How Hurricanes Affect Plumbing
If you live in an area that has hurricanes such as Long Branch, NJ, you should be aware of the effects of these storms on your plumbing. The good news is that it is possible to make sure that your plumbing is in tip-top shape.
Prepare your home
During hurricane season, which runs from June to November, you need to prepare your home for the worst. Luckily, there are a few ways to minimize damage to your home.
The first is to make sure your drainage system is in good working order. This will keep your foundation dry and prevent floods from entering your home. Your gutters should also be cleared of debris so that water can flow freely.
Another way to save your home is to install a backup power system. This will help to reduce the stress that plumbing systems are under during a hurricane.
While you are at it, you might want to have your plumbing and drains inspected. This is especially important if you live in a hurricane-prone area. If there are any broken or leaky pipes, it is wise to call a plumber such as Rooter Man of NJ right away.
The best part about preparing your home for a hurricane is that you will know exactly what to do when the storm hits. The wind, rain, and heavy rain will cause considerable damage, so it is best to be prepared.
The most important element to a hurricane-proof home is the drainage system. This will help protect your foundation and walls.
In addition to this, you may want to install a backflow prevention system, which will prevent your home from becoming overflowing with raw sewage. You might even need to cut down a few trees to make room for the sewer line.
Avoid exposure to sewage
Hurricanes can cause a number of harmful effects, including sewage backups. This type of situation can lead to the contamination of surface water or even your own private drinking well.
It is important to follow proper cleanup procedures to reduce the risk of infection. The most obvious of these is to avoid contact with contaminated water. You can also reduce the risk of exposure by minimizing your use of water.
Pathogens and bacteria found in sewage can infect your respiratory tract and enter your bloodstream. They can even make their way into your body through cuts and abrasions.
To minimize the risk of exposure, it is best to remove all water from your home before attempting to clean up. Using a wet/dry vacuum is a good way to get rid of water and solids.
Wearing protective clothing is a good idea when cleaning up a sewage backup. Protective shoes, rubber gloves, and a face mask are a few items you should wear while working.
Be sure to keep your windows open to help ventilate the area. When available, dehumidifiers are a good idea. During the cleanup, you may want to use a fan to keep the air moving.
Some examples of sewage-related illnesses include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and painful skin rashes. While many of these are minor, they can progress to more serious infections.
Sewage can carry several disease-causing organisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. It can also contain harmful chemicals and heavy metals.
Prevent power outages
Hurricanes can cause power outages in some areas. This happens when trees fall on power lines and other structures. Also, high winds and flooding can damage electrical equipment.
To prepare for these incidents, check your home for any possible risks. Make sure you have an emergency kit and an evacuation plan ready. Stock up on food, water, and other necessities. In addition to checking the electric system, you should also make sure your plumbing and walls are secure.
If your appliances have short circuits, you should disconnect them. Otherwise, they may not work when the power is restored.
It is also important to keep your taps on a slow drip. This will prevent pipes from freezing. Then, check for gas leaks and call your insurance company. You should not use your generator to power your home.
Gasoline can be in short supply during natural disasters, and it can cause unintentional combustion. It can also lead to a serious injury if you siphon it.
Using candles or kerosene lamps can be a fire hazard if you leave them unattended. Instead, use battery-powered flashlights or lanterns.
During a hurricane, you can protect your home from storm surges. You can install storm shutters or board up windows. Check the manufacturer’s safety warnings.
Be prepared for the possibility of extended outages. These can be dangerous for health and communication. A longer outage can disrupt food and water supplies, and it can make it difficult to maintain medical devices.
If you have a secondary non-electric heater, you should store it safely. Ideally, you should use it outdoors. But if you do, it should be at least 20 feet away from your house.
Repair a plumbing clog
Hurricanes have the potential to damage your plumbing. While the cleanup will take some time, there are some things you can do to ensure the problem is resolved in a timely fashion.
One of the most important steps you can take to protect your property is to ensure your water supply is not contaminated by floodwater. Floodwater carries debris such as grit, salt, and dirt. This can damage your pipes, leading to serious flooding and damage. If you have any doubts that your system is not in top shape, consider hiring a dependable plumber such as Rooter Man of NJ to inspect it for you.
A major storm like Hurricane Harvey can cause major damage to your plumbing. Some homeowners are still repairing the damage. Even a small clog can cause a mess.
The most obvious choice for this task is to turn off your water valve. After all, you can’t let the water run all night if it is contaminated. Also, check your water meter to see if you have a leak. You don’t want to pay for water that you didn’t use, especially if you were evacuating the area.
In fact, you may be surprised at how many hurricane-related plumbing problems you might have overlooked. Be sure to do your research and prepare for the next big storm. It could save you from a costly repair bill in the future.