Ken's Plumbing | Blog

Hurricane Helene took everyone in South Carolina’s Upstate by surprise. For many of us, it was the first time experiencing such a large-scale weather event. In fact, Hurricane Helene is now considered the most devastating hurricane in our region since Hurricane Hugo in 1989.

Whether you evacuated or stayed home, the aftermath wasn’t just about clearing debris and fallen trees (and you’re fortunate if your home didn’t suffer damage!). Plumbing problems can also emerge in any system, requiring a thorough inspection to assess damages and address them correctly.

In this article, we’ll cover the essential areas of your home and plumbing systems to inspect after a hurricane, along with practical tips for conducting a thorough assessment.

Note: We suggest following a systematic approach, carefully inspecting each area in full before moving on to the next. While this may seem repetitive, it ensures that no potential issue goes unnoticed.

Check Your Indoor Plumbing Fixtures

Sinks, toilets, bathtubs, and showers are all areas prone to damage after a hurricane. These fixtures are often the first line of defense in identifying potential plumbing issues after the storm. 

How to Inspect Your Indoor Plumbing Fixtures?

• Check for Leaks: 
  • Inspect visible pipes, faucets, and fixtures for leaks. If you noticed a leakey kitchen faucet, here’s how to repair it.
  • Pay special attention to areas under sinks, around toilets, and near water heaters. 
  • Look for water stains, mold, or mildew, which could signal hidden leaks.
• Check Water Pressure and Flow: Turn on faucets and showers to test pressure. Low water pressure or inconsistent flow may indicate a pipe blockage or break.
• Inspect for Water Damage: 
  • Check walls, ceilings, and floors for water stains or damp spots that could indicate leaks or burst pipes. 
  • Evaluate plumbing fixtures for any signs of damage.

Check Your Water Heater

Water heater issues are among the most common post-hurricane plumbing problems. Flooding or even minor water leakage into the unit can cause malfunctions and may require a full water heater replacement. What’s even more concerning is that using a damaged water heater can be dangerous and could potentially lead to explosions. For this reason, it's vital that you don't skip this step while reviewing your post-hurricane plumbing inspection checklist. 

How to Inspect Your Water Heater?

• Conduct A Physical Inspection: 
  • Check the water and gas connections and the valves for leaks, physical damage, or rust on the water heater. 
  • If the water heater was submerged in floodwater, consult a professional for a thorough inspection.
• Conduct A Performance Testing: 
  • Test the water temperature. Discoloration or inconsistent temperature could indicate internal damage or sediment buildup.
  • Inspect the pressure relief valve for proper function. 

Check Your Drainage and Sewer Systems

Hurricanes (or any other storm, for that matter) pose significant risks to your drainage and sewer systems, as heavy rainfall can wash debris into the pipes. In other words, this is where the fallen trees, branches, shingles, and other storm debris can clog your underground sewer pipes. Such backups can flood your home, especially if your sewer lines are already in poor condition.

Also, if you’re already outside assessing your sewer line situation, you might want to add outdoor systems to your plumbing inspection checklist. By that, we refer primarily to the hose bibs, faucets, and irrigation systems. 

How to Inspect Your Drainage and Sewer Systems?

• Tour Your Yard:

• Walk around your house, checking for visible damage. 
• Be on the lookout for signs that the sewer line may have become detached or ruptured during the storm.
• Watch for Warning Signs of A Sewer Line Problem:
  • Run water through sinks, bathtubs, and showers to see if drainage is slow, which could indicate a sewer line clog.
  • Flush toilets to check for sluggish drainage.
  • Bad odors from toilets or drains may also point to a blockage.
• Check Outdoor Faucets and Irrigation Systems: 
  • Inspect outdoor hose bibs, faucets, and irrigation systems for leaks, broken connections, or damage. 
  • Look for broken sprinkler heads and damaged pipes in irrigation systems.
    
    

Check Your Crawl Space and Basement

Due to their location and proximity to the ground, basements and crawl spaces are often overlooked areas of your home that are particularly vulnerable to hurricane damage. They can also be early indicators of serious plumbing problems, as they're typically the first places to show signs of flooding or water damage. 

How to Inspect Your Crawl Spaces and Basement?

• Check for Standing Water: Carefully enter these areas and look for any pooled water. 
• Inspect for Signs of Flooding: Look for water marks on walls, dampness in insulation, or a musty odor. 
• Examine for Mold and Mildew: 
  • Use a flashlight to inspect dark corners and hidden areas. 
  • Look for discoloration on walls, floors, or wooden structures, and be alert for any musty smells. 

Check Your Water Quality

This is the last item on our plumbing inspection checklist, but it’s not less important! After a hurricane, contamination from flooding or damaged pipelines may compromise your water supply. Therefore, ensuring your water is safe for use is paramount after such an event.

How to Inspect Your Water Quality?

• Observe Water Appearance: Examine your water for cloudiness or discoloration. Clear water doesn’t guarantee safety, but visible changes often indicate storm-related contamination.
• Conduct a Smell Test: Run your tap for a minute and note any unusual odors. A musty or chemical smell could signify contamination.
• Heed Official Advisories: Pay close attention to and follow any boil water notices issued by local authorities. These precautionary measures are crucial for preventing waterborne illnesses in the aftermath of a hurricane.

Final Two Cents

As we wrap up this post-hurricane plumbing inspection checklist, we want to emphasize two last crucial points:

First and foremost, safety should be your top priority. If you suspect leaks, turn off your water supply to prevent further damage, and always check for gas leaks to avoid dangerous situations. Once you're sure it's safe, you can begin inspecting your plumbing systems.

Then, If you come across any plumbing problems and aren't sure how to handle them, don't hesitate to reach out to Ken's Plumbing. Our team is available throughout the Upstate and ready to assist with any repairs or inspections you may need. We're here to help ensure your home is safe and sound.