Storm Season Plumbing Preparation Guide

Just as we highlighted in our previous blog on how our electrical license can enhance and streamline your plumbing projects, our goal here is to underscore the importance of preparedness. Storms can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous, but one of the most common hidden dangers they bring is water intrusion and the strain on your home’s plumbing. 

This “Storm Season Plumbing Preparation Guide” will walk you through all the steps, considerations, and best practices for ensuring your plumbing is ready for whatever nature has in store. So grab your checklist, settle in, and let’s explore how to get storm-ready!

1. Why Prepare for Storm Season?

Storm season brings high winds, heavy rains, and the occasional power outage. It’s also about the potential for widespread plumbing disruptions. From sewer backups caused by torrential rainfall to outdoor water line damage from uprooted trees, storms can wreak havoc on residential plumbing in ways many homeowners do not anticipate.

Heavy rainfall can quickly oversaturate the ground around your foundation, leading to leaks, bursts, or pressure imbalances in pipes. Storm drains can become overwhelmed and cause water to back up into your home. At times, localized flooding can cause damage to above-ground and underground plumbing lines. For all these reasons and more, it’s crucial to get ahead of the storm and ensure your plumbing system is as prepared as possible.

2. Risks of Ignoring Plumbing Preparation

Plumbing problems never appear at convenient times, and they can be especially devastating if they happen in the middle of a storm. If your home’s plumbing is compromised, you can face a variety of costly and stressful problems:

1. Flooded Interiors: A burst pipe during a storm can flood basements, crawl spaces, and ground-level rooms.
2. Sewer Backup: Heavy rains can cause municipal sewer lines to overflow, leading to sewage backing up into your home.
3. Structural Damage: Undetected leaks can weaken your home’s foundation, framing, and electrical systems (which is why it’s also essential to hire a plumber who understands electrical work—like our team at Action Service Company).
4. Health Hazards: Stagnant water can quickly become a breeding ground for mold and bacteria, posing serious health risks.

The sheer disruption to everyday life, combined with the expenses involved, underscores why a proactive approach to plumbing preparation is so vital.

3. Inspecting and Fortifying Your Home’s Plumbing

3.1 Locate and Inspect All Visible Pipes

Before a storm hits, it’s smart to conduct a thorough walk-through of your home and property to inspect any visible pipes:

1. Look for Rust or Corrosion: Pay attention to any discoloration on metal pipes, as rust can be an indicator that your pipe’s integrity might be compromised.
2. Check for Leaks: Even a small leak can become a major problem if storms add more pressure to the system. Check under sinks, behind toilets, and near water heaters for any moisture or pooling water.
3. Evaluate Exposed Outdoor Pipes: Outdoor faucets, sprinkler system connections, or hoses are especially vulnerable. Ensure they’re properly insulated and not showing signs of stress or damage.

Identifying problems early allows you to schedule repairs before storm season intensifies the risk. As in our previous blog on preparing your home for frozen pipes, it’s important to have a sense of the potential weak points in your plumbing. 

3.2 Assess the Condition of Your Sewer Lines

When it comes to storm preparations, few plumbing areas are more critical than your sewer lines. When storms bring excessive rain, sewer systems can quickly become overloaded, causing backups that may infiltrate your home.

1. Video Inspection: Professional plumbers can run a camera through your sewer line to spot blockages, cracks, or root intrusion.
2. Identify and Remove Obstructions: Tree roots are a common cause of sewer line issues. If roots are invading your sewer line, clearing them out and repairing any damage is crucial before storm season.
3. Replace or Repair Compromised Sections: If a segment of your sewer line is deteriorating, replacing it sooner rather than later can save you from the unpleasant experience of sewage backup during a storm.

3.3 Checking Your Sump Pump (If Applicable)

Many homes have sump pumps in their basements or crawl spaces to help deal with excess water. A properly functioning sump pump is often the last line of defense against flooding in these lower levels:

1. Test the Pump: Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit to trigger the float switch. Make sure it activates and pumps out water effectively.
2. Clean the Pit: Debris can clog the sump pump and reduce efficiency. Ensure the pit is free from dirt, gravel, or other obstructions.
3. Backup Power: Since storms can also cause power outages, consider having a battery backup or a generator system. At Action Service Company, we understand the electrical side of plumbing components as well, so we’re always ready to assist you in setting up a reliable power source for your sump pump.

3.4 Inspecting and Clearing Gutters and Downspouts

While gutters and downspouts aren’t traditionally seen as “plumbing” features, they play a critical role in diverting water away from your home’s foundation and basement. Proper drainage from these outdoor structures can significantly reduce pressure on your foundation drains and reduce the likelihood of leaks or flooding.

1. Clear Debris: Leaves, twigs, and other debris can clog gutters, causing water to spill over and pool near the foundation.
2. Secure Connections: Ensure that downspout extensions are firmly attached and direct water away from the house.
3. Regular Maintenance: During storm season, check gutters more frequently to catch any new blockages.

4. Preventative Measures and Maintenance

4.1 Routine Drain Cleaning

Even on a sunny day, clogged drains can be a nuisance, but add storm runoff to the mix, and the problem can become urgent. Investing in routine drain cleaning can keep your drains free-flowing, reducing the likelihood of backups when a sudden surge of water occurs.

1. Professional Drain Cleaning: Our team has the tools and expertise to thoroughly clean drains and spot potential issues.
2. Biological Cleaners: Enzyme-based solutions can help break down organic build-up in pipes without damaging them.
3. Avoid Harsh Chemicals: While store-bought chemical drain cleaners might provide temporary relief, they can corrode pipes and compound your problems in the long run.

4.2 Pressure Regulation

Excessive water pressure can place undue stress on your pipes. While the municipal water supply usually maintains consistent pressure, heavy rains and municipal drainage issues can cause fluctuations. Over time, excessive pressure can lead to leaks or bursts in more vulnerable sections of your plumbing.

1. Install or Check Pressure Regulators: A plumber can measure your water pressure and recommend adjustments or install pressure-reducing valves.
2. Monitor for Sudden Changes: Notice any sudden surges or drops in water pressure? That’s a sign to get a professional evaluation.
3. Protecting Fixtures: Regulated water pressure also helps prolong the life of faucets, showerheads, and other fixtures.

4.3 Water Heater Checkups

Storms can disrupt power supply and water lines, putting added stress on water heaters. Additionally, if your home experiences flooding, water heaters can be damaged, leading to leaks or even electrical hazards if the connections are compromised.

1. Flush Your Water Heater: Sediment buildup can reduce efficiency and even cause corrosion. Flushing the tank once or twice a year is an excellent preventative measure.
2. Check Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve (T&P Valve): A failing T&P valve can lead to dangerous pressure buildup in the tank.
3. Secure the Tank: In some storm-prone areas, it’s wise to ensure your water heater is strapped or braced, helping keep it stable during high winds or minor tremors.

4.4 Securing Outdoor Plumbing Assets

Outdoor spigots, irrigation systems, and hoses can be damaged during strong storms. High winds can fling loose equipment around, and flooding can damage lines left exposed.

1. Disconnect Hoses: If you know a storm is coming, it’s a good idea to disconnect hoses to reduce the chance of water backup or damage to your spigot.
2. Winterize (If Necessary): In some regions, storm season overlaps with cold snaps. Insulate outdoor piping to prevent freezing.
3. Shut Off Irrigation: If you anticipate heavy rainfall, turn off your irrigation system to avoid oversaturation of your lawn and potential soil shifting around your foundation.

5. Preparing for Power Outages and Emergency Protocols

5.1 Backups for Electrically Powered Plumbing Components

Several plumbing components—like sump pumps, certain water softeners, or even well pumps—rely on electricity. A storm that knocks out power can render these systems inoperable right when you need them most.

1. Install a Generator: For critical functions like a sump pump, a standby generator can be a lifesaver.
2. Battery Backup Systems: A less costly alternative is a battery backup, though these have limited operational time compared to generators.
3. Surge Protectors: Power surges can damage appliances like water heaters or pumps. Investing in surge protection can pay dividends during electrical storms.

5.2 Having a Shut-Off Plan

Knowing how to quickly shut off the water supply can mitigate damage if a pipe bursts or if you see warning signs of potential flooding.

1. Locate Your Main Shut-Off Valve: Typically found in the basement or near the perimeter of the home, make sure it’s labeled and accessible.
2. Show Household Members: Everyone in the household (or staff on site for commercial properties) should know how to turn off the water in an emergency.
3. Test It Periodically: Turn the valve off and on occasionally to ensure it’s not stuck or corroded. A stuck valve is almost as bad as not having one at all!

5.3 Emergency Kits

Storm season can bring not just plumbing issues but also power outages, blocked roads, and limited professional service availability if conditions are hazardous. As a result, it’s wise to keep an emergency kit:

1. Basic Plumbing Tools: A plumber’s wrench, a plunger, and sealing tape can be immensely helpful in stopping small leaks or dealing with minor overflows until help arrives.
2. Flashlights and Batteries: If you need to head into a dark basement to investigate a sump pump issue, you’ll need reliable lighting.
3. Clean Water Supply: Keep bottled water on hand in case of municipal water contamination or outages.
4. Protective Gear: Gloves, boots, and protective clothing can help keep you safe while dealing with water or potential sewage backups.

6. The Role of Professional Inspections and Maintenance

Storm preparation can be quite the undertaking, especially if you’re not entirely sure what to look for or how to fix issues you discover. That’s where our team at Action Service Company comes in. With decades of experience addressing plumbing issues—both common and complex—we’re well-equipped to help you storm-proof your plumbing:

1. Thorough Inspections: From sewer line checks to fixture evaluations, our professional inspections provide a detailed overview of your system’s health.
2. Preventative Maintenance: We can schedule recurring visits to ensure your drains, pipes, and water heater are always in peak condition.
3. Expert Repairs and Installations: If we spot a vulnerability, our plumbing experts can repair or replace fixtures and lines before a storm creates a catastrophe.

6.1 Why an Electrical License Matters Here, Too

In our previous blog post on why electrical licenses matter, we explained how having an electrical license sets our team at Action Service Company apart—especially for projects where electrical and plumbing systems intersect (water heaters, sump pumps, garbage disposals, and more). During storm season, this dual expertise becomes even more valuable:

1. Integrated Repairs: A storm-damaged sump pump might have issues with the wiring, motor, or float switch. Because we’re licensed for both plumbing and electrical, we can streamline the process and get you up and running faster.
2. Safe Assessments: Flooded basements with standing water near electrical lines are a major hazard. We have the training to handle these situations safely.
3. Long-Term Reliability: Our repairs are done right the first time, ensuring your system is both operational and code-compliant.

Of course plumbing licenses matter as well, and you can read more about that in our previous blog post. 

6.2 Scheduling Regular Checkups

The best way to keep your plumbing system storm-ready is to make it a year-round priority:

1. Bi-Annual Checkups: Consider scheduling plumbing maintenance at least twice a year—ideally before and after the peak storm season.
2. Prompt Repairs: Address any issues quickly instead of waiting until they become emergencies.
3. Documentation: Keep track of any repairs, replacements, or inspections. Good records help you anticipate part replacements and plan budgets accordingly.

7. Knowing When to Call in the Experts

7.1 Warning Signs to Watch Out For

Storm season can amplify small problems and turn them into big headaches. Here are some red flags that indicate it’s time to pick up the phone and call Action Service Company:

1. Slow Drains: If your sinks, tubs, or toilets are draining slowly, this could hint at a blockage further down the line.
2. Unusual Noises: Gurgling pipes or loud banging (“water hammer”) may indicate pressure issues or air pockets.
3. Discolored Water: Rusty or cloudy water can point to corrosion or sediment buildup in the system, which could worsen under storm pressure.
4. Sewer Odors: Any foul smell coming from drains could be a sign of sewer line problems that could back up during heavy rains.

7.2 Emergency Services During the Storm

Even with the best preparations, emergencies can still happen. Action Service Company is equipped to handle urgent calls whenever possible. Keep our number handy, especially during storm season, and reach out to us at the first sign of trouble.

8. The Aftermath: Post-Storm Plumbing Checkup

8.1 Inspect Your Property

Once the storm passes and it’s safe to go outside, do a walk-through of your property:

1. Check for Standing Water: Pools of water in your yard may indicate drainage issues or possible underground pipe damage.
2. Look for Exterior Damage: Inspect outdoor faucets, irrigation lines, and visible pipes for any impact from falling debris or strong winds.
3. Check Gutters and Downspouts: Storm debris can quickly clog gutters, potentially causing future foundation issues if left unaddressed.

8.2 Monitor Your Drains

If you notice any unusual gurgling sounds or slow drainage immediately after a storm, you might have developing clogs caused by backed-up or flooded sewer systems. This is the time to be extra vigilant and call for a professional assessment if you suspect trouble.

8.3 Conduct a Water Pressure Test

Your plumbing system might experience pressure fluctuations during a storm. After it’s over, test your home’s water pressure by turning on faucets and showers:

1. Listen for Whistling or Banging: Strange sounds can indicate trapped air or an uneven pressure distribution.
2. Observe the Flow: If you detect a sudden drop in water pressure, it could point to a partial blockage or an unnoticed leak somewhere in the system.

9. Long-Term Benefits of Storm Season Preparation

9.1 Increased Home Value

A well-maintained plumbing system isn’t just good for your peace of mind—it can also boost your home’s resale value. Buyers often hire inspectors who meticulously evaluate a property’s plumbing. If your system has a documented history of professional care, it can be a big selling point.

9.2 Extended Lifespan of Plumbing Components

Proactive measures mean you’ll likely replace fewer pipes, fixtures, and appliances over the long run. Regular checkups and immediate repairs for minor issues ensure that your plumbing can withstand the rigors of storm season year after year.

9.3 Reduced Stress During Severe Weather

One of the best parts of storm preparation is peace of mind. Knowing that your sump pump is functional, your drains are clear, and your sewer line is free from blockages will let you focus on other aspects of storm safety—like helping neighbors and family—rather than worrying about imminent plumbing disasters.

10. Action Steps for Homeowners

Before we wrap up, here’s a concise to-do list to keep on hand as you prepare for storm season:

1. Schedule a Professional Inspection: Have a trusted plumber inspect your entire system, from sewer lines to water heaters.
2. Clean and Maintain Gutters and Downspouts: Keep water flowing away from your home’s foundation.
3. Test Your Sump Pump: Ensure it’s in working condition and has a backup power source.
4. Check Pressure and Regulators: Avoid high pressure that can burst pipes during storms.
5. Inspect Outdoor Fixtures: Disconnect hoses, secure irrigation lines, and repair any visible damage.
6. Know Your Shut-Off Valve: Make sure you can turn off the main water supply quickly if needed.
7. Have an Emergency Kit: Stock up on essential plumbing tools, bottled water, and safety gear.
8. Monitor for Warning Signs: Strange noises, discolored water, or sewer odors mean it’s time to call a professional.

Trust Action Service Company for Your Storm Season Needs

We believe that planning and preparedness can make all the difference when storms roll in. At Action Service Company, our combined plumbing and electrical expertise positions us as a one-stop solution for virtually any plumbing-related issue that could arise—before, during, or after a storm.

Storm season doesn’t have to be synonymous with worry. By taking these preventative steps and leaning on trusted professionals, you’ll safeguard your home’s plumbing and help ensure that life continues as normally as possible, even when the weather outside is anything but normal. Whether you need an inspection, an upgrade to your sump pump system, or emergency repairs, our dedicated team stands ready to serve. 

Reach out to us for help with your home or business’s plumbing needs today.