After The Storm: How Flooding Can Impact Your Plumbing
Hurricane season can bring on a lot of concerns for those who live in the affected areas. One thing that many homeowners in hurricane zones have to deal with is the possibility of flooding. Flooding can cause all sorts of damage to a home. It can particularly have a bad impact on your home's plumbing.
After you clean up from a flood, it is important that you have your plumbing inspected to make sure there is not any hidden damage that you cannot see. The following are some of the most common plumbing issues after a flood:
Clogged Pipes
When a flood happens, debris and dirt will inevitably be present in the water. Once the water recedes, the debris is left behind. That debris can make its home in your pipes and drains all throughout the home. You may be able to clear these clogs yourself with a plunger or a drain snake. However, some clogs are going to be quite tough to take care of yourself. They can often get into areas that you cannot reach with DIY plumbing tools. You will need a plumber to clear many clogs, especially those found in the drain lines underground.
Damaged Plumbing Fixtures
A flood can result in severely damaged plumbing fixtures. Damage can occur with water invasion, but can also be impacted from wind and floating objects in the water. Be sure to check all faucets and shower heads to ensure they work properly. You should also give them a thorough cleaning before you use any of your fixtures so that they are disinfected with any potential bacteria that was in the flood water. You can clean them with a solution made from equal parts of bleach and water.
Damaged Pipes
A major issue with plumbing is damaged pipes. Houses have plumbing lines both inside and outside that will need to be inspected before you use your plumbing. Flooding can result in damage, as floating debris and the pressure of the flood water can cause the pipes to crack and ultimately break. This will not often be noticeable until well after the water has receded. One way to notice indoor pipe damage is if there is water buildup in the walls and floors long after all flooding has been cleaned up.
Outdoor pipe damage can be more problematic. Pipes are buried underground and they are used to carry your home's wastewater to the sewer system. If these pipes are damaged, you will notice a severe back up of waste water in the sinks, bathtub, and toilet. You will not be able to use any of these facilities until the problem is repaired.
The damage can be the result of the impact of flooding. One thing to look out for are sinkholes around the area where the pipes are buried. That is a tell-tale sign that you have a problem. To find out for sure, the plumber will need to use a camera snake to see exactly where the damage is so that the pipes can be replaced.