Getting your Chennai home ready for the monsoon: a simple checklist
Chennai gets most of its rain from the northeast monsoon, between October and December. A few heavy days can mean blocked drains, water on the floor, tripping switches and damp walls. An hour of checks now saves a lot of trouble later. Here is a simple list, room by room.
1.Drains, terraces and leaks
- Clear leaves and plastic from terrace drains, gutters and balcony outlets.
- Check that the overhead tank lid closes and the overflow pipe is clear.
- Fix dripping taps and loose pipe joints now — rain makes small leaks worse.
- Look for cracks on the terrace and around windows where water could get in.
A plumber can clear blocked lines and fix leaks in one visit. Many list with a final price after visit, so you know the cost before any work starts.
2.Wiring and electrical safety
Water and electricity don’t mix. Damp walls and leaks near switchboards are a real danger during the rains.
- Get an electrician to check earthing, loose wires and the MCB board.
- Move extension boards off the floor.
- Check that the inverter and its battery are working before power cuts.
- Know where your main switch is, and keep a torch nearby.
3.AC and appliances
Many homes stop using the AC in the cooler, rainy months. Get it serviced before you switch it off, so dust and damp don’t sit in the coils until summer. Cover the outdoor unit loosely if it gets direct rain — but never block its airflow while it runs.
Keep the washing machine and fridge on a stand if your floor has ever flooded.
4.Damp walls and mould
Peeling paint and black spots on walls are signs of damp. Treat them early with a damp-proof coat before repainting. A painter can check the wall and suggest the right treatment.
5.Mosquitoes and cleaning
- Empty flower-pot plates, old tyres, coconut shells and buckets every few days.
- Use mosquito nets and screens on windows.
- Deep clean bathrooms and kitchens — damp makes mould grow fast.
- Wash and dry sofa covers and mattresses on sunny days.
Who can help near you
You can find plumbers, electricians, AC technicians, painters and cleaners in your area on Brouz:
- Repairs and maintenance in Chennai
- Home cleaning in Chennai
- Repairs in Velachery · Tambaram · Perambur
Your payment is held by Brouz until the work is done — read how your money stays safe.
Before the heavy rain
- Clear terrace drains and gutters.
- Fix leaking taps and pipes.
- Get the wiring and earthing checked.
- Service the AC before you switch it off for winter.
- Treat damp walls before they spread.
- Remove standing water — mosquitoes breed in a week.
Monsoon questions
When is the monsoon in Chennai?
Chennai gets most of its rain from the northeast monsoon, usually from October to December. The southwest monsoon (June to September) brings less rain to the city.
Should I get my AC serviced before or after the rains?
Before you stop using it for the season. A clean, dry unit is ready for summer and won’t smell when you switch it back on.
Can I book a repair for an urgent leak?
Yes. Many providers are available every day. Choose today’s date in search to see who is free.
