Can Heavy Rainfall Affect Your Plumbing?

Regardless of whether you love it or hate it, there is no doubt that heavy rainfall can have the power to wreak significant havoc on your home's plumbing system. But, not many homeowners actually know of the potential risks an extended downpour can cause.

So, to ensure you are best protected the next time the rain starts pouring, we've created a guide of the possible damage and warning signs to look out for when it comes to your plumbing.

What Effects Can Heavy Rainfall Have?

Blocked Drains

When your home is hit with a period of heavy downpour, the risk of a blocked drain becomes heightened. As the excess rainwater flows into nearby drains it will often collect any loose debris in its path. This debris usually consists of anything from leaves and sticks, to rubbish and rocks, and can build up in your pipes at quite a fast rate. This causes a blockage which can then drastically slow the flow of water, hence leading to further plumbing problems.

Flooding

There are a few different causes for flooding. In some cases, older plumbing systems may not be able to keep up with the rate of the rainfall, causing a backlog of water. However, if there were to be a blockage in your water pipes, the slowed drainage speed could cause excess water pooling. Often this will appear in your yard, close to any drainage points.

Increased Pressure and Pipe Bursts

This is generally a plumbing issue that occurs due to a group of problems such as a clogged drain, slow drainage, and an increased rate of water flow. When a blockage develops in the pipes, it causes a sudden build up of pressure as the excess water has nowhere to escape. This can lead to a cracked pipe, or, in worse cases, a complete pipe burst. This is definitely not good news for your drainage system.

Shifting Pipes

Heavy rainfall can also have a significant effect on the soil surrounding your home's underground plumbing system. This can cause pipes to shift and move, which can then lead to damage. While this could just be general wear and tear, The shifting could also cause cracks and punctures to form.

Signs Your Plumbing System Could be at Risk

Slow Drainage

As mentioned, slow drainage can be a sign that something is not quite right. In fact, slowed drainage speed could mean you are dealing with anything from a clogged pipe to a broken pipe. While it won't always mean the worst case scenario, if you do happen to notice a water pooling near any drainage points, it might be a good idea to have a professional plumber check your plumbing system.

A Noticeable Change in Water Pressure

If the water pressure drops throughout your home, there is a high chance you are dealing with an issue in your plumbing system. Generally, a drop in water pressure tends to signify a cracked or burst pipe. Due to the water leaking out through the broken pipes, there is less available to be sent to any necessary taps, hence the drop in pressure.

Water Discolouration

Any sort of water discolouration in your home can also indicate an issue in the pipes. Should you begin to notice any discolouration in the water coming from your taps in the days after heavy rainfall, it might be time to consider calling in a professional plumber.

Heavy Rainfall vs Your Plumbing

It is important to note that your plumbing will not be affected by these problems every time your property is hit with a heavy downpour. However if you are worried there are a few things you can do in the lead up to any heavy rainfall to lower the risk of a plumbing nightmare, such as cleaning out your gutters and clearing loose debris and rubbish from your yard.

Also, paying attention to your plumbing prior to rainfall is always advised. Any current issues will only become worse when faced with the increased water flow. So, having these problems seen to and fixed prior to a downpour could save you a considerable amount in damages.

If you have been hit with a heavy downpour and worry your plumbing has not held up as well as you'd hoped, we've got you covered. Our team at Jetset Plumbing are experts at catering their solutions to your specific plumbing problems and will have the issue fixed in no time.

Don't wait, call 1800 443 996 for your local Gold Coast and Brisbane plumbers.