Most people associate winter weather with frozen pipes and expensive plumbing damage, but summer also brings its fair share of plumbing hazards! In Louisiana, those hazards are brought on by the approximate 60 inches of rain per year. Tropical Storm Cristobal greeted Louisiana with a lopsided, stormy grin. Thankfully, the storm itself was not a complete disaster, but it was a premonition of the season to come. If you are concerned about flooding and storm damages, you should consider your plumbing. Ask yourself the question: Is my plumbing storm-ready?
Flash Flooding During Summer Thunderstorms
Louisiana is no stranger to flash flooding during summer storms. The heavy influx of rainwater can put undue pressure on even the highest-functioning sewer systems. If flooding occurs near your home, your property could be at risk for unpleasant and costly backed-up sewage. When a sewage back-up occurs, hazardous waste and chemicals can be a part of the sludge, and many homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover replacements required after sewage-related damage.
Old Pipes. If your plumbing is built from materials that are no longer up to code, you could be at risk for damage such as cracked or collapsed pipes. Storms and flooding can only exacerbate a pre-existing plumbing problem. Al Bourgeois Plumbing professionals are experts in “sewer scope” technology, which is a non-invasive plumbing camera. If your plumbing is at risk for leaks or fissures, Al Bourgeois Plumbing can help identify the issue through our sewer camera inspection services.
Plumbing Fixtures. When anything is submerged underwater for a long period of time, it is subject to damage. During floods, outdoor fixtures such as drains, faucets are exposed to possible floodwater. It is likely that fixtures affected by the storm will need to be repaired or replaced.
Exposed Pipes. If your plumbing fixtures have experienced damage, it is possible that exposed pipes have also suffered damage. After a storm, be vigilant about where floodwater made contact with your property. Because flood water often contains sediment, it is possible that sediment infiltrated the damaged pipe.
Soil Subsidence. Soil subsidence can be a challenge for owners of slab homes. During flooding, the soil underneath the home can get washed away. When the soil settles, it can cause pipe damage. Al Bourgeois’ sewer camera inspection services can inspect the pipes underneath your home to evaluate their condition.
Tree Roots and Your Plumbing
Large trees can be the “root” of many sewage problems. When a sewage line is old or damaged, it can leak moisture into the soil, attracting tree roots. The roots can find even the smallest cracks and cause expensive damage to your septic system. Once inside the pipe, a tree root can even grow along inside for the length of the system. Symptoms of a damage sewer pipe include:
Slow Drainage
Inexplicable Mold
Sewage Odor
Sewage Backup
Sinkholes/Foundation Disrepair
Leaking Toilets
Tree roots are especially dangerous to Tera Cotta pipes, which are still often found in Louisiana plumbing. Once a clay pipe cracks, it can easily crumble and collapse. It is advisable to know what kind of pipes are used in your sewage system and monitor the foliage on your property.
Flood Water Contaminants
Flood water can increase pressure on your sewage system, increasing the likelihood of sewage backups. This murky substance is full of contaminants such as chemicals, gasoline, animal feces, and even sewage! Storm surges are often responsible for introducing contaminated water into plumbing systems. You can relieve the pressure against your plumbing, potentially preventing backups, by shutting off the main water valve before the storm reaches your area. Shutting off the main water valve will help minimize damage to the interior of your home in case of a pipe burst.
Call Al Bourgeois Plumbing Today!
At Al Bourgeois Plumbing, we have seen it all. We know how important it is to protect your plumbing against possible storm-related damage. Our expert technicians will evaluate your plumbing to give you peace of mind during the next storm. Ask us about our Sewer Scope Technology, a non-invasive plumbing camera. Call Al Bourgeois Plumbing today! 504-521-6070