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There are a variety of weather patterns and changes in seasons in Adelaide. This includes the cold, wet winters and the hot, dry summers. There may be corresponding changes in your plumbing system as the seasons change. For instance, water pipes may burst and drain lines below ground may crack.
This post explores how seasonal changes in Adelaide affect your plumbing system. You can learn about the effects of summer heat and cold weather on Australian plumbing systems, water pipes, and water mains.
Other impacts, such as blocked drains and effects on South Australia's hot water systems, are discussed. The post rounds up by looking at water and drainage systems management in South Australia and professional plumbing services to help cope with seasonal changes. Let's dive in!
Summer heat and Australian plumbing systems
The changing climate in the form of the extreme heat of summer can affect your plumbing. Thermal expansion (pipes expanding because of heat) can cause cracks and leaks in water lines. Nonetheless, there are two positives to appreciate about the hot summers of Adelaide.
Hot water delivery is quicker in hot weather because the pipes are already hot. This applies if you use a storage water heater or the usual continuous-flow water heater.
You can also make use of the hot weather climate and install a solar hot water system. This can help reduce your heating costs in the long term.
Cold weather and Australian plumbing systems
Cold weather can cause overnight water freezes in some areas. This can, in turn, cause cracks and damage in pipes. This is because water tends to expand upon freezing, putting pressure on pipes and making them burst.
Seasonal changes and water pipes in Adelaide
As summertime comes around, Adelaide homes and companies may experience common plumbing issues. Underground copper lines can become very hot during summer, and they can have weak points that succumb to the resulting extreme water pressure and ultimately split or burst.
It is, therefore, possible to have several broken water pipes during summer. You have to be on the lookout for signs of leaking pipes, such as mould growth on floors and walls and damp spots. This is so that you can quickly call a professional plumber to limit the damage when you spot a leak.
Seasonal changes and water mains in Adelaide
Changing climates and the reactive nature of soils in Adelaide plains can combine to cause breaks or leaks in water mains. The reactive clay soils move as the season changes from hot, humid and dry to wet and cool. Sudden changes in water pressure may also occur.
Some of the water supply infrastructure in Adelaide is over 80 years old. When you consider that water mains in the water industry generally have an average age of about 50 years and combine this with environmental factors that can make water pipes fail, you can understand the need for adequately managed water mains.
This is especially important in densely populated areas in Adelaide, such as Adelaide CBD, with an old infrastructure network. Again, the environmental factors that can cause water pipe breaks in urban water supply networks include soil type, soil reactivity, temperature variation, and rainfall.
A starting point to help the pipe failure rate of water mains in Adelaide could be to use public access data sources and projected life expectancy of the water mains pipes to plan preventive measures. Thankfully, sandy soil conditions in Adelaide can make it easier to dig and repair broken water mains and leaking pipes.
Seasonal changes can lead to blocked drains
Blocked drains are a standard plumbing issue in Adelaide. Hot and dry summers can make plumbing materials crack, and tree roots may also penetrate pipes and drains in their search for water sources. Thus, they can cause burst pipes and block drains around Australia. This situation may call for a complete drain replacement or pipe relining.
Signs of blocked drains include gurgling sounds, slow drainage, and unpleasant odours. On the other hand, signs of burst pipes include sudden drops in water pressure, and continuous water flows even after turning off taps.
Seasonal changes and South Australia's hot water systems
Residents in Adelaide can have hot water system issues such as fluctuating temperatures and insufficient hot water. Signs of hot water system problems include hearing strange noises, water leaks, and cold showers.
Cold weather effect on hot water systems and drinking water
Rainfall during cold weather can cause pipes and hot water systems to rust, which can, in turn, cause rust to seep into drinking water. This is in addition to consequent pipe leakages. The contamination of drinking water systems is understandably of grave concern because it has harmful health implications.
Furthermore, cold weather can make your hot water system work harder in a bid to heat the water and warm you up. The increased gas or electricity bills can undoubtedly make many people lose their smiles.
Humidity and hot water systems
Your hot water system can begin to rust if exposed to too much moisture. Rust can, in turn, cause leaks in plumbing systems. Again, rusty plumbing systems can lead to contaminated drinking water.
A heat pump hot water system typically converts heat from the surrounding air into water-heating energy. Humid climates usually have enough heat, so you may consider getting a heat pump hot water heater.
Seasonal changes and drainage systems
Seasonal changes can impact drainage systems in the following ways:
- Torrential downpours can cause drainage overflows and blockages. This can, in turn, lead to localised flooding and damage to property.
- The force of consistent water flows can cause erosion in areas around pipes. This can ultimately expose the pipes and destabilise them.
- Rain can lead to an influx of debris and silt in your drainage system, reducing flow efficiency.
Water and drainage systems in South Australia
South Australia's urban water management is a joint task performed by the state and local governments along with private organisations. For example, the Department for Environment and Water and the South Australian government sets the directions for water management.
All parties manage the urban water cycle by managing the supply and use of drinking and non-drinking water and help ensure integrated urban water management. Overall, they help to ensure that the drinking water's quality meets the expectations of South Australians and that groundwater and seawater are treated and distributed to homes and properties.
A drinking water profile gives information on the mineral content of drinking water and drinking water supply. The SA Water database can also display up-to-date information on tap water.
Meanwhile, SA Water also supplies and delivers recycled water to horticultural areas and parks (for irrigation purposes). Note that South Australian water that is not treated and is not of drinking quality is also supplied to some areas.
Stormwater drainage and harvesting schemes
Regarding stormwater drainage, local councils maintain landscape water through water-sensitive urban designs. The Stormwater Management Authority also sets directions for stormwater management planning in regional areas and invests in improvements for stormwater systems.
The Bureau of Meteorology also plays a critical role during flood emergencies and extreme weather events. Some schemes, such as stormwater harvesting, help ensure water is reused and recycled.
These schemes help provide alternative water supplies and better water security. However, note that the Department of Health regulates the use of recycled water. Implementing strategies and projects involving well drilling requires well construction permits, licences, and relevant approvals.
Plumbing services for seasonal changes
A licensed plumber can provide drainage system solutions such as drain cleaning and pipe relining. You can also invite them for the following:
- You can invite them to install and repair sump pumps and hot water systems. They are familiar with brands such as Rinnai hot water, Dux hot water, Vulcan hot water, and Thermann hot water.
- They can fix emergency plumbing issues such as leaking pipes, burst pipes, blocked drains, and emergency gas fittings.
- You can invite professional plumbers for gas leak repairs and water meter issues.
- They can advise you on water treatment measures and provide water and sewerage systems services.
- Local plumbing contractors often have year-round community partnerships with various stakeholders.
- This can include setting up irrigation systems for trees and native vegetation.
- Likewise, they can help with drainage system maintenance projects and ensure enough water for community events is available.
Advanced plumbing and water management solutions
Groundbreaking advancements in net zero sustainable plumbing solutions and plumbing development applications will help ensure a better world heritage for future generations. These solutions include advances in intelligent leak detection and zero-flush waterless urinals with advanced sensors that help prepare your homes for the future.
Another example is the move to conserve water resources by manufacturing plumbing fixtures such as water heaters and toilets that do not use as much water or energy. This means that your plumbing system will better adapt to seasonal changes.
Hire licensed plumbers for plumbing issues
This post guides how seasonal changes in Adelaide affect your plumbing system. There is no doubt that seasonal changes can cause changes in soil and land that affect South Australian water and plumbing systems.
While the government and authorities do their best to manage these changes, you can resolve your immediate plumbing problems by hiring a professional plumber. They can fix common plumbing issues like leaking pipes and perform excellent plumbing installations in Adelaide.
