Windsor facts that change plumbing
Where flood exposure is highest
The NSW Government's 2024 Hawkesbury-Nepean River Flood Study found most of the valley's flood exposure is in Penrith or Windsor. The 1 in 100 chance per year level at Windsor is unchanged from 2019.
2022 and 1867
The July 2022 flood reached 13.9 metres at Windsor, a height with a 1 in 20 chance each year. The 1867 flood reached 19.7 metres, nearly six metres higher.
A small suburb of houses
At the 2021 Census, the suburb had 722 occupied homes: 77.1% separate houses, 13.9% townhouses or semis and 8.6% flats. 41.6% were rented, against 32.6% across NSW.
Hawkesbury City Council
Every dwelling ABS counts in the suburb of Windsor is in the Hawkesbury council area.
Are you on the floodplain?
The NSW SES says the valley has three main floodplains linked by the river: Wallacia, Penrith and Emu Plains, and Richmond and Windsor. If your home is inside the probable maximum flood area, the largest flood experts consider possible, you are on the floodplain. The SES publishes evacuation maps on its website.
For plumbing, that matters when you replace equipment that sits low, such as a hot water system, or rebuild drains after water has been through. Ask the plumber where new equipment can sit, and plan around your own flood level.
After the water goes down
When stormwater gets into the sewer in heavy rain, Sydney Water says the system can overload and overflow onto properties, including inside homes. Stay clear of any wastewater overflow, and report one on your property or in a public place to Sydney Water's 24/7 faults line.
If a gas appliance needs repair after a flood, NSW says to use a licensed gasfitter for any repair involving gas, including moving or replacing an appliance. When the work is done, they must give you a certificate of compliance for network gas, or a certificate of inspection for bottled gas. If you smell gas, leave the building and call 000, then turn off the gas at the meter or cylinder only if it's safe. Our Sydney gas plumber page has more.
Renting in Windsor
With four in ten homes rented, many plumbing problems here belong to a landlord. Sydney Water says property owners own the pipes and fittings up to the point of connection, so report leaks and blockages to the landlord or agent in writing. If a ceiling or floor is getting wet and nobody answers, turn the water off at the meter and see our emergency plumber page.
What we would do
If floodwater reached your home, don't relight the gas or turn on a flooded hot water system until a licensed gasfitter or plumber has checked it. Photograph every damaged fitting for the insurer first. Then book a drain specialist to camera-inspect the sewer line, because silt and debris can block a line long after the water has gone.