Living in Rockingham & Mandurah means enjoying a beautiful coastal lifestyle but it also means dealing with heavy rainfall and stormy weather. While you might not think much of a sudden aftereffect of the plumbing system, your home’s plumbing system can face serious challenges during and after heavy rain.
From blocked drains to burst pipes, the severe weather on plumbing is often underestimated. Here’s what homeowners should know, and when it’s time to call in a professional plumber in Rockingham & Mandurah.
How Heavy Rain Impacts Your Plumbing System
When rainfall is excessive, there is a high chance that your stormwater drainage system might overflow. This leads to backups that push water and sometimes sewage back through drains or toilets. But the problems don’t end there.
Soil movement from saturated ground can also put pressure on your underground pipes, causing cracks or shifts. This can result in leaks, poor water flow, or sudden water pressure drops.
Blocked Outdoor Drains After a Storm
One of the most common problems after a heavy rain event is a blocked outdoor drain. Leaves, dirt, and debris are often swept into the drainage system, clogging it up and preventing water from flowing freely.
This blockage can result in:
- Pooling water around your home
- Overflowing grates and gutters
- Water damage to your yard or foundation
If left unnoticed, this can also impact your internal plumbing system, especially in older homes across Rockingham & Mandurah.
Why Your Toilet Might Gurgle After Rain
If your toilet starts making gurgling sounds or drains more slowly after a storm, it’s a sign of pressure building up in the sewer line. This usually means that excess stormwater has entered the system and is causing partial blockages.
In more severe cases, this can even result in sewage backing up into your home, an issue that absolutely requires immediate attention from Rockingham plumbers.
Leaks and Pipe Shifts from Ground Saturation
During heavy rainfall, the ground becomes waterlogged and heavy. This can lead to movement in your soil that affects underground plumbing. Older clay or galvanised steel pipes are especially vulnerable to cracking or shifting.
Warning signs include:
- Damp patches on your lawn
- Unexplained puddles near the house
- A sudden spike in your water bill
- Reduced water pressure in taps and showers
If you notice any of these, it’s best to call a licensed plumber in Rockingham to assess the damage before it worsens.
Roof and Gutter Drainage Can Cause Overflow Issues
While not technically part of your plumbing system, your roof drainage and gutters play a major role in keeping water away from your property. If these get clogged or fail to channel water properly, it can result in overflows that find their way into walls, basements, or under your slab.
A plumbing inspection after a storm can help ensure your stormwater drains are working properly and prevent expensive water damage repairs later.
Sump Pump Problems During Storms
For homes equipped with sump pumps, rainfall-related power outages or equipment failure can result in disaster. If your sump pump fails during a storm, groundwater can quickly rise and flood the lowest areas of your home.
Make sure your system is serviced regularly, especially ahead of Rockingham’s wetter months. A professional plumber can check the backup battery, float switch, and pump efficiency.
Can Tree Roots Get Worse After Rain?
Yes, rain softens the soil and encourages tree root growth, especially near underground pipes. Roots are naturally drawn to moisture and will seek out the smallest crack in your plumbing. Once inside, they expand and cause blockages or structural damage.
If you’ve had repeated issues with slow drains or blockages, tree roots may be the root cause and heavy rainfall can accelerate the problem.
When to Call a Plumber in Rockingham
You don’t need to wait for a plumbing emergency to call for help. If you’ve experienced:
- Unusual gurgling sounds after rain
- Sudden drops in water pressure
- Overflowing drains
- Water pooling near your property
- Discoloured or smelly water
It’s time to contact experienced Rockingham plumbers. Early intervention can prevent a minor issue from turning into a major plumbing repair.
Conclusion
Heavy rainfall is very common in Rockingham, but it doesn’t have to damage your plumbing system. With regular maintenance, clear drainage paths, and early detection of problems, you can protect your home all year round.
If you’re unsure whether your system is coping with the stormwater load, reach out to a trusted local plumber in Rockingham for a full inspection. A reliable plumber is just a call away.
