Preparing Your Home for La Niña

by | Nov 13, 2020

While we’re welcoming the warm weather with much needed rain in parts of Australia, it is also time to prepare your home for the wet season. A La Niña is currently underway in the tropical Pacific and is likely to persist through summer, peaking in December*.

What is La Nina?

Australia’s weather is influenced by climate drivers including the La Niña, which is part of the El Niño Southern Oscillation that cycles from one to eight years. La Niña conditions result in above average rainfall, as well as:

  • Earlier onset of monsoon
  • Greater tropical cyclone numbers
  • Shift in temperature extremes

Current climate outlooks predict that November 2020 to January 2021 will be wetter than average for Australia. La Niña increases the chance of widespread flooding, with the severe Australian floods of 1955, 1988, 1998 and 2010 all associated with La Niña.

Prepare Your Home

Don’t get caught out when the torrential rain hits. You can start preparing your home in anticipation and be ready.  As the saying goes, ‘It is better to be proactive then to be reactive’. Here are some preparations that you do now for your home:

Clearing Drains

An influx of rain can cause blockages in your drains increasing the chance of flooding. This is the time to clear your gutters of leaves and debris, and also check the condition of your roof. Replace any broken tiles to ensure water doesn’t get through the ceiling during heavy downpours.

If you’ve had issues in the past with flooding from overflowing drains, consider installing additional drainage points as well.

Trimming Plants

With the Spring weather your plants might have had a lovely growth spurt. However, it is important to trim down branches that could block gutters, and be aware of leaves from trees that are close to or above your drains.

Unusual Dampness

Walk around your home and check for any signs of unexplained dampness such as mould, warped walls and door frames, or wet patches in your lawn. If you have a hidden leak already on your property, sudden heavy rainfall will compound the issue and may cause unexpected flooding.

It is best to sort out your home now while you have the time to prepare. If you need a hand with your drains, whether it be a suspected blockage, hidden leak, additional drainage installation or just needing an assessment on the conditions of your drains, Wild Water Plumbing can help.

Our team can help you identify blockages and leaks that are not easily visible, using the latest technology and equipment such as CCTV drain camera, and assist with clearing blockages and repairing drains with minimal disruption to your property.

Don’t wait for the rain to come, act now! Give us a call on: 0405 692 151

Frequently Asked Questions About Stormwater Drainage
What causes backyard flooding after heavy rain on the Northern Beaches?

Backyard flooding can be caused by blocked stormwater pits, leaves, sand, tree roots, damaged pipes, or a drainage system that is not directing water away from the property properly. If you suspect blocked drains Northern Beaches or a blocked drain Northern Beaches issue, a plumber Northern Beaches can inspect the system and identify the cause.

Can a plumber Manly help if my stormwater drain keeps overflowing?

Yes. A plumber Manly or affordable plumber Manly can inspect outdoor drains, gutters, downpipes, and underground pipes to work out why water is backing up. If the flooding is urgent or causing damage, an emergency plumber Northern Beaches or northern beaches emergency plumber can help assess the issue quickly.

How do I know if tree roots are damaging my stormwater pipes?

Tree roots can enter small cracks in older pipes and gradually restrict water flow. Signs include recurring blockages, slow drainage, soggy patches in the yard, and overflowing drains after rain. A plumber North Shore, plumber Turramurra, or plumber Killara can use CCTV inspection equipment to check for root intrusion. If pipe damage is found, pipe relining Sydney may be recommended as a repair option.

Who should I call if my yard is flooding in Brookvale, Narrabeen, or Mona Vale?

Wild Water Plumbing can assist homeowners looking for a plumber Brookvale, plumber Narrabeen, or plumber Mona Vale. The team can inspect blocked stormwater drains, clear debris, and identify broken or undersized pipework. For urgent flooding, emergency plumbing Northern Beaches services may be required to help limit damage to your home and garden.

Can stormwater drainage problems affect the inside of my home?

Yes. Poor drainage can cause water to collect around foundations, walls, and outdoor areas. Over time, this may contribute to dampness, peeling paint, musty smells, and mould growth. A plumber Mosman, plumber North Sydney, or team experienced in plumbing North Sydney can assess the cause. Depending on the issue, you may also need mould removal Sydney services after the moisture problem has been resolved.

Can a Central Coast plumber help if my yard floods every time it rains?

Yes. A Central Coast plumber can inspect your stormwater drains, pits, downpipes, and underground pipework to identify the cause of repeated flooding. Wild Water Plumbing provides plumbing Central Coast NSW services for homes affected by blocked drains, tree roots, broken pipes, and drainage systems that struggle during heavy rainfall.

Do you provide stormwater drainage inspections in Terrigal, Erina, and Umina?

Yes. Homeowners looking for a plumber Terrigal, plumber Erina, or plumber Umina can contact Wild Water Plumbing for stormwater drainage inspections and repairs. Terrigal plumbers and Erina plumbers can help identify sand build up, leaf litter, blocked pits, and pipe damage that may cause water to pool around the property.

Can the same Central Coast plumbing team help with other plumbing or gas issues?

Yes. In addition to stormwater drainage services, Central Coast plumbers NSW can assist with general plumbing maintenance, leaks, hot water issues, and gas fitting. If you also need a gas fitter Central Coast, Wild Water Plumbing can help assess your plumbing needs and arrange the appropriate service.