Start with a Visual Inspection
Begin with a simple walk around your property. Look at all outdoor taps, visible pipes, and drain openings in balconies, terraces, and courtyards. Check for obvious signs of damage, such as new cracks on pipes, loose fittings on taps, or drain covers
that have shifted or broken. Heavy rainfall can physically damage these components, and catching this early is the first step. Pay attention to the ground around your downpipes; if water is pooling near your foundation instead of draining away, it could signal an issue. Similarly, check for new water stains or damp patches on exterior walls, as these can indicate a leak from a nearby pipe.
Clear All Drains of Debris
This is one of the most critical post-monsoon tasks. During the rains, leaves, silt, plastic wrappers, and other debris get washed into drain outlets. If left unattended, this accumulation can cause serious blockages. Put on a pair of gloves and manually remove any visible debris from the top of all drain grates. Make sure to check balcony drains, terrace outlets, and any grates at ground level. Lifting the cover, if possible, allows you to clear out any gunk just below the surface. A simple clearing can prevent water from backing up during the next rainfall, which could otherwise lead to flooding and seepage into the floors below.
Test Your Drains for Blockages
Once the surface is clear, it's time to check for deeper clogs. A slow-draining pipe is a clear red flag. Use a garden hose or a few buckets of water to test each outdoor drain. Pour water steadily and observe. If the water drains away quickly and completely, your drain is likely clear. However, if the water pools and drains slowly, or not at all, you have a partial or full blockage. Gurgling sounds can also indicate a partial blockage or air-lock in the pipe. For minor clogs, pouring boiling water can help dissolve grease, while a mixture of baking soda and vinegar can break down organic matter.
Inspect Taps for Leaks and Pressure
Now, turn your attention to the taps. Turn each outdoor tap on and off several times. Check for any drips from the spout when the tap is fully closed. A single dripping tap can waste a significant amount of water over time. Also, check for leaks around the base of the tap and its connection to the wall. While the tap is running, assess the water pressure. A sudden drop in pressure could indicate a crack or leak somewhere in the underground supply line, which may have been worsened by shifting, saturated soil during the monsoon.
Look for Signs of Underground Pipe Damage
Problems aren't always visible. Heavy rains can saturate the soil, causing it to shift and potentially damage underground pipes. Look for tell-tale signs of a hidden leak. This can include persistent puddles or soggy patches in your yard that don't dry up, even in sunny weather. An isolated patch of unusually green, lush grass can also be a sign, as it's being 'fertilised' by a constant water leak. If you notice any of these signs, especially when paired with low water pressure or discoloured tap water, it’s a strong indicator of an underground pipe issue that needs professional attention.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
While many of these checks and minor fixes can be done yourself, it's important to know when to call for help. If you have multiple drains blocked at once, it could signal a blockage in the main line. Water backing up into your home, strange sewage smells from drains, or any signs of underground pipe damage like sinkholes or large wet patches require an expert. A professional plumber can use tools like a drain snake or perform a camera inspection to diagnose the issue accurately without causing further damage. Attempting to fix major blockages or underground leaks yourself can often make the problem worse.
