If your house is affected by floods, there could be plumbing issues. That you will not discover until a licensed professional conducts an in-depth examination of your home. Below are some of the most common after-flood plumbing issues:
Clogged Drains
The floodwaters will always contain a bit of salt and dirt, and as the water recedes, the residue remains in its place. The particles may block the drains in your home which were affected by floodwater. In many instances, you can use the standard DIY equipment — such as a plunger or plumbing snake can clear these obstructions. However, suppose you are concerned about the likelihood of pipe damage and want to have your plumbing professionally inspected. In that case, it’s best to leave the drains as they are until your plumber gives the all-clear.
Repairs that are Damaged and Dirty
Any plumbing fixture that has to get damaged by physical force, the elements, structural damage, or flying debris will likely have to get replaced. However, those not injured may require some TLC through an extensive cleaning using dilute bleach. For showerheads and faucets, it is possible to take them apart and soak the individual components in bleach to stop mold growth.
Pipes that get Broken in the Home
The threats of debris flying off as a result of a hurricane or floating debris after a flood might pose a twofold threat to your home’s plumbing. If a line has been damaged, you might not be able to determine the issue until the flood water recedes. It gets completely removed from your home. Suppose you see new puddles appearing after the floodwater receded. Within this case, you must turn off the water at the main valve while waiting for the plumbing check.
Broken Pipes Underground
The standing water and the saturated soil below create a considerable weight. Unfortunately, the water lines and waste lines can fail under the weight. Suppose you find sinkholes in your yard after the water has receded. In that case, that’s an indication that one or more pipes are bursting underneath your lawn. A plumber might have to conduct an inspection using a camera to confirm.
Foundation Fragmentation
Foundation damage can occur in flooding when there’s movement in the soil under the foundation. This unstable ground could cause the foundation crack as well as plumbing pipes. Pipes may break when they’re affected by a house’s shifting foundation.
The destruction this severe may seem like a lot of work, yet there’s no job too big or too difficult for the skilled plumbers of the neighborhood Ottawa Plumbing Services. If you’ve been affected by a storm or another flooding event and require repairs or inspections for your plumbing, contact Us by calling (613) 317-1682. You can also send us an email at info@ottawaplumbingservice.com.
