It’s officially Hurricane Season. As most Louisianians know, the beginning of summer also marks the beginning of the stormiest time of year. One frequently neglected checkmark on your storm-preparedness list should be your plumbing! The warm weather invites stormy winds across the gulf, and your plumbing ends up exposed to the most fearsome elements! Wind, rain, and debris are all potential threats to your plumbing. Al Bourgeois Plumbing has seen it all and has some handy tips for you to prepare your plumbing for the stormy season to come.
Wind: Your Plumbing and Windy Days
Most people focus on battening down the hatches during extremely windy days, but your plumbing requires a few extra safety steps.
High winds have the potential to uproot trees and disrupt systems such as your water heater. Before the storm arrives, make sure to take the following precautions to protect your plumbing system:
- Secure Your Water Heater. If evacuating, turn off the gas or the electricity that runs the water heater. The best part of this plan is that if you run out of water, the water heater will still have some stored.
- Double Check Your Pool Pump. If you have a pool, your plumbing appliances extend beyond the interior of your home! The best course of action is to turn off the pump and disconnect your hoses. Pro Tip: Don’t drain your pool before a storm! If you have an above-ground pool, the extra weight will keep it in one place.
Rain: Protecting Your Plumbing from Flooding
Rain is one of the most innocuously sinister elemental influences that can damage your plumbing. A little rain is a good thing. Too much can result in flooding, clogging, and contaminated water. The following are good practices to adopt during any storm that may cause flooding or flash flooding. Before a hurricane arrives, there are a few crucial steps you can take to minimize risk and prevent damage to your pipes.
Prepare for Contaminated Water. Floodwaters have the potential to carry contaminants, such as sewage and other pollutants, into your home. Typically considered to be “brown” or “black” water, this type of floodwater contains disease-causing organisms, which can enter your home if you don’t take the following precautions.
- Shut Off Main Water Valve. Turn your main valve off before the storm, or bad weather arrives. In the event of a flood, which can bring contaminated water into your home, shut the water off to prevent polluted water from entering your plumbing system.
- Unplug Your Appliances. This step should be taken only if you don’t have to stand in water. If flooding is a concern, try to move larger appliances, such as your washing machine, atop levelers such as concrete blocks.
- Fill Your Bathtub and Refrigerator. If you are concerned about contaminated floodwater or the possibility of your water shutting off, preemptively fill your bathtub and as many water vessels as you can to store in your refrigerator. Keeping ice or very cold water in your refrigerator and freezer will also help keep your fridge colder for longer.
Debris: Prevent Clogged Plumbing by Checking for Debris
We shudder to think about the types of debris heavy storms carry throughout the streets and sewers of Louisiana. To put it delicately, it’s gross. And flood debris can be detrimental to your plumbing! Thankfully, simple preventative measures can help prevent expensive damage caused by a hurricane or heavy storm.
- Unclog Storm Drains. Check your storm drains and remove any possible obstructions, so the drains can handle any excess water and possible debris! This can also prevent underground pipes from getting hit with copious amounts of waterlogged soil.
- Check for Symptoms of a Backup. Debris can wreak havoc on your sewer lines. If a buildup of debris has already affected your outdoor drains, it can eventually affect your sewer line and pipes. If you notice that your sink water is colored, your water tastes slightly metallic, or you notice a strange, unexplained odor, you may have a clogged sewer line or damaged pipe.
Call Al Bourgeois Plumbing to Set Up Your Consultation!
If you have old plumbing and are concerned about the possibility of storm damage, call Al Bourgeois Plumbing! Our experts will evaluate your plumbing needs and get your home protected against the possibility of storm damage. Request your service today! Or call (504) 521-6070 for more information!
