Cyclone season on the Fraser Coast runs November through April. You don't need much to be ready from a plumbing point of view, but the few things you do need are worth doing before the first warning comes through.
Know where your stop tap is
If a tree falls on your pipework or a fitting bursts during heavy rain, you need to shut the water off fast. Most Hervey Bay homes have the stop tap at the front boundary. Walk out and lift the lid now. Make sure it turns. If it doesn't, call a plumber to replace it before storm season hits.
Clear your gutters and downpipes
This isn't strictly plumbing but it's where most cyclone damage starts. Blocked gutters overflow, water finds its way into ceiling cavities and walls, and you end up with a much bigger job than just gutter cleaning. Clear gutters and downpipes in October. Check that downpipes flow freely into the stormwater system.
Check your stormwater drains
Stormwater drains in Hervey Bay are usually grated pits in the yard or street. If yours is blocked with leaves or sediment, water backs up and floods low spots. A CCTV check or just a garden hose flush will tell you if water is flowing freely.
Lash down hot water tanks and rainwater tanks
Storage hot water tanks and rainwater tanks become projectiles in serious wind. Brackets weaken over time, especially the salt-corroded ones. If you've got a tank that's been sitting on legs for 15 years, get the brackets checked.
After the storm
If your area lost power for more than a few hours, your sewer pump (if you've got one) might have stopped. Check for backed-up toilets or basins before you flush everything. Run the taps for a few minutes if the supply was off, you'll often see brown water that clears within 30 seconds.
If anything looks bad, call us. We're available throughout cyclone season including weekends.