A practical checklist for homeowners and businesses to prevent storm damage to plumbing, drainage, and roofing systems across NSW.
NSW's storm season (October–March) brings intense rainfall, damaging winds, and hail that test every component of your property's water management system. The Bureau of Meteorology records an average of 15–20 severe thunderstorm events per season across the Central Coast and Greater Sydney.
Properties that are prepared handle these events without damage. Properties that are not prepared face emergency call-outs, insurance claims, and preventable water damage. A 2-hour preparation investment can prevent thousands of dollars in storm damage.
Gutters are your roof's primary drainage system. When they are blocked, water overflows directly against the fascia and into the wall cavity. Before storm season, every gutter run should be cleared of leaves, silt and debris. Downpipes should be checked for blockages — a garden hose run from the top will confirm flow.
If your property is surrounded by trees, consider installing gutter guard mesh. This reduces debris accumulation between services and keeps the drainage path clear during sudden storms.
A pre-storm roof inspection should check for: cracked or displaced tiles, lifted metal sheeting, deteriorated flashing around penetrations (vents, skylights, antenna mounts), and valley iron condition. Any gap in the roof envelope is a potential water entry point during wind-driven rain.
Pay particular attention to roof valleys — these concentrate water flow and are the most common failure point during heavy rain. Rusted or perforated valley iron should be replaced before storm season, not patched.
Stormwater drains carry roof and surface water away from your property. Blocked stormwater pits cause flooding around foundations, garages and low-lying areas. Before storm season, lift every stormwater pit lid and clear accumulated debris. Check that the outlet pipe is flowing freely — a CCTV inspection can identify root intrusion or collapsed sections that will fail under heavy load.
Properties with absorption trenches or on-site detention systems need particular attention. These systems have finite capacity and must be clear before the season begins.
Know where your main water shut-off valve is located. In a burst pipe emergency during a storm, being able to isolate the water supply immediately prevents significant damage. Label the valve clearly and ensure it turns freely — valves that have not been operated in years can seize.
Keep our emergency number saved in your phone. During severe storms, response times increase as demand surges. Properties that have been maintained and prepared are far less likely to need emergency callouts.
September–October is ideal. This gives time to address any issues found before the first major storm events, which typically begin in November on the Central Coast and Sydney.
Minimum twice per year — once before storm season (September/October) and once after autumn leaf fall (May/June). Properties surrounded by trees may need quarterly cleaning.
Blocked stormwater drains and gutters. When water cannot flow through the designed drainage path, it finds alternative routes — usually into your home.
Book a Pre-Storm Inspection
Get your property storm-ready before the season hits.