Queensland is bracing itself for another storm season and the threat of another summer of floods. Flooding events along the East Coast, especially in Townsville and areas of Brisbane have left residents with very valid concerns for the coming season.
Flood prevention during storm season
If you live on the banks of a river prone to flooding, or in a low lying flood zone, there’s no real way to prevent flooding on your property. Flood prevention is limited to making sure your property is fortified against flood damage as best you can. How? Ensure that flood waters have a clear pathway out of your property and into the stormwater drains. This means a bit of DIY and a little help from a stormwater drainage plumber.
Clearing the path from the roof down
Weather event flooding comes from the roof down. The pathway that the water takes will depend on how well-maintained your roof water drainage systems are and the state of your roof during the event.
- Check for cracked, broken or poorly sealed roof tiles, any damage to metal roofing or any other issues with the surface of the roof, to prevent water inundation through the ceiling.
- Clear gutters of debris and ensure that your gutters have correct backfall so that water flows toward the downpipes.
- Ensure you have enough downpipes, that they’re rust or mould free, and that those downpipes are clear and flowing.
- Check grates and yard drainage systems are free flowing and clear of potential blockages.
- Check that your rainwater tanks are in good working order and ready to divert as much water from the yard into storage as possible.
Backyard drainage
Preventing water from getting into your home, means keeping it flowing through your backyard drainage system. If your property is completely inundated, this may not be possible, but removing water as quickly and efficiently as possible could prevent significant damage as storms intensify.
- Check the diameter of your backyard stormwater drainage pipes. Most are 90mm which will be inadequate if your property is in a flood zone. You may need a drainage plumber to replace undersized drainage pipes.
- Consider installing rubble pits, French drains, downpipe extensions, landscaping drains
- Consider grading to “reshape” your yard to encourage gravity to move water off your property.
Drainage in an emergency
In the flood zone, you may need to install submersible pumps (and emergency generators to power them if the storm knocks out the power) to help move water off your property quickly.
Check with your local council about sandbag access and emergency measures in place.
Queensland’s ongoing flooding issues and the knock-on implications for insurance costs, physical and mental health are again a big concern this year. Prevention may not be possible but taking control of your home’s water flow path can help ease the anxiety and may just prevent disaster.
