How to Keep Your Plumbing Running Smoothly Throughout the Year
Recently, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) upgraded their prediction for the 2019 Hurricane Season. We’re now looking at an “Above Average” season rather than the previous “Near Average” prediction. Storms come with a lot of baggage. With threats of flooding and high winds, it’s easy to overlook the less celebrated facets of your home: The Plumbing! This blog will help you prepare your plumbing for hurricane season by detailing which pluming and emergency plumbing services are necessary to maintain healthy pipes. The more you do ahead of time, the less likely it is that your plumbing will suffer from post-storm malfunctions.
Thankfully, most hurricanes are saddled with the small boon of predictability. That is, human technology has come pretty far in its ability to track storms. This means that you have plenty of time to inspect your pipes for possible obstruction and debris!
3 Tips to Protect Your Plumbing
The best course of action, when it comes to storm preparation, is preventative planning. Preparing your plumbing for a storm can help you avoid expensive repairs in the future! A plumbing professional can help you determine the best methods of preparation and even advise you on which tools can help defend your plumbing.
Drains: Checking your outdoor drains for debris is the first step towards preparing your plumbing for a big storm. Clogged drains cannot handle the influx of water and gunk that needs to drain with heavy rain and possible flood waters. Protect your drains, and your home, by enlisting a professional to inspect your plumbing.
Water Heater: Make sure you turn off your hot water heater before a big storm or hurricane. Keeping it on can put unnecessary pressure on your plumbing system. Another survival hack for your next storm is to fill your bathtub all the way with water, so you have an extra surplus for whenever you need to flush the toilet!
Water Valve: Protect your water from external contamination by turning off your main water pipe before a hurricane. To ensure air can still get into your plumbing system, open the tap furthest away from the main line. During your next “Hurricane Preparation Shopping Trip,” make sure to pick up an extra source of fresh, drinkable water. You can never be too prepared!
Check Your Plumbing After the Storm
After the storm subsides, you’ll have a lot on your mind. Don’t forget to check your plumbing for damage, one last time. A thorough inspection includes checking your yard for debris that could possibly obstruct your plumbing and checking your water valve to make sure everything’s in working order. Remember to be careful when you go outside!
What to do if there’s Storm Damage to Your Plumbing
You did everything right. You followed all the steps and there was still damage to your plumbing system. Well, we’re so sorry to hear that, but we’re here to make your life a little easier!
You’ll know almost immediately if there’s something wrong with your plumbing, because your house will start to feel a little like it’s been haunted by a poltergeist. Call a professional immediately if you notice any of the following plumbing abnormalities:
Bubbles: No, that gurgling noise isn’t a ghost. It’s air struggling to get passed a blockage in your pipes. If you notice bubbling in your drains, or toilet, there is probably trapped air somewhere in the pipeline. A plumber will be able to tell you if there is a clog or a broken pipe that needs to be repaired.
Clogged Drains: One clogged drain is no fun. Multiple clogged drains are indicative of a larger problem. If you notice drains are getting clogged in places that don’t see a lot of use, chances are there’s rouge debris clogging your pipes.
Sewage: If there’s sewage backing up into your toilet, bathtub or sinks, you have a plumbing emergency. Chances are there is an underground pipe that is either broken or clogged. Exposure to sewage can be dangerous, so make sure to call a professional as soon as you notice something is amiss.
Call Al Bourgeois Plumbing Today!
Are you ready to start preparing for this year’s stormy season? You’re in luck! Al Bourgeois’ plumbing experts can help you get ready by protecting your plumbing against flooding and potential damages. And if you think you’re plumbing needs a maintenance check, Al Bourgeois will get it in tip-top shape before the next rainfall!
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