Unfortunately, Houstonians are all too familiar with flooding in our area. Flooding after a heavy rain is one of the most stressful and scary situations to deal with as a homeowner. Your main concern is to stop the flooding and keep yourself and your home safe, but flooding can also have a negative impact on your plumbing systems? Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Clogging
First and foremost, check your pipes. With heavy downpours and debris, clogging is sometimes inevitable and often dangerous. Overflowing pipes due to a clogged drain can also cause your pipes to shift and potentially break. Clogged pipes leave a heavy amount of residue, something that can affect the water flow for the next storm to come. Shortly after the flood has lifted, be sure to drain any clogs and remove any debris and residue from your pipes.
Breaking Pipes
Pipes can also crack and break in a flood due to overwhelming water pressure. Excess water pressure can cause your pipes to burst and cost you a pretty penny to have repaired. But the devil is in the details – small cracks and breaks are another common problem after floods. These are hard to spot, but they can cause immense damage over time. A small crack in a pipe can lead to water leaks and permanent damage to your home. It’s important to call a plumber to have an inspection done right after a flood to check for any cracks that may be present.
Saturated Soil
Underground pipes can also be affected in a flood, being weighed down by saturated soil above them. The saturated soil can cause your pipes to shift or move and eventually crack. With pressure from above and with the water having nowhere else to go, floods start and your house can be damaged. While it’s rare for the Houston area, over-saturated soil can also cause sinkholes to form after the flood has ended. A sinkhole is a large hole or gap that can form near your home where the pipes have collapsed. If this occurs, it’s time to call an expert for a plumbing repair.
If you are in need of plumbing repair in Houston after experiencing a flood, call Mission AC and Plumbing today to have your pipes inspected for the safety of you and your family.
