Hurricane Recovery: Scheduling Your Post-Flood Plumbing Repair
Hurricane season is upon us once again: hurricane preparedness activities are underway across the Gulf Coast. Water and readymade meals are being stored, evacuation plans are being rehearsed, and emergency communications devices are being prepared for whatever may come.
Homeowners perform several preparedness steps to protect the structure and building systems of the home. Since water systems are buried, neither supply nor sewer systems have much to fear from high winds or lightning strikes. However, storm surge and localized flooding cause considerable damage to buried pipes and the contents thereof. There is very little that can be done beforehand, but homeowners must be aware of the dangers that flood water poses to the home, the supply system, and the sewer lines.
Is Your Water Safe? Plumbing Repair Strategies for Gulf Coast Homeowners
Sanitary sewer lines are closed, but not sealed, so the chances that flood waters will mix with raw sewage are extremely high. For this reason, homeowners should treat all floodwater that enters the property as if it were raw sewage.
- Homes in low-lying areas may experience sewer backups: flood waters push into the home through sewer lines into the home through drains, toilets, and sinks. The first reaction is, “Gross!!” But the cleanup process goes well beyond cleaning up a smelly mess. The bacteria and pathogens get into every gap and crack; it is a very tedious cleanup.
- Moisture can promote mold and mildew growth, a very difficult problem to overcome. Should your home experience flooding, take your time and use professional cleaning methods to ensure the health and safety of family members.
- Remember that water and electricity do not mix: assume that flood water inside a home has contacted the wiring system. Do not restore power until the entire wiring system has been checked.
- Check all affected appliances, including the water heater. The water inside the heater is sealed and safe, but the electronics cannot withstand contact with water. Appliances will need to be replaced.
Detecting Hidden Leaks: Professional Plumbing Repair You Can Trust
Flood water also causes movement in buried water and sewer lines. The saturated soil allows the sediment layers to shift and put torque on the solid pipes. Movement can cause leaks to both, so check for leaks before returning to normal activities.
- Make sure no water is running and check the water meter. If the pipes are leaking, the meter will register water use even when no water is being used. Since the water is under pressure, finding the leak should become obvious.
- Broken sewer lines often cause clogs and blockages. Finding the break can be a bit more difficult, since the slow-moving water is drawn downward by gravity. Eventually, the leak will result in softened, wet soil and somewhat greener grass in the vicinity (a result of nutrients in wastewater).
Localized flooding can also lead to slow drains. Whether your home has a septic tank or a municipal sewer system, flood waters push debris and soil into the sewer lines. These blockages may need to be cleaned professionally to restore normal wastewater flow. This should not be a DIY project and should be handled by a plumbing repair expert like the team at Doctor Cool.
Ensure Your Home’s Safety: Schedule Your Plumbing Repair Inspection Today
The storm may have passed, but the true impact on your home’s infrastructure can be hidden beneath the surface. Saturated soil and shifting sediment can put immense torque on buried pipes, leading to hairline fractures or major structural failures that aren’t immediately visible. Furthermore, when floodwaters recede, they often leave behind debris in your sewer lines or, worse, contaminate your system with bacteria and pathogens.
Do not wait for a soggy yard, a skyrocketing water bill, or a persistent foul odor to tell you something is wrong. Small leaks can lead to catastrophic mold growth and foundation issues tomorrow. Your family’s health and your home’s integrity are too important to leave to chance. Our team of experts specializes in pre-storm and post-flood diagnostics, from checking meter fluctuations to inspecting sewer line clearance. We will ensure your water heater electronics are safe, your drains are clear, and your supply lines are pressurized and secure.
Take the proactive step in post-hurricane plumbing repair recovery and call Doctor Cool now to schedule a comprehensive plumbing repair appointment.
Let us provide the peace of mind that comes with a professional plumbing repair seal of approval, ensuring your plumbing system is ready for the months ahead.