How Hurricanes May Affect Your Plumbing
Posted in General Plumbing Services, on July 18, 2024
Hurricanes possess a destructive streak, and residents and plumbers in Boca Raton are all too familiar with fastening windows and stocking supplies during hurricanes. But hurricanes can also devastate your plumbing. Contaminated water, flooded houses, and frantic calls to emergency plumbers in Boca Raton are a usual storm scenario. Understanding how hurricanes impact plumbing and practical precautions can prevent costly and disruptive problems in their aftermath. You CAN reduce hurricane headaches—here’s how to ensure your plumbing is ready for hurricane season!
Hurricane Plumbing Precautions
Save your plumbing and avoid emergency plumber bills by:
- Protecting Outdoor Plumbing Fixtures: Securing outdoor plumbing fittings like sprinklers, hoses, and faucets prevents damage from strong winds and debris during a hurricane.
- Securing the Water Main: Hurricanes can contaminate your water supply, so shut off the main valve before a hurricane to prevent dirty stormwater from entering your Boca Raton home. This also reduces the risk of a sudden deluge causing plumbing damage.
- Reserving Water: A hurricane can temporarily disrupt the potable water supply. Stockpile your drinking water in advance and reserve water for daily washing, bathing, and toilet use.
- Gutter & Drain Cleaning: Hire an expert plumber in Boca Raton to clean your home’s catch basins, gutters, and storm drains beforehand. This will reduce storm blockages and chances of water backups.
- Checking Sump Pumps: Verify that your sump pump is working—it’ll be working extra time to prevent the dreaded basement flooding!
During the Hurricane
Boca Raton hurricanes can throw up plumbing challenges like:
- Sewer Backups: Torrential hurricane water can overwhelm sewer systems, with unfortunate backups flooding your Boca Raton home. Be hurricane savvy and get your plumber in Boca Raton to fit a backwater valve to keep water backups at bay.
- Burst Pipes: High winds and accompanying debris can damage and burst exposed plumbing pipes. Wrap your outdoor pipes with insulation to provide an extra layer of protection.
- Flooding: Hurricane water can flood your plumbing system, so stay vigilant and monitor your plumbing. Keep your emergency plumber’s number handy and immediately contact you on signs of damage or flooding.
- Water Heater Trouble: Stormwater can enter your water heater, triggering a heating malfunction. Unfortunately, you can’t do much for a submerged water heater. Replacement is the only option, as using such a unit can cause an explosion or a fire.
After the Hurricane
- Inspect for Damage: Clear out hurricane debris around the sewers and check for visible plumbing damage like obvious leaks, burst piping, or water stains in your outdoor fixtures and exposed piping.
- Test Your Water Quality: Water supply may be contaminated after a hurricane. Have a plumber in Boca Raton test for contaminants and consider using bottled water until the potable supply is restored.
- Check Your Sewers: Inspect your sewer system for backup or hurricane damage. Slow drains or foul sewage odors require professional attention.
- Call a Professional: Have an experienced plumber in Boca Raton inspect your system even if there are no visible issues. They can identify hidden damage and ensure your plumbing is safe.
Hurricanes can bring unimaginable destruction, but proper preparation and swift response can ensure safety and reduce the stress and expense of major plumbing repairs. And remember—when in doubt, call an emergency plumber in Boca Raton to handle issues professionally.
Preparing your plumbing for hurricane season is a breeze with Broward Plumbing by your side. So, stay safe and ensure your plumbing is ready to weather all storms!