While we’re ironically welcoming summer, it’s time to prepare either your residential or commercial buildings for an arriving wet season. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology has confirmed that the tropical Pacific is currently welcoming a La Niña, that is projected to persist through Summer and even early Autumn.
What is La Niña?
La Niña is a weather pattern belonging to the El Niño Southern Oscillation that cycles from one to eight years. This cycle has an immense, if not the most significant effect on Australia's climate, compared to other climate drivers.
La Niña conditions result in above average rainfall, as well as:
Earlier onset of monsoon
Greater tropical cyclone numbers
Shift in temperature extremes
La Niña historically increases the chance of widespread flooding, with the severe Australian floods of 1955, 1988, 1998 and 2010 all associated with La Niña.
How you can prepare
As expert plumbers, we are skilled in reactive plumbing situations. When an issue like a blocked drain arises, our clients need us to be available and ready to help. However, taking the time to assess your building and prepare your home, is a smart move to avoid an emergency plumbing situation, especially with such a likely prediction of increased downpour. Here’s some things you can do now for your home:
Clearing Drains
An influx of rain can cause blockages in your drains, increasing the chance of flooding. Neglecting gutters and downpipes means that leaves, dirt, soil and debris gets washed into your stormwater drain, blocking it over time. Now is the perfect time to clear your neglected gutters of leaves and debris. If this seems too big a feat, our licensed Sydney Plumbers are up for the task. It may also be worth considering installing guards on your gutters and stormwater grates to reduce the risk of future stormwater blockages. Get in touch with our team to organise this in your home.
Trimming Plants
With the Spring climate, your plants might have had a growth spurt. Although lovely, it is important to trim down branches that could block gutters. Also be aware of leaves from trees that are close to, or above your drains.
Unusual Dampness
Weirdly enough, you can safeguard the outside of your house from inspecting the inside. Walk around your home and check for any signs of unexplained dampness including mould, warped walls and door frames. If you have a sneaky hidden leak already on your property, sudden onset of heavy rainfall will only exacerbate the issue and may spark unprecedented flooding.
Although it is best to prepare your home from now, our team is always on stand-by for emergency plumbing services. If disaster strikes and you have an unexpected blockage, we’re here to help.
Rest assured, if your stormwater drains do get blocked, our Sydney Plumbers are skilled to use CCTV sewer cameras, to perform a stormwater pipe inspection and find out the exact catalyst for the blockage. If it’s sediment, we can flush it out with our jet blasters. Plumbing cameras can also identify structural damage in the pipes. Depending on the extent of the damage we can replace either a small section of pipe or the whole stormwater system.
