Plunger Plumber is a big part of any home, so flooding can greatly impact it. When the water recedes, a homeowner should look at the plumbing system to ensure everything works.
Flood waters stir up extra sediment that can cause clogs in pipes. These clogs can then lead to plumbing failures. to learn more.
Clogged drains are a huge inconvenience for home and business owners. They can also cause major damage to your pipes, sewage lines, and septic system. Clogged drains occur in a variety of ways and are caused by different factors. Understanding what causes them can help you prevent and address them quickly and easily.
Most drain clogs are caused by food particles, soap scum, hair, and other items that build up and stick to pipe walls over time. These clogs can be prevented by regularly cleaning your plumbing fixtures and not putting anything down the drains that shouldn’t be there. Using strainers over bathtub and sink drains and placing them in showers can help you catch the little things that could become big problems.
Toilets, sinks, and tubs all flow into one drain line and are interconnected, so a clog in any of them can cause water to back up into others. This can lead to flooding, sewage overflow, and other serious issues. Clogged drains can also be a safety hazard to your health, as dirty or contaminated water can cause many diseases.
In addition to causing floods and other problems, clogged drains can also be a fire risk. If the clog is near an electrical wire, it can spark and cause a fire. Also, if the clog is in an area with a lot of tree roots, it can grow into and damage your pipes, leading to leaks and other problems.
If you notice a foul smell coming from your drains, it is important to contact a plumber as soon as possible. Unpleasant odors can make people sick, and they can also cause headaches and dizziness. They can also trigger allergies and asthma symptoms in people who are sensitive to them. Clogged drains can also lead to mold and mildew growth, which can cause breathing problems and other health issues in people keen to them. This is why it’s important to take the time to learn what causes clogged drains and how you can avoid them.
Floods cause all kinds of damage to homes and businesses. Depending on the severity of the flooding, it may take weeks or months for the affected home or business to return to a normal state. During this time, you must address any plumbing problems to prevent further issues and protect the value of your home or business.
Once the flood waters recede, many homeowners will find their drains clogged with debris and silt carried away by the floodwaters. These clogs are typically minor and can be easily addressed by a plumber using a plunger or plumbing snake. However, if the clogs are not addressed promptly, they can cause water pressure changes in the home, leading to bursting pipes and further water damage.
While unclogging drains and repairing broken pipes is important, looking at what the floodwaters did to your plumbing fixtures and hardware is crucial. Typically, there will be damage caused to pipes both inside and outside the home. If you see cracks or a hole in the wall, the line is likely broken. A plumber will be able to inspect the entire plumbing system to see how much damage there is and will be able to determine what the best course of action should be.
Another big issue that a plumber will be able to address is leaking fixtures and appliances. Leaking wastewater from fixtures and appliances can increase your water bill. In addition, leaking appliances and fixtures can leave behind water damage that can be difficult to clean up. Water can peel paint, warp wood, and lift floorboards. The longer it sits, the more damage it can cause.
There is also the possibility of sewer damage due to the flood waters. The sewer is meant to carry away waste, and when the flood water carries it in, the line can get damaged or completely ruptured. If this happens, you need a professional plumber to clear the sewer and replace the cable.
Homeowners may have a lot on their plates after a flood, but assessing the extent of foundation damage and repairing it should be one of the first tasks to tackle. Foundation damage can have a ripple effect on the rest of a building’s structure, and homeowners must address any issues as soon as possible.
If a person notices that doors and windows no longer open and shut easily or that cracks have appeared in walls or floors, these are signs of foundation problems. Cracks in floorboards and drywall are often caused by water seepage, but they can also be due to other factors such as soil type or the type of foundation a house is built on. Expansive soil types, for example, can expand when saturated with water, pushing against the foundation and causing it to crack or bow.
Flood conditions also cause the soil around a foundation to sink and erode, exacerbating cracks in a home’s foundation or basement floor. These cracks can lead to moisture buildup, leading to mold and mildew growth, posing a fire hazard and creating a health risk for home inhabitants.
When a homeowner notices that their home’s foundation has been affected by a flood, they should take the time to walk around the exterior of their property and look inside for signs of foundation damage. A professional will be able to assess the condition of a home’s foundation and determine what repairs need to be made.
A home is more than just a place to sleep and reunite with family members at the end of the day; it can also be a lifelong investment. For this reason, new and existing homeowners need to understand the plumbing and foundation issues that can occur after a flood. This can help homeowners make an informed decision about their future purchase or renovation and give them peace of mind that their dream home won’t become a nightmare later on down the line.
When building a home, plumbers place piping underground to connect the sewer lateral to water service pipes and drains. If regular inspections are not conducted, these pipes can develop cracks, leaks, and blockages, which may cause flooding, water supply disruption, faulty water billing, and drainage clogging. Timely underground plumbing inspections prevent these problems and save on costly repairs.
During heavy rains, there is an increased pressure on underground pipes. This is because the rain soaks into the sand and dirt around your home and makes it richer, increasing the pressure on the lines. Moreover, the wet ground can shift and force the pipes to bend or break. This also creates spaces where water can seep through.
If you experience a flood, the first thing that comes to mind is getting your family to safety and assessing the damage to the house. However, many homeowners must be aware that their plumbing can also be affected. The damage to your plumbing may not be as apparent as the water damage to your furniture, floors, and walls, but it can be just as destructive.
After a hurricane, the ground underneath your foundation can become soft, and the pipes can shift. The lines can then move away from your home, leading to a number of problems. You may notice a loss of water pressure, discolored and murky water, or strange and unpleasant odors. If you notice any of these issues, contact a plumber immediately for an underground plumbing inspection.