Brisbane storm season has a habit of exposing plumbing and drainage problems that were easy to ignore during the drier months.
A drain that is slightly slow in August can become a very different problem when heavy rain arrives. A cracked stormwater pipe may appear harmless until the ground becomes saturated. Gutters, downpipes and drainage systems that are partially blocked can suddenly be asked to move a large volume of water in a very short period.
That makes spring a good time to check the plumbing and drainage around your property before summer weather puts it under pressure.
1. Check That Your Stormwater Can Actually Get Away
Stormwater systems are designed to move rainwater away from your roof and property.
The important part is that the entire path works.
A downpipe may look perfectly fine above ground while the underground pipe it connects to is partially blocked, damaged or holding water.
Signs that something may not be working properly include:
- water backing up around downpipes
- bubbling or overflowing during heavy rain
- unusually wet areas around the property
- water pooling beside the house
- stormwater pits that take a long time to empty
These problems are worth investigating before the first major storm arrives.
2. Look at Your Gutters and Downpipes
Leaves, seed pods, dirt and debris can collect surprisingly quickly.
When gutters cannot move water effectively, water may overflow where it was never intended to go.
Downpipes also need to remain clear and properly connected to the property’s drainage system.
A storm can deliver a large amount of water quickly. The goal is not simply having gutters and downpipes installed; it is making sure the complete system can handle the water when it arrives.
3. Pay Attention to Slow Drains Inside the House
A slow sink, shower or floor waste is often treated as an inconvenience.
It can also be an early warning.
Hair, grease, soap residue, debris, tree roots or problems further down the drainage system can gradually reduce the available opening inside a pipe.
If a drain is already struggling under normal household use, it is worth finding out why rather than waiting for a more serious blockage.
4. Know Where Your Water Shut-Off Is
If a pipe bursts or a fitting fails, knowing how to stop the water quickly can dramatically reduce the amount of damage.
Every homeowner should know where the property’s main water shut-off valve is located and how to operate it.
It is one of those things you would rather learn on a quiet Saturday morning than while water is moving across the floor.
5. Check External Taps and Exposed Plumbing
Walk around the outside of the house.
Look for:
- leaking garden taps
- damaged pipework
- fittings that appear corroded
- damp patches
- unusual water movement
- pipes or fixtures that have been damaged by landscaping or yard work
A small leak is often easier and cheaper to deal with before it becomes a larger failure.
6. Don’t Ignore Water Where It Shouldn’t Be
Unexpected moisture deserves attention.
Sometimes the explanation is simple. Sometimes it can indicate a leaking water line, damaged waste pipe or drainage issue.
RJT Plumbing & Gas also uses thermal imaging and professional leak-detection techniques where appropriate to help investigate plumbing problems that are not immediately visible.
Finding the source is far more useful than repeatedly treating the symptom.
7. Think About What Happens During Extreme Rain
Take a look at the way water moves around your block.
Where does runoff go?
Does water collect near the house?
Are drainage grates clear?
Have gardens, landscaping or building works changed the way water moves around the property?
Brisbane City Council reminds property owners that private stormwater infrastructure on their property is their responsibility to maintain, while Council generally manages infrastructure beyond the property boundary.
Good drainage is therefore partly about what happens on the street and partly about what is happening within your own property.
A Little Preparation Can Prevent a Much Bigger Plumbing Problem
You cannot control how much rain Brisbane receives.
You can make sure the systems designed to manage water around your home are working as intended.
If you have slow drains, suspected damaged stormwater pipes, leaking plumbing, drainage problems or something simply doesn’t look right, it is better to investigate before severe weather arrives.
RJT Plumbing & Gas provides plumbing, drainage, leak detection and emergency plumbing services across North Lakes, Moreton Bay and Brisbane’s northside.
If something needs checking, contact Reece and the RJT team before the next big storm puts it to the test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for stormwater pipes on my property?
Property owners are generally responsible for private stormwater infrastructure on their land and the connection leading to the lawful point of discharge, while Council manages relevant public stormwater infrastructure outside the property boundary.
Why does my stormwater drain overflow only during heavy rain?
The system may be partially blocked, damaged, undersized for the conditions or receiving more water than it can discharge. A professional inspection can help determine the cause.
Should slow household drains be checked before storm season?
A drain that is already moving water poorly may have an underlying blockage or drainage problem, so investigating it before periods of heavy rainfall can be worthwhile.
Can a plumber locate a leak that isn't visible?
Depending on the situation, plumbers can use professional inspection and leak-detection methods including thermal imaging to help locate hidden water problems.
