With Cyclone Alfred expected to hit South East Queensland this week, it’s important to get your home’s plumbing ready. Strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding can cause serious problems like broken pipes, sewage backups, and dirty water. Here’s how to protect your plumbing before, during, and after the storm.

Before The Cyclone: Prevention & Preparation

1. Protect Your Outdoor Plumbing

  • Unplug and store garden hoses to keep them from getting damaged.
  • Turn off outdoor water valves to stop pipes from bursting if hit by flying debris.
  • Clear leaves and dirt from gutters and storm drains so water can flow properly and reduce flooding.

2. Check For Leaks And Weak Spots

  • Look at pipes, taps, and fittings for any leaks or damage. Even small problems can get worse in a cyclone.
  • Add extra protection to weak or exposed pipes, especially those outside.
small valve

3. Make Sure You Have A Backflow Prevention Device

  • Heavy rain can overload sewers, causing dirty water to flow back into your home. A backflow valve helps keep your water clean.

4. Find and Test Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve

  • If a big plumbing problem happens, turning off your home’s water supply quickly can help prevent major damage.

5. Store Clean Water

  • Cyclones can cut off water supply or make it unsafe to drink. Fill bathtubs and containers with clean water so you have enough for drinking, cooking, and washing.
Bathtab filling with water

During The Cyclone: Minimizing Damage

1. Save Water

  • If your water pressure gets weaker or changes, try to use less water to avoid stressing the system.

2. Watch For Leaks Or Clogs

  • Pay attention to any strange plumbing problems, like slow drains, gurgling noises, or bad smells. These could mean a blockage is starting.
tap with a drop of water coming from it

Post-Cyclone Plumbing

1. Clogged Drains

  • After a cyclone or flood , drains can get blocked, causing plumbing problems.
  • Clogs can happen in pipes and sewer lines because of tree roots, dirt, or even small animals.
  • Floodwater may not drain properly, making water sit in your pipes and causing blockages.
  • To fix this, clear the clog and flush the pipe with water.
  • You can try using a plunger or a drain snake to remove the blockage.
  • It may take a few tries to completely clear the drain. If it still doesn’t work, call a plumber for help.

2. Dirty And Damaged Fixtures

  • After a big cyclone or flood, sinks, toilets, and other plumbing fixtures might be broken or dirty.
  • Floodwater can damage pipes, causing leaks that may need repairs or replacements.
  • Clean up any damaged parts quickly to help prevent leaks.
  • If you need to replace broken pipes or valves, it’s best to do it before the water goes down.
  • Since flood damage can be different in every home, make sure to check, clean, and fix any plumbing issues as soon as possible.

3. Broken Pipes In The Home

  • Cyclones can cause pipes to break, leading to serious water damage.
  • If a pipe breaks, water will keep flowing until it reaches the broken part, spilling into your home.
  • To stop the water, turn off the main shut-off valve in your house.
  • If you don’t have one, call your water company to shut it off.
  • Once the water is off, contact a plumber to fix the broken pipe.
Leaking pipe

4. Make Sure Water Is Safe

  • Check local news or alerts before drinking tap water.
  • If the water might be dirty, boil it for at least one minute before using it.

5. Clean Gutters And Drains

  • Clear out leaves and debris to stop water from pooling near your home.
  • This helps prevent damage to your plumbing and house.

The Benefits Of Professional Inspection

Why You Should Get a Plumber to Check Your Home After a Storm

If you’ve noticed any plumbing problems after a storm, it’s important to get a professional inspection. This helps stop small issues from turning into big, expensive problems.

Here’s why it matters:

  • Full Check-Up: A plumber looks at your whole plumbing system to make sure everything is working properly.
  • Hidden Problems: Some damage isn’t easy to see, but a plumber can find it and explain what needs to be fixed.
  • Insurance Help: A detailed report from a plumber can help with insurance claims, making sure you get the right coverage for repairs.
  • Preventing Emergencies: Finding small issues early can stop bigger plumbing disasters later.

Getting a professional inspection gives you peace of mind, knowing your home’s plumbing is safe and in good shape.

Crew Plumbing Into Video cover

Conclusion: Take Action Quickly

Plumbing problems after a cyclone aren’t always easy to see, but they can cause serious damage if not fixed. Hidden leaks, clogged drains, or broken water heaters can all create bigger issues over time. Fixing these problems quickly helps keep your home safe and working properly.

We proudly serve Brisbane and Greater Brisbane suburbs.

Let us help make your home safe and comfortable again. Contact us today to schedule a plumbing check-up and repairs.

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