs. Keeping your gutters and drains free of debris allows water to freely drain away from your property, instead of blocking it up in a clog or overflowing onto the ground.
Repair Small Problems Yourself
If you notice that your stormwater drains aren’t draining as quickly as they should, this may indicate that there is a small clog or blockage that you could fix yourself. You could try to unblock stormwater drains using an electric eel or drain rods, but these methods are only effective on small blockages.
If you experience severe flooding or find that you can’t unblock your stormwater drains yourself, it will be necessary to call out professional plumbers to help you.
Call Out Professionals
As soon as you notice severe signs of stormwater flooding, call out professional plumbers to clear away the blockage. If you leave stormwater drainage issues to get worse, this can lead to much more costly damages and repairs in the long run.
Professional plumbers use a variety of techniques to clear stormwater blockages, including using high-pressure water jet equipment and augers. Augers are long drills that plumbers can use to remove deep clogs and blockages from storm drains.
Get In Touch
As Queensland’s storm season gets underway, making sure that your stormwater drains are in good working order is key to protecting your property.
If you suspect that something isn’t right with your property’s drainage, or if you’re experiencing signs of severe drainage issues, call us today on (07) 5493 7330 to find out more about our professional stormwater drainage repair services in Queensland.