How La Niña Can Affect Your Plumbing System

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Dec 20, 2021

Meteorologists predict that La Niña is likely to persist well into 2022, which means some of your plumbing systems are going to be under a great deal more stress than usual. If you're not sure how La Niña affects us here in NSW, or why now is a good time to get your storm drains checked, read on! We discuss what La Niña is and what its weather implications are for us here in the Northern Rivers.

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What Is La Niña?

La Niña arises when the easterly trade winds (part of the global wind circulation system) are stronger than usual. They have the effect of pushing the Pacific's warmer surface waters nearer to us here in Oz, with the result that eastern Pacific waters are cooler than usual. The result is that we're set to receive a lot more rain and stormy weather than usual, particularly on the coast. For Lismore and the Northern Rivers, La Niña means rain and wind in significant amounts compared with most years.

For your property to withstand the effects of La Niña, it's vital that your stormwater discharge system, roofing and walls are fit to withstand the rough weather to come.

Inspect And Maintain Your Stormwater Discharge System Now

La Niña brings with her large quantities of rain, which means the water discharge system from your roof is going to take a pounding. Now's the time to get your gutters and downpipes checked to ensure they're securely fastened to your roof and free of leaks and/or obstructions. Water from the roof will be channelled into your storm drain. In most properties, you're responsible for maintaining the storm drain from your property until it joins the publically owned main stormwater system.

If you've noticed backflow from your drainage system in the past or noticed that it's been unable to cope during recent wet weather, it's worth calling a plumber to clear any blockages that might be causing the problem.

Have You Considered Your Rainwater Tanks?

Rainwater tanks are a valuable source of water for everything from cleaning cars to watering plants. If you haven't already got tanks installed, now could be a good time to take the plunge. A local plumber can easily connect a rainwater tank to your storm drainage system, ensuring water isn't wasted but stored until it's needed.

With La Niña likely to bring a high volume of rainfall, having a suitable rainwater storage system in place is going to bring significant benefits.

Get Your Roof Inspected

Along with plenty of rain, you can also expect strong winds that will challenge even the strongest roof. It's sensible to get your roof inspected before the storms come so that you're confident that it's unlikely that damage will be sustained. Remember that during storms, it's virtually impossible to complete any remedial work on a roof, so taking proactive precautions to secure your roof could save you a lot of heartache (and expenditure) further down the line.

If any minor roof repairs do need doing, make sure they're completed promptly. There's nothing like a storm to turn a small repair into a much bigger problem that's going to be more costly to fix. For homeowners who've been planning to get their roof replaced, now might be a good idea to get the job completed, so that your home is snug and secure during the La Niña storms.

We're likely going to be in for some rough weather over the next few months, influenced by La Niña. Making sure your exterior is in good, sound condition is one of the best ways to prepare.

Contact Us

Mid Richmond Plumbers & Suppliers Pty Ltd offer a complete suite of high-grade plumbing services for properties across Lismore and the surrounding area in the Northern Rivers.

Call us on (02) 6683 2281.

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