According to climatologists, Sydney is all set for a soaking start to the summer. La Nina is said to be on its way back, and it would be a good idea to prepare for a flood while hoping for the best. Your home’s plumbing system can come under immense pressure during heavy rain or a flood, and so it’s a great idea to get a local plumber in to assess your situation before an emergency happens. Contact Gladesville Plumbing today and get your Sydney home sorted for the summer. 

What’s on the Cards for Summer in Sydney?

The latest meteorological modelling suggests that the La Nina weather pattern will return to Australian shores this coming summer – the fourth time it’s occurred in the last five years. This kind of frequency has only been seen twice since 1900. 

La Nina refers to an altered state of the tropical Pacific, a trade wind that can last anywhere from months to years. Cooler-than-average waters combine with changes in the overlaying atmosphere to disrupt global weather patterns. What this means for Australia is that La Nina increases the prospect of a wet spring and summer, increased risk of tropical storms and cyclones, and, to a lesser degree, could subdue extreme summer heat. 

If the Pacific Ocean does transition to La Nina this summer, it would bring with it a greater chance of heavy rain. The 12 wettest years in Australian records have all been associated with La Nina. The Bureau of Meteorology’s latest forecast has 2024 ending with heavy rain across eastern Australia, including a 75% change of above average rainfall for New South Wales. It’s time to bust out those brollies, Sydney!

Which Suburbs Are at Most Risk from Flooding?

The New South Wales SES has an interactive map that highlights which suburbs are most at risk for flooding – and it may be a good time to check out where your suburb lies within that. Traditionally, the Wallacia, Penrith/Emu Plains and the Richmond/Windsor floodplains are most at risk for heavy flooding. 

What Effect Will Heavy Rain and Flooding Have on Your Home’s Plumbing System?

Heavy rainfall and flooding like that associated with La Nina conditions can be hugely damaging to your home’s plumbing system. A risk of blocked drains can become exacerbated as excess rainwater collects loose debris on its way into nearby drains. This debris quickly builds up in your pipes and before you know it, you’ve got a blockage. This can lead to further issues that can soon become costly. Increased pressure and burst pipes are another significant risk, as blockages cause a build-up of water pressure when that water has nowhere to escape. Heavy rainfall can also shift your pipes, which leads to cracks, punctures, and a huge amount of damage. 

Before any of this happens, an experienced local plumber can assess your home’s plumbing system and determine whether it needs any maintenance or repairs beforehand. Contact Gladesville Plumbing today and sort your plumbing before you’ve got an emergency on your hands.