As you're preparing your home for tornado season, don't forget your plumbing. Readying your plumbing now before storms hit can help prevent flooding and other problems. At Benjamin Franklin The Punctual Plumbers® in Nashville, TN, we compiled this list of nine steps to take before you experience bad weather that could damage your plumbing. These steps can help minimize plumbing damage in the event of a tornado.
1. Locate and Label the Main Water Shut-Off Valve
It's important to know the location of your main water shut-off valve in case of an emergency. When a flood happens, you'll want to turn off the water to your home at the main shut-off valve. This can stop any extra water from flooding your home during or after a storm. When a tornado occurs, it's also important to shut off the water to your house and drain the pipes to keep contaminated water from entering your plumbing system. This can keep your pipes clear. Water contamination is a common problem following a tornado or heavy thunderstorm. Locate and label your main water shut-off valve now to make it easier to find in an emergency.
2. Inspect Exposed Pipes for Vulnerabilities
Walk around the inside and outside of your home to check exposed pipes for vulnerabilities. Look for rust, corrosion, or moisture beads near joints or small cracks. These signs indicate you need to have a plumber repair your exposed pipes so they won't burst during a tornado or heavy storm and flood your home. Pipe ruptures can cause extensive water damage that is costly to repair. Identifying weak areas in your exposed pipes early gives you time to call us for repairs and prevent these issues from worsening during bad weather.
3. Secure Outdoor Fixtures and Hoses
Take a look at all of your outdoor fixtures, exterior pipes, and hoses. Make sure they're insulated and secured. Any exposed pipes should be wrapped in insulating or covered with foam covers to protect them from storm debris. Install braces and pipe supports to keep your fixtures and pipes secure in the face of heavy winds. When a storm approaches, disconnect your garden hoses, and store them in your shed rather than leaving them screwed into your spigots.
4. Schedule a Preseason Plumbing Inspection
Schedule a thorough preseason plumbing inspection with Benjamin Franklin The Punctual Plumbers®. Our plumbers will inspect your plumbing to check for leaks and weakened pipes. They'll check for corrosion, rust, cracks, and other problems that could result in pipe bursts and leaks. Your plumber will also inspect your water heater and clean the sediment buildup. We'll test your sump pump to make sure it's ready to handle a sudden inflow of water during heavy rains to keep your basement dry. A thorough plumbing inspection allows you to complete repairs and replace worn parts before a storm hits and results in more extensive plumbing damage.
5. Test (or Install) a Sump Pump
If you have a sump pump, you should test it. Pour water from a bucket into your sump pit until the float rises or your pump turns on. If the pump doesn't activate despite you pouring enough water to nearly fill the pit, your sump pump's switch could be bad. If your pump kicks on, it should lower the water level until almost all of it is gone. Call our plumbers if your sump pump doesn't seem to be working properly for fast sump pump repairs. If you don't have a sump pump, now is a good time to purchase one before a storm hits. Our plumbers can install a sump pump for you in the lowest area of your basement or crawl space. We recommend that you have a backup battery power source available for your sump pump so it will continue working if the power goes out. Once your sump pump is installed, test it regularly to confirm that it continues to work as it should.
6. Install Backwater Valve
In a sudden downpour, you can experience a water backup in your basement. Clear rainwater running into your basement can cause damage, but it's even worse when you have a sewage backup that ruins your furniture and releases foul odors and microorganisms into your home's air. You can keep a sewer backup from happening by installing a backwater valve. If your home doesn't have one installed, you'll need to hire a licensed plumber from Benjamin Franklin The Punctual Plumbers® to install it for you. Your plumber can pull any necessary building permits for you from the city of Nashville and install the valve in your home. Once installed, your backwater valve will stop sewage and wastewater from flooding into your home during heavy storms.
7. Clear Debris From Gutters and Downspouts
Early in the spring, clear out all twigs, dirt, and leaves from your gutters, downspouts, and drains. When you have clear gutters, downspouts, and drains, rain will drain away from your home as it should during a storm. Check your gutters and downspouts to make sure they are securely attached. Tighten them if you notice they are loose. If your gutters are rusty, replace them. Clearing away debris regularly reduces the risk of blockages caused by storms and drains excess water away from your home. Since Nashville experiences frequent storms, twigs and other debris can quickly build up. It might be a good idea to purchase gutter guards so that debris won't build up and cause drainage problems.
8. Trim Branches and Shrubs
Don't overlook your lawn and landscaping when you're preparing your plumbing for extreme weather. Trim any tree branches that overhang your home or outdoor fixtures. This helps to keep your roof and plumbing fixtures safe from falling limbs. When a severe storm approaches, shut off your outdoor water valves to keep water from entering your home if a breakage or leak occurs. Our experienced plumbers can also look for tree root intrusions with a camera inspection and clear root intrusions away for you.
9. Know When to Call
It's a good idea to call us at Benjamin Franklin The Punctual Plumbers® now before you experience bad weather. We can inspect your plumbing and help you get it ready for the storm season. Our plumbers can also install a backwater valve or a sump pump if you need them and fix any vulnerabilities in exposed pipes to minimize the risk of damage and leaks. If you've already experienced a storm, the following issues should prompt you to call us for repairs:
- Sewage backups
- Floods
- Damaged outdoor spigots
- Clogged outdoor drains
- Nonworking sump pumps
- Damaged pipes
We're available 24/7 for emergency plumbing services and will respond quickly. Our goal is to restore your plumbing promptly and prevent additional damage from occurring.
Talk to Our Punctual Plumbers
With tornado season approaching, it's important to prepare your plumbing to reduce your risk of floods and extensive damage. If you've already experienced storm damage, you'll want to call us for immediate help. At Benjamin Franklin The Punctual Plumbers®, we provide a wide range of plumbing services, including plumbing maintenance, plumbing repairs, leak detection, outdoor plumbing services, and more. We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee and 24/7 availability in emergencies. Benjamin Franklin The Punctual Plumbers® is proud to be the best plumbing company in Nashville. Contact us to schedule your service today!
