A hot water cylinder, strapped for earthquakes

A hot water cylinder, strapped for earthquakes

Our sympathies and thoughts go to all those who have been affected by the recent earthquakes.

We thought it would be helpful to suggest some checks you might want to make of your home’s plumbing to ensure it hasn’t been damaged by the quakes and to reduce the chance of damage in future shakes.

Post-Earthquake Plumbing Checklist

  • Pipework – check all visible pipes (including under the house and in the ceiling if accessible) for leaks/cracks.
  • Hot water cylinder – are there any leaks?  Is it securely strapped?  Does it have an overflow tray?
  • Water toby – do you know where it is and how to turn it off? Is it working properly? (See our post about water tobies here for more helpful information)

Emergency Water Supply

This year, we installed an emergency rainwater tank outside our house. We wrote a post about it, which you can read here, tolearn more about how they work.   It was very reassuring to know we had 200 litres of water stored when the first earthquake shook us a few weeks ago.  When using water from the rainwater tank to drink, the usual precautions are recommended – either boil the water or add a few drops of household bleach.  The tanks can be strapped to protect your water supply in earthquakes.

If you spot something that you would like to have checked or for a rainwater tank installation, please get in touch.  Craig would be very happy to help.

Be prepared,
Craig & Julie