It’s hard to believe that we are entering another Hurricane Season. May has been extremely wet and there is still a lot of rain on the radar. Even though we love living in Florida, we all dread hurricane season. Most people focus on getting supplies and boarding up their house before a storm, but did you know that a storm can cause big issues for your plumbing system? To help you through the storm season and minimize the damage, we have some suggestions for before and after the storm.
Before the Storm:
When there is a hurricane or large tropical storm system in the forecast, here are some precautions you can take before the storm:
Check the drains. Walk around your property and check all the areas where water drains. Clear away any debris to make sure the drains can handle the heavy rain. Making sure your drains are unobstructed will help reduce potential water damage to your foundation. It may also keep underground pipes from getting damaged by large debris.
Check the septic tank: If your home runs on a septic tank, make sure you have it cleaned regularly to avoid unpleasant backups that heavy rains and flooding can cause. Mainline malfunction, clogged toilets and sinks, and harsh odors from the drains are signs of a potential backup. Any evidence of a backup is a reason to turn off all AC and heating units and contact a plumbing professional as soon as possible.
Shut off the main water valve. Know where your main water valve is located. If you are in an evacuation zone, turn off the water just before you leave. This will prevent contaminated water from entering your plumbing system and reduce the risk of water damage to your home from a burst pipe. If you stay home during the storm, fill your bathtubs and sinks with water and turn off the water valve just before the storm hits. This will keep your pipes free of contamination.
After the Storm:
Turn on the main water valve: Before you turn on the main water valve, find out if your area is on a boil water alert. Check for updates on your local utility department to verify that the water is safe to use and drink. If you don’t see any damage and everything appears normal, switch on the main valve. Once you turn on the valve, check your toilets and faucets.
Check outside: Look around your yard for roots of trees that may have shifted. Deep-rooted trees can cause problems for your underground pipes. If you notice roots lifting up out of the ground near your home, you may want to call a plumber to check your pipes.
If anything about your Melbourne, FL plumbing or water doesn’t seem right after the storm, call Sun Plumbing. We can send someone out to inspect your plumbing and pipes. It’s better to be safe than sorry. We serve all of Brevard County and offer 24-hour emergency service (except during a hurricane).
