Plumbing Problems After a Storm: What to Watch For
Storms can wreak havoc on your home in ways that aren’t immediately visible. Heavy rain, flooding, and wind can test the strength of your plumbing system, leaving behind a trail of hidden damage. Knowing what to look for after severe weather is the first step to protecting your home and avoiding long-term headaches.
Reynolds Electric and Plumbing is here to guide you through simple steps you can take to spot post-storm plumbing trouble and when to call in our cavalry of experts for help. We perform a range of sewer line services and plumbing services, including broken pipe repair, so no matter what issues you’re facing, we can provide a long-lasting solution. Reach out to our team in Eugene, OR, today and see why we’re one of the most trusted names in the region.
Common Plumbing Problems Caused by Storms
Severe weather doesn’t just leave puddles in the yard or debris on the roof. It can create a cascade of plumbing issues that demand attention. From flooded basements to broken underground pipes, here’s what storm damage can mean for your home’s plumbing.
Flooded Drains and Sewers
Heavy rain overwhelms underground sewer lines and storm drains quickly. When the system can’t handle the excess water, sewage can back up into your home. This leads to unpleasant odors, blocked drains, and potential health hazards. In worst-case scenarios, you might even experience water pooling in your sinks or tubs. Addressing these issues promptly can help restore normalcy and prevent more serious damage to your sewer system.
Damaged or Broken Pipes
Storms put tremendous strain on your plumbing system, often resulting in damaged, leaking, or burst pipes. Heavy rain and flooding can saturate the soil around your home, creating pressure that leads to cracked pipes or broken underground pipes. Tree roots and shifting ground during a storm can also interfere with pipe integrity. Inside your home, sudden changes in water pressure or the force of floodwaters can cause pipes to leak or burst, leaving wet spots on walls, ceilings, or floors. Even a small crack or leak can escalate quickly, leading to significant water damage if not addressed.
Water Heater Issues
Storms can compromise your water heater in several ways. Floodwaters may reach your unit, causing electrical issues or rust to develop. Additionally, power surges during a storm can damage internal components, leading to inconsistent water temperatures or a complete failure to heat water. Keep an eye out for any unusual noises or leaks around your water heater after a storm.
Sump Pump Failure
A sump pump acts as your home’s first defense against heavy rains. Installed in a pit at the lowest point of your basement or crawl space, it detects rising water levels and pumps water away from your property, protecting your foundation and preventing water from seeping into your living spaces.
However, severe storms can overwhelm your sump pump, especially if it’s undersized or if the rainfall is excessive. Power outages during storms also render many sump pumps inoperable, leaving your home vulnerable to a flooded basement. If your sump pump fails, standing water can cause extensive structural damage, weaken your foundation, and create a breeding ground for mold and mildew.
How to Inspect Your Plumbing After a Storm
Once the storm has passed, it’s important to thoroughly inspect your home’s plumbing for any signs of damage. Below are the steps you can and should safely take to get an idea of if your property’s integrity has been compromised:
- Check all visible fixtures. Run water through faucets, sinks, and tubs to spot slow drains, gurgling sounds, or other signs of blocked drains or clogged pipes.
- Inspect your yard. Look for standing water, unusually wet patches, or sinkholes, which may indicate damaged pipes.
- Examine exposed pipes. Check for visible leaks, dampness, or cracks around pipes in your basement, under sinks, and near your water heater.
- Test your sump pump. Confirm that it activates properly when water levels rise in its pit. Address any unusual noises or sluggish performance.
- Evaluate your water heater. Look for leaks, rust, or inconsistent water temperatures that might signal storm-related damage.
Staying vigilant and addressing any problems quickly can help minimize the damage and disruption caused by storm-related plumbing issues.
Why Call a Professional Plumber for Storm Damage
While some minor plumbing issues, like a clogged drain, may be easy DIY fixes, it’s generally best to call in a licensed professional plumber anytime you suspect storm-related damage to your home’s plumbing system.
Severe storms can cause extensive plumbing problems like widespread flooding, burst pipes, and sewer backups. Resolving these complex issues requires specialized tools, training, and expertise that most homeowners simply don’t have. Attempting DIY repairs on these problems could end up causing more harm than good.
Our team of highly-trained plumbers at Reynolds Electric and Plumbing have the right equipment and know-how to quickly diagnose and address storm-related plumbing emergencies. By acting fast, we can minimize further water damage to your home and prevent potential health hazards from leaks or sewage backups.
Preventive Measures for Future Storms
While you can’t control the weather, you can prepare your plumbing for the next storm. Installing a backwater valve reduces the risk of sewer backups, and regular maintenance helps keep your system in peak condition. If your sump pump is older, consider upgrading to a model with battery backup to handle power outages. Routine inspections by professionals can identify potential issues with underground sewer lines or aging pipes before they escalate.
Call & See How Reynolds Electric and Plumbing Brings the Calm After the Storm
Don’t let storm damage turn your home into a disaster zone. Give the plumbing pros at Reynolds Electric and Plumbing a call, and let us bring the calm after the storm. Contact us today to schedule an appointment! Whether you’re dealing with a simple slow toilet drain or severe water leaks, we can carry out repairs to protect your home’s foundation and your family’s well-being.