Servicing Your Home Plumbing Before A Storm
Storm season can hit South Florida hard. With the threat of hurricanes annually, it’s good to prepare your home’s plumbing ahead of time. Storms bring strong winds and heavy rainfall, both of which can cause some hefty damage. Here are four steps that you can take to prepare your home plumbing system. Make sure you’re protected before a hurricane hits.
Check Your Drains Beforehand
Your drainage system is your home’s first line of defense against a raging storm. Gutters and drains play the important function of channeling water away from your home. Whenever it rains, your drains are working in the background. By doing this they help to protect your foundation, walls, and windows.
Over time, debris and dirt can block your gutters. If this is allowed to accumulate, it can completely block the flow of water. A simple blockage can quickly lead to leaks and even flooding. When water can’t escape via the gutter it will find the next path of the least resistance to follow. It’s for this reason that you should do a regular inspection and clean out of your gutters. This is even more important before the storm season. Be sure to look for leaves, dirt, weeds, branches, and even dead rodents that could lead to a clog.
For complete peace of mind, it’s best to call in a professional plumber. They will clear your gutters and inspect your drains for clogs. They will conduct a thorough clean-out in and around your home.
Locate The Main Water Valve
Knowing where your main water shut-off valve is located will help you to act fast in the event of a leak. Storms can easily cause water leaks. Whether it’s a burst pipe or a water heater issue, knowing how to turn your water off is crucial. Even wasting a few seconds trying to locate your main water valve may cause extra flood damage.
In the event of a strong hurricane, you may even need to evacuate your home. In situations like this, it’s a good idea to turn off your water. This will prevent any contaminants from entering your water system. It’s also a good idea to fill your bathtub and sinks with clean water in the event of a storm. This way you can turn off the main water valve to protect your home from contamination.
Check Your Septic System
If you’re not on the city sewer system, then you may have a septic tank. While they aren’t common in South Florida, older homes and structures do have septic systems.
Before the storm season starts, it’s good to get out a plumber to service your septic tank. These are best left for the professionals as they’re often underground. This is particularly important if you notice any strange odors or clogged toilets. The last thing you want is for sewage to back up through your pipes and into your home.
Do A Post-Storm Inspection
It’s always good to assess for any potential damage after a storm. Just like you checked for any debris before the storm, it’s best to do this again after a storm. Be on the lookout for any branches, dirt, leaves, or areas of pooling water.
It’s also good to check for any leaks about the gutters and the house. Strong winds can damage gutters, and you may need some plumbing maintenance work. Also check internal fixtures such as faucets, toilets, and drains. Turn on your faucets and flush your toilets to make sure that they’re working correctly. Finally, check that your water heater is working.
The Home Plumbing Safety Experts
Seeing to all these safety steps can be daunting and time-consuming. At Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric, our team is ready to give your home a full safety check. You can rest assured that we’ll identify and fix any issues before the storm season hits. We are the go-to plumbers for Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade counties. Call us today at 1-800-475-1504 or visit our Facebook page for the latest information and updates.
