Water outages can be inconvenient and disruptive, especially when they happen unexpectedly. When caught unaware, it can mean you’re left without water in your home - which can make things like blocked drains even worse.
For residents in Western Australia, understanding what water outages are, how they occur, and how to prepare for them can make a significant difference in managing these situations effectively.
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What Exactly is a Water Supply Outage?
A water supply outage occurs when the water supply to your home or business is temporarily interrupted. This can include both cold and hot water outages, affecting your ability to perform daily tasks such as drinking, cooking, cleaning, and bathing.
In Perth, water outages can happen for various reasons, ranging from planned maintenance by the Water Corporation to unexpected issues like pipe bursts or natural disasters. Hot water outages specifically refer to the loss of hot water supply, which can be particularly inconvenient during colder months.
How Do Water Outages Occur?
Water outages can occur due to several reasons, and understanding these can help in mitigating their impact. Common causes of water outages include:
Water Service Interruptions and Maintenance
Water service interruptions often result from planned maintenance or emergency repairs to water services and water pipes. These interruptions are necessary to ensure the long-term functionality of the water supply infrastructure.
Water Pressure
Sudden drops in water pressure can lead to water services being disrupted. This can happen if there are issues at water treatment facilities or within the distribution network, impacting the delivery of water from water sources to homes.
Pipe Failures
Burst pipes, either due to age, wear and tear, or external factors like construction work, can cause sudden water outages. These types of outages can last longer, depending on the severity of the damage.
Water Contamination
Sometimes, water supply is cut off due to contamination concerns, requiring authorities to halt the supply to prevent health risks.
Other External Factors
External activities like construction work may inadvertently damage water pipes, causing unexpected water service interruptions and resulting in outages. These events are common in areas undergoing rapid development or infrastructure upgrades.
Understanding these causes allows residents to be better prepared and respond more effectively when a water outage occurs.
Common Areas of the Home Affected by Water Outages
Water outages can affect multiple areas within your home, each with its unique challenges:
Bathrooms
One of the most immediate impacts is on bathrooms, where toilets, sinks, and showers require water to function. A hot water outage can particularly affect showers and baths, making it uncomfortable to bathe.
Kitchens
In the kitchen, a water outage can halt cooking, cleaning, and dishwashing activities. Appliances like dishwashers and refrigerators with water dispensers will be rendered useless during the outage.
Laundry Rooms
Washing machines will be out of commission, and you won’t be able to clean your clothes or other linens.
Hot Water Systems
Hot water systems are especially vulnerable during a water outage. Without water, these systems cannot heat up and distribute water throughout the home, impacting your ability to take warm showers or wash dishes effectively.
Each of these areas will be affected differently, and it’s important to have a plan in place for managing these disruptions.
How to Best Prepare for Water Outages
Preparation is key to managing water outages effectively. Here are some tips to help you get ready.
Store Emergency Water Supplies
Keep an emergency supply of water on hand. This can include bottled water or large containers filled with water, which can be used for drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene during an outage.
Regular Plumbing Maintenance
Have regular maintenance checks done on your plumbing system to ensure that everything is in good working order. This can help prevent issues that might lead to water outages in your home.
Backup Water Systems
Consider installing a backup water system, such as a rainwater tank. This can provide an alternative water source during an outage, especially if the outage is expected to last for an extended period.
Stay Informed
Keep yourself informed about scheduled water outages in your area. The Water Corporation has an outages page you can visit to view current and planned water outages.
What to Do During a Water Outage
If a water outage does occur, conserve the water you have on hand, avoid using appliances that require water, and check with local authorities for updates on the situation.
By taking these steps, you can ensure that you are prepared for any water outages that might occur and reduce the inconvenience they cause.
Keep Your Plumbing System in Top Shape with Tunnel Vision
Water outages, though inconvenient, are a part of life that we all need to be prepared for. By understanding what causes them, knowing how to prepare, and having a plan in place for managing your home during an outage, you can minimise the disruption they cause.
If you are concerned about the state of your plumbing system or want to ensure it’s in the best condition to handle unexpected water outages, contact Tunnel Vision. Our experienced team offers comprehensive plumbing and pipe relining services in Perth, helping you keep your home’s water supply system in top condition.