Storm Prep for Brisbane Homes: A Plumber’s Checklist Before This Weekend

With another round of potential storms heading our way this weekend across the Brisbane region, now’s a smart time to get ahead of issues, especially from a plumbing and drainage perspective. At Viva Plumbing we’ve seen how quickly things can escalate after the big hail and rainfall events, so here’s a ready-to-use checklist.

Plumbing & Drainage Checklist – Do These Before the Storm

1. Clear gutters and downpipes After last weekend’s hail and heavy rain, debris, leaves and granules from roof damage may have collected in your gutters. Blocked gutters can cause overflow behind eaves and around walls.

2. Check surface drains, pits and yard drains Ensure that yard pits, grated drains and external flows are free of dirt, hail runoff or leaf litter so water doesn’t back-up near foundations or slabs.

3. Inspect roof penetrations, flashings and external pipework With hail large enough to damage roof surfaces recently, pay attention to vents, solar or heat-pump hot water pipe entries, antennas or penetration seals. Replace worn flashings or cracked collars before rain drives water inside.

4. Secure hot-water systems and exposed pipework External systems with exposed metal pipes or fittings (solar/heat-pump hot water) can be vulnerable in hail or wind events. Make sure fixings and insulation are intact.

5. Know and test your mains water shut-off valve Should a pipe burst or internal leak occur during a storm, being able to shut off the water quickly is crucial to limiting damage.

6. Check internal drains, floor wastes and laundry outlets Ensure floor wastes and laundry drains are draining freely. Hail and heavy rain can lead to surcharge conditions. Also top up seldom used traps with water so odour problems don’t occur.

7. Backflow prevention device check (if applicable) With heavy rain and runoff, the risk of sump or stormwater back-pressure rises; so if you have a backflow device, now’s a smart time to have it inspected.

During the Storm

• Avoid using external taps/irrigation systems while heavy rain or hail conditions persist.

• If you notice sudden leaks, water entering ceilings or walls, or drainage behaving abnormally, shut off your water and call for help.

• Stay away from flooded or submerged external pits and drains, they often hide electrical or structural hazards.

  
  

After the Storm – Quick Checks That Save You Money

• Review ceilings, joinery and sub-floor/crawl-spaces for new stains, swelling or damp.

• Clear any fresh debris in external pits / drains so flow is restored.

• Check under-house spaces (if applicable) for piping that may have shifted or insulation damaged by hail or debris.

• Take photographs of any damage including pipes, joints, leaks, and roof-penetration issues for insurance or repair purposes.

• If you're unsure of what you found, book a professional inspection before things return to normal.

Why This Matters Right Now

You’ll recall the recent storms delivered hail large enough to cause significant widespread damage and heavy rainfall that stressed drainage systems. These conditions raise risk for pipe damage, roof-entry leaks and drainage backups. Taking action now means you’re less likely to face a costly repair after the fact.

About Viva Plumbing – Here When You Need Us

At Viva Plumbing we specialise in plumbing and drainage for Brisbane homes. Whether you need a pre-storm inspection, emergency repair after damage, or maintenance of your drainage/backflow systems, our team is ready. Give us a call and we’ll help make sure your home is storm-ready.

Final Word

Doing a few simple checks today can save you a big headache tomorrow. Clear gutters, check drains, secure external plumbing, know your shut-off points, and if anything doesn’t look right, we’ll be here to help. Let’s make sure your plumbing system is ready for whatever this weekend brings.

Stay safe, The Viva Plumbing Team