19 Sep Best Storm Season Prep
Protecting Your Plumbing Before the Big Wet Hits Brisbane
If you’ve lived in Brisbane for more than one summer, you know exactly what I’m talking about when I say “the big wet.” Storm season in South East Queensland runs from October through to March, and let me tell you, after many years in the plumbing game, I’ve seen what happens when homes aren’t prepared for it.
Recently, we visited a property where stormwater had backed up through the floor drains and flooded their entire downstairs. The culprit? Blocked stormwater drains that hadn’t been checked in years. It was a mess that could have been completely avoided with some simple maintenance.
So I thought I would walk you through exactly what you need to check around your Brisbane home before the next big storm rolls in. Trust me, a couple of hours of prevention now is worth a whole lot more than dealing with flood damage later.
Why Brisbane Storm Season Is Tough on Plumbing Systems
Brisbane’s storm season isn’t just about a bit of rain – we’re talking about intense downpours that can dump months’ worth of water in just hours. Our subtropical climate means we get these massive electrical storms with torrential rain that can overwhelm plumbing systems that aren’t up to scratch.
I’ve worked on homes right across Brisbane CBD, through to Ipswich and down into parts of the Gold Coast, and the story is always the same: homes that are maintained handle storms fine. Homes that aren’t? Well, that’s when my phone starts ringing at 2am.
Your Essential Storm Season Plumbing Checklist
1. Clear Your Stormwater Drains and Grates
This is the big one. Stormwater drains are designed to carry rainwater away from your property quickly, but they can only do their job if they’re not clogged with leaves, dirt, and debris.
Here’s what you need to check:
External stormwater grates – Walk around your property and locate all your stormwater grates. Are they clear? Can you see water flowing through them? If they’re covered in leaves, grass clippings, or mud, they need cleaning out.
Downpipe outlets – Check where your roof downpipes connect to the stormwater system. These connection points are notorious for collecting debris and creating blockages.
Property boundary connection points – Your stormwater should connect to the council’s stormwater system at your property boundary. Make sure this connection point is accessible and clear.
I use CCTV camera inspections to check the condition of underground stormwater pipes, especially if you’ve got older terracotta pipes that might have tree root intrusion or cracks. It’s amazing what we find down there sometimes – I’ve pulled out everything from kids’ toys to tree branches that have worked their way into the system.
2. Inspect and Clean Your Roof Gutters and Downpipes
Your gutters and downpipes are your first line of defence during a storm. If they’re blocked, water will overflow and can damage your roof, walls, and foundations – not to mention overwhelming your stormwater system.
Look for these warning signs:
- Gutters overflowing during light rain
- Plants growing out of gutters (yes, I’ve seen full-grown trees!)
- Sagging or separated guttering
- Water staining on external walls below gutters
- Downpipes that don’t flow freely when it rains
If you’ve got large trees near your house, you’ll need to check gutters more frequently. Those beautiful Brisbane jacarandas and eucalypts drop a massive amount of leaves and debris, especially before storm season kicks in.
3. Test Your Floor Drains
Floor drains in your laundry, bathroom, garage, or external areas need to be flowing freely. These drains are often forgotten until there’s a problem, but they’re crucial during heavy rain.
Here’s my quick test: pour a bucket of water down each floor drain and watch how quickly it drains away. It should disappear almost immediately. If it’s slow or pooling, you’ve likely got a blockage.
Floor drains can also dry out during our hot Brisbane summers, which allows sewer gases to come back up into your home. Running water through them regularly keeps the trap seal intact and prevents those nasty smells.
4. Check Your Backflow Prevention
This is critical, especially if you live in low-lying areas of Brisbane or anywhere that’s prone to flooding. Backflow prevention devices stop contaminated water from flowing back into your home’s plumbing system during flood events.
If you don’t have backflow prevention installed and you’re in a flood-prone area, this is something we should talk about. I’ve helped countless Brisbane homeowners install these systems, and they provide genuine peace of mind when the Bureau of Meteorology starts issuing severe weather warnings.
5. Ensure Proper Drainage Around Your Property
Walk around your property and look at how water flows when it rains. Is it pooling anywhere? Is it flowing towards your house instead of away from it?
Common drainage problems I see:
- Ground levels that slope towards the house
- Paved areas without adequate drainage
- Garden beds that have built up higher than the house slab
- Blocked or damaged agricultural drains
Sometimes fixing drainage issues is as simple as adjusting garden bed levels or redirecting downpipes. Other times, it requires installing additional drainage systems like agricultural drains or soak wells.
6. Inspect External Taps and Connections
Storm season is also a good time to check all your external plumbing fixtures. Damaged taps, leaking hose connections, or cracked pipes can be made much worse by heavy rain and flooding.
Make sure:
- All external taps are working properly and not leaking
- Hose connections are in good condition
- Any external hot water systems have adequate drainage
- Pool plumbing and filters are secure and properly sealed
What About Your Hot Water System During Storms?
This might surprise you, but storms can affect your hot water system, especially if you’ve got an electric system. Power surges during electrical storms can damage the heating elements or thermostat.
If you’ve got an outdoor hot water system, make sure:
- The tempering valve (the safety device that prevents scalding) is working
- There’s no water pooling around the base of the unit
- The pressure relief valve isn’t constantly dripping
- All electrical connections are properly sealed
I’ve installed countless hot water systems across Brisbane – electric, gas, heat pump, solar, and instantaneous systems – and I always recommend surge protection for outdoor electric units, especially during our storm season.
Emergency Plumbing Prep: What to Have Ready
Despite your best preparation, sometimes storms cause unexpected plumbing problems. Here’s what I recommend having on hand:
Emergency contact list:
- Your plumber’s 24/7 emergency number (that’s us at Alexander Gas and Plumbing Co: www.alexandergasandplumbing.com.au)
- Your insurance company’s storm damage hotline
- Local SES number (132 500)
Basic supplies:
- Torch with fresh batteries
- Towels and buckets for minor leaks
- Main water shut-off valve location (make sure everyone in the house knows where this is!)
- Sandbags if you’re in a flood-prone area
When to Call a Professional Plumber
I’m all about educating clients to handle simple maintenance themselves, but there are times when you absolutely need a licensed plumber:
- You suspect tree roots in your stormwater drains
- Your property regularly floods during heavy rain
- You need backflow prevention installed
- Stormwater is backing up into your home
- You can’t locate or access blockages
- You need CCTV inspection of underground pipes
Our team uses professional-grade hydro jetting equipment and CCTV cameras to diagnose and fix drainage problems properly. Sometimes a garden hose and a bit of elbow grease just won’t cut it, especially with Brisbane’s aggressive tree roots and older clay pipe systems.
The Real Cost of Skipping Storm Prep
I’ve seen homeowners face bills of $10,000 or more from storm damage that could have been prevented with a few hundred dollars of maintenance. Water damage to flooring, carpets, electrical systems, and personal belongings adds up incredibly fast.
Plus, there’s the health risk. Floodwater contamination and mould growth from water damage are serious issues that can make your home unsafe, especially for kids and anyone with respiratory conditions.
My Storm Season Recommendations for Brisbane Homeowners
After three decades of dealing with storm-related plumbing emergencies, here’s my honest advice:
Do this now (October/November):
- Clear all stormwater drains and gutters
- Test all floor drains
- Check your property’s drainage patterns
- Schedule a professional CCTV inspection if you’ve got recurring drainage issues
Do this regularly (every 3-6 months):
- Clear gutters and downpipes
- Run water through floor drains
- Check external plumbing fixtures
- Monitor any slow-draining areas
Do this annually (before storm season):
- Professional stormwater system inspection
- Hydro jetting for persistent tree root issues
- Backflow prevention device testing
- Hot water system maintenance check
Working with Property Managers and Commercial Properties
If you’re a property manager or own commercial property in Brisbane, storm preparation is even more critical. I work with numerous property managers, apartment buildings, and commercial clients across South East Queensland, and we typically schedule storm season maintenance checks in September/October.
For commercial properties, aged care facilities, medical centres, and industrial sites, we provide comprehensive maintenance programs that include regular stormwater inspections, emergency response planning, and 24/7 callout services during severe weather events.
Why Choose a Local Brisbane Plumber for Storm Prep?
Here’s something the big plumbing companies with thousands of vans won’t tell you: local knowledge matters. I’ve been working in Brisbane for over 30 years. I know which suburbs have the worst tree root problems, which areas are prone to flooding, and exactly what Brisbane’s clay soil and weather patterns do to plumbing systems.
When you work with Alexander Gas and Plumbing Co, you’re getting:
- Personal service from a family-owned business
- Licensed professionals (Plumbing Licence 28840, Gas Licence L31 902)
- 30+ years of local Brisbane experience
- We clean up after ourselves (unlike some of the bigger companies)
- 24/7 emergency services across all Brisbane, Ipswich, and selected Gold Coast areas
Take Action Before the Next Storm Warning
Don’t wait until the Bureau of Meteorology issues a severe storm warning to think about your plumbing. The time to prepare is now, while the weather’s still relatively calm and we can take our time doing things properly.
If you’re unsure about the condition of your stormwater system, or if you’ve had drainage issues in the past, give us a call. We can come out, do a thorough inspection, and give you honest advice about what needs attention and what can wait.
Remember, I’m here to provide first-class workmanship and educate you about your plumbing system. If there’s a problem, I’ll explain exactly what it is, why it’s happening, and what your options are. No surprises, no rubbish – just straight talk from someone who’s been doing this for three decades.
Stay safe this storm season, Brisbane. And if you need us, we’re available 24/7 on 0404 823 184 or shoot us a message www.alexandergasandplumbing.com.au/contact-us
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my stormwater drains in Brisbane?
I recommend checking and clearing your stormwater drains at least twice a year – once before storm season (September/October) and once afterwards (April/May). If you have large trees near your property, you might need to do this more frequently, especially after big wind events that drop lots of debris.
What’s the difference between stormwater drains and sewer drains?
Stormwater drains carry rainwater from your roof and property to the council’s stormwater system, which usually flows to local waterways. Sewer drains carry waste water from your toilets, sinks, and showers to the council’s sewerage treatment system. They’re completely separate systems and should never be connected. Mixing them is illegal and can cause serious environmental and health problems.
Can I clear blocked stormwater drains myself?
For surface-level blockages in grates and the top of drains, yes, you can definitely clear these yourself with gloves and a garden trowel. However, if the blockage is deeper in the system, involves tree roots, or requires accessing underground pipes, you’ll need a licensed plumber with proper equipment like hydro jetters and CCTV cameras.
How do I know if I need backflow prevention installed?
If your property is in a flood-prone area, has floor drains below the level of the sewerage system, or you’ve experienced sewage backing up during heavy rain, you need backflow prevention. It’s also required by law for certain commercial properties. I can assess your property and advise whether you need it based on your specific situation and local Brisbane council requirements.
What should I do if stormwater backs up into my home during a storm?
First, ensure your family’s safety – don’t walk through floodwater as it may be contaminated or hiding hazards. Turn off electricity to affected areas if you can do so safely. Then call an emergency plumber immediately (we’re available 24/7). Don’t try to unblock drains yourself during a flood event. Document the damage with photos for insurance purposes once it’s safe to do so.
Can tree roots really damage my stormwater pipes?
Absolutely. Tree roots are one of the biggest causes of stormwater drainage problems in Brisbane. Roots seek out water sources and can infiltrate even tiny cracks in pipes, then grow and expand, causing major blockages and even breaking pipes. Brisbane’s beautiful trees are great for shade, but their root systems can wreak havoc on underground plumbing. Regular CCTV inspections can catch root intrusion early before it becomes a major problem.
With over 30 years in the plumbing industry he provides a level headed and experience approach to all client related work.He is genuine person with a keen interest in family, friends and helping others.
He holds Queensland Plumbing Licence 28840, Gas Licence L31 902, QBCC License 12 654 79, and Building Assets and Services Contractor licence 860 066.
Rich believes in educating clients about their plumbing systems and providing honest advice about when professional help is needed.
He founded Alexander Gas and Plumbing Co in 2013 to provide personal, trustworthy service to Brisbane families and businesses.
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