Rainy days can be uncomfortable for people as well as plumbing systems. One heavy rain is all it takes to flood your basement and clog your gutters. Hence, homeowners must take extra plumbing care during rainy days.
Emergency Altona plumbers are always there to help you, but sometimes, you have to try your hand at finding a fix for a plumbing problem. To avoid that uncomfortable situation, you must proactively maintain your plumbing system.
Here are some noteworthy plumbing tips that can help your plumbing work efficiently even during a period of heavy rainfall.
1. Plumbing Inspection
Plumbers in Altona suggest that getting your plumbing system inspected once before the rainy season starts is a great idea. If any problems are detected during the inspection, you can get them fixed and make the system ready for the rain.
After this inspection, you can maintain the system mindfully, and you won’t have any problems amidst heavy rainfall. This can save you from many uncomfortable plumbing situations and save money too.
All this aside, be it winter or summer, it is always wise to get your plumbing inspected by a professional at regular intervals. It also applies to commercial premises.
2. Focus on Roof and Gutters
Rains directly hit roofs and gutters, so they must be in the best condition possible. If you have any issues with your roof or gutters, find a professional plumber in Altona as soon as possible and get them repaired before the rains start.
Later, it is also important to clear dirt, leaves, and other debris from your gutters frequently. Otherwise, they can get stuck in your gutters, causing clogs. You can even install gutter guards to keep the debris away from the gutters. It may seem simple, but this one care can save you from unnecessary mess.
3. Check Your Sewers
With fairly regular rainfall, tree roots can grow, sometimes intruding into your sewer system. It happens because roots seek the nutrients in your sewers. But you got to stop them, or they can block the whole system.
One of the signs is your toilet flushing gets slightly sluggish or blocks frequently. Upon noticing these signs, you must call a plumber in Altona right away to fix the problem. Even if there’s no issue, it is best to get it checked once before it rains in full swing.
4. Consider a Sump Pump
If basement flooding is a common problem with your home, you should consider installing a sump pump. You can even ask for your plumber’s opinion in Altone, but this should be useful for most homes with flooding issues.
A sump pump clears water from your basement, preventing water damage and mould growth. So, it is worth considering a sump pump.
5. Elevate Outdoor Fixtures
Another incredibly useful plumbing tip for rainy days is elevating your outdoor fixtures, such as hose bibs and faucets. If not, rainwater can pool around their bases, freezing them. It can also result in pipe damage and leakages.
So, you need to call your local plumbing group and have your outdoor plumbing fixtures elevated before the rains begin. This proactive measure can keep your fixtures in good condition throughout the rainy period.
6. Insulate Exposed Pipes
Exposed pipes can freeze in cold temperatures and eventually damage or burst. So, insulating them is a key step in rain-proofing your plumbing system. Simply wrap the pipes with the insulation material, providing a shield against the cold weather.
Moreover, insulation also protects the pipes from condensation, reducing the risk of moisture-related issues like mould growth. It’s a cost-efficient measure to improve the longevity of your plumbing.
Further, insulation can be done by yourself with little experience, but if you are not confident, you can call your regular plumber in Altona and get the job done.
7. Install Backflow Preventer
A backflow preventer averts soiled water from flowing back into the potable water supply. In other words, it ensures rainwater or sewage does not contaminate the clean water used for drinking, cooking, and bathing.
During heavy rainfall, municipal sewer systems can become overwhelmed, increasing the risk of backflow. But with a backflow preventer, you create a reliable barrier that protects your family’s health and prevents the potential spread of harmful pollutants or pathogens through the water supply.
It’s a small investment with significant long-term benefits for your plumbing system’s integrity.
8. Use Drain Strainers
The last tip for this list is to use drain strainers. It is a simple yet effective way to protect your home’s plumbing during the rainy season. These small, affordable devices fit over your sink, bathtub, and shower drains, preventing debris such as hair, soap scum, and outdoor leaves from entering the pipes and causing clogs.
Outdoor drains, if any, can be incredibly benefitted from using drain strainers in the rainy season. Outdoor debris can get washed into drains, increasing the risk of blockages. Drain strainers act as a first line of defence, ensuring only water flows down the drains while keeping unwanted debris out.
Final Thoughts
As the rainy season approaches, taking proactive steps to protect your home’s plumbing becomes paramount. By implementing the eight essential tips outlined in this article, you can safeguard your plumbing system from potential damage caused by heavy rainfall.
More important, regular maintenance and a watchful eye are key to a trouble-free plumbing experience, allowing you to weather the rainy season with confidence and peace of mind. For this, you can seek Your Local Plumbing, one of the trusted plumbing companies in Australia.
