The Importance of Plumbing Inspections After Severe Weather

Severe weather brings many dangers for homeowners, both during and after the storm. Whether you’re suffering through a hurricane, flash flooding, tornadoes or thunder storms, the consequences can invite significant personal injury and property damage. While plumbing might not be the first thing on your mind after undergoing the stress of an emergency, it’s vital that you understand the need for plumbing care and maintenance in the storm’s aftermath. At Neighborhood Plumbing, we proudly offer residential and commercial plumbing in Pittsburgh and other nearby metro area neighborhoods. Unfortunately, our crew of certified plumbers has seen their fair share of plumbing problems develop after severe weather. We have witnessed firsthand what issues are created when a property owner neglects to maintain their plumbing after extreme storms and natural disasters. Here are some tips on how you can protect your home and your loved ones if you’re exposed to dangerous climate conditions. 

Staying Safe During the Storm

The first step to ensuring the safety of yourself, your family and your home is by making good choices while the storm is raging outside. Different varieties of storm require a separate list of precautions, so it’s important to pay attention to your locations most frequent type of severe weather, and prepare accordingly. Back drafting can be particularly troublesome. Bad weather can affect the amount of air pressure inside your sewer line. In extreme cases, gases from your sewer line or septic system can be forced through your pipes, and released into the air in your home via sink, tub and shower drains. If you begin to smell foul odors while the storm is passing, you may need to alert authorities and be careful not breathe in the fumes or ignite the gas by lighting a flame or gas stove. Flooding itself can also be a major issue. Sometimes large amounts of water can flow into your home from flash flooding conditions, seeping their way through entry doors or cracks in your foundation. However, flooding can also occur when the underground pipes are overburdened with water. In these circumstances, waste water could begin to backup into your toilet, sinks and showers, creating unhealthy conditions for your household. Major flooding can result in electrical dangers from exposed wiring, so if water is making its way into your house, be sure to turn off the electricity to your home at the source. Keep in mind that lightning can be conducted with water and metals, so your plumbing system and the use of water from taps and faucets should be avoided during thunderstorms. 

Reasons You May Need a Professional Plumbing Inspection Following Severe Weather

Once the storm has subsided, quickly assess any issues that have arisen. If you notice any immediate dangers, call emergency personnel and leave the home until you can safely return. Once risks of personal injury have been removed, it’s time to call a professional plumber near you for a thorough inspection. Storms can wreak havoc on pipes and plumbing fixtures. Uprooted trees and shrubs can puncture or break underground pipes. Flooding and sudden shifts in air pressure can stress indoor plumbing, and create weakened or burst pipes. Getting a professional inspection will ensure that your pipes are safe to use, and won’t cause even more significant damage in the future.

Ready for Your Next Plumbing Inspection? Call Neighborhood Plumbing Today

Has your family suffered severe weather conditions? Avoid burst pipes, and other property damaging consequences by getting the help you need right away. The experts at Neighborhood Plumbing are happy to offer emergency plumbing services for residents and business owners in Pittsburgh, PA and surrounding communities. Whether you need an inspection, repair, replacement or new installation, our certified plumbers will get the job done right. Call today for more information or to schedule an appointment.