Preparing Your Plumbing for Winter: Insights from Hanlon Plumbing & Gas

Winter has finally arrived in Toowoomba, and while the cold may have taken its time to settle in this year, it’s here to stay. For many homes and businesses, the cooler months bring unique challenges when it comes to plumbing and gas systems. At Hanlon Plumbing & Gas, we’ve been busy helping both residential and commercial clients get prepared — and we want to share some tips and insights to help you keep things running smoothly this season.

Why Winter Can Be Tough on Plumbing

When temperatures drop, plumbing systems face added stress. Here are a few common issues we see each year:

• Blocked Drains – Leaves and debris washed into stormwater drains can create blockages that worsen during heavy winter rain.

• Hot Water Stress – With increased hot water use in the colder months, older or poorly serviced systems are more likely to fail.

• Gas Appliance Maintenance – Heaters and commercial kitchen appliances need regular servicing to stay safe and efficient.

• Pipe Issues – In extreme cases, uninsulated or damaged pipes can become brittle and crack as temperatures change.

Being proactive now can save you from expensive breakdowns later in the season.

What We’ve Been Working On

Our team has been busy across Toowoomba and surrounds with a wide range of jobs. Recent projects have included:

• Servicing gas appliances in busy commercial kitchens, including cleaning, minor repairs, and preventative maintenance.

• Carrying out backflow testing and compliance checks to keep businesses up to code.

• Clearing stubborn blocked drains to prevent flooding and property damage.

• Civil plumbing works to keep infrastructure moving as it should.

No matter the size of the project — whether it’s a rental property, a café, or a large-scale civil job — our focus is always on reliability and getting it done right the first time.

Plumbing Tips for Winter

Here are a few practical steps you can take to protect your property during winter:

1. Service your hot water system – A quick check from a plumber can extend its life and prevent sudden failures.

2. Test gas appliances early – Don’t wait until it’s freezing to find out your heater isn’t working. Annual servicing keeps them safe and efficient.

3. Clear gutters and drains – Remove leaves and debris to avoid blockages and water damage.

4. Schedule preventative maintenance – For businesses, regular maintenance reduces downtime and ensures compliance with safety standards.

5. Know where your shut-off valves are – In case of an emergency leak, shutting off your water quickly can save major damage.

Supporting Toowoomba’s Businesses & Property Owners

A lot of our work recently has been focused on helping local businesses and property owners stay on top of their plumbing. We regularly assist with:

• Commercial plumbing repairs and upgrades

• Preventative maintenance for offices, shops, and rental properties

• Backflow testing and compliance

• Hot water system servicing and replacements

When plumbing works as it should, it often goes unnoticed — but when something fails, it can grind operations to a halt. That’s why we encourage regular servicing and inspections to keep everything running seamlessly.

Plumbing is one of those things that’s easy to forget about until something goes wrong. But with a little planning and maintenance, you can avoid the headaches and costs that come with breakdowns — especially during the colder months.

If you’d like to discuss a plumbing project or organise maintenance for your home or business, we’d love to help.

📞 Contact Mitch on 0408 026 719📧 admin@hanlonplumbingandgas.com.au