08 8271 0664
book online 
Living in Adelaide means embracing the extremes. Hot, dry summers. Cold, soggy winters. Sudden downpours. High winds. The seasonal shifts might be part of what makes this city special, but if there’s one thing they’re not kind to — it’s your drains.
At Horncastle Plumbing, as Adelaide’s local plumbers we have seen firsthand how every season brings its own set of plumbing problems – blockages in autumn, cracked pipes in winter, overflowing gutters in spring and dried-out seals in summer…it’s all part of the job. Here’s a season-by-season breakdown of how Adelaide’s changing weather can affect your drains and what you can do to stay ahead of the trouble.
Summer: Heat, Dryness and Ground Movement
It might sound surprising, but summer heat can be tough on drains as long periods of dry weather can cause the soil to shift and crack, which can impact the pipes running underneath your property. We’ve had more than a few emergency calls from homeowners whose sewer lines were thrown out of alignment after a particularly dry spell.
What to do:
- Keep an eye on water pressure. Sudden drops could mean a pipe is leaking underground.
- If you’ve got large trees on your block, watch for signs of root intrusion. Dry soil makes roots travel far and wide looking for moisture — and your pipes are often the easiest target.
- Have your outdoor drains checked before fire season kicks off. Leaves, dust, and garden debris can collect fast in summer and block drainage systems when you least expect it.
Autumn: Falling Leaves and Silent Blockages
Autumn might be beautiful, but when those leaves start falling, they don’t just cover the lawn. They clog gutters, downpipes, and surface drains — quietly building blockages that can turn into full-blown floods when the first decent rain hits.
What to do:
- Clean out your gutters regularly, or install gutter guards if you’re near leafy areas.
- Check all external drains, especially around patios and driveways, for signs of slow drainage or pooling water.
- If it smells like something’s rotting near your downpipes or overflow drains — it probably is.
Winter: Cold, Wet, and Heavy Flow
Winter in Adelaide often means cold snaps, long nights, and relentless rain. Your drains work overtime during this season — and if they’re already partially blocked, it doesn’t take much for them to overflow or back up into your home.
What to do:
- Book a professional drain clean before the heavy rains set in. It’s much cheaper than flood restoration.
- Look for signs of dampness in walls or under the house — they can point to slow leaks or hidden pipe damage.
- Keep an eye on stormwater run-off. If your front or backyard is pooling, your drainage system might not be coping.
Spring: Growth Spurts and Hidden Damage
Spring tends to bring new growth, both in the garden and — unfortunately — in the root systems beneath your home. Tree roots are notorious for sneaking into older pipes during this time, especially if the winter rains have exposed cracks.
What to do:
- Inspect garden beds and lawns for soggy patches. A hidden pipe leak often shows up in the greenery first.
- Consider a CCTV drain inspection, especially if you’ve had issues before. It’s the only way to truly know what’s going on underground.
- If you’re planning a big garden clean-up or landscaping job, make sure you’re not planting anything too close to your drains.
One Simple Rule: Prevention Always Beats Panic
At Horncastle Plumbing, we believe regular drain maintenance shouldn’t be a luxury, it’s just smart. Most of the emergency callouts we attend could have been avoided with a bit of attention a few weeks earlier.
Whether it’s a routine check, a CCTV inspection, or a quick clear-out before the weather turns, keeping your drains in good shape year-round is one of the best ways to protect your home.
If you’re not sure where to start just give us a call. We’re happy to have a chat, check things over, and make sure you’re in the clear no matter what the weather’s doing.
For hassle-free plumbing solutions and expert tips, stay tuned for our blog coming next month!
