Whether flooding is caused by a tropical storm, hurricane or storms before a weather front, your home needs a full assessment after the floodwaters drain. One area often overlooked during a damage review is essential to hygiene and health — household plumbing. The potential damage caused to underground pipes and drains in an external flooding event is real, and plumbing companies in Houston Texas are ready to help if you observe any warning signs of a plumbing backup, seepage or leak.
Pipe breakage
A pipe rupture may not be noticed immediately when you return to your home after a flood. The soil is already saturated, and landscaping is often modified by standing water. This makes identifying changes in the ground around the home difficult, particularly in areas like Houston where repeat flooding is common. However, the weight of standing water as well as the hydraulic potential in a flash flood can cause cracks and breaks in the ground and within the foundation of your home.
The first warning sign of a crack or break may show up in an overly high water bill. If it doesn’t, keep an eye out on your yard as the area dries. Is one spot staying wet and saturated? Does one particular area smell of sewage? Is part of the yard sinking? How is the water pressure? A decline in pressure from municipal systems is not unlikely in the immediate aftermath of an emergency but should be restored soon. If the water pressure stays low at your house, or the water lines make persistent air noises, a plumber needs to be consulted.
Foundation problems
The hydraulic effect of water during a flood can also cause problems with your foundation and the water pipes moving through it. Even a subtle shift in the foundation of your home can put adverse pressure on water pipes, causing microcracks and breaks to begin at the foundation and other weak points in the household system. It may take months or longer for you to notice a change in your water bill or until a full burst happens. To check for these leaks, inspect areas where the water lines enter appliances for moisture and look for signs of new seepage in the basement or around the foundation.
Drain clogs
In outdoor areas, clogged drains can create a water backup that has long-term repercussions on your drainage system. Trash and dirt moved by floodwaters ends up in municipal storm drains, area waterways and any other area it can settle into as water levels recede. Without proper drainage, your household water can start to back up, causing bubbling up of water through the sinks and drains and problems flushing the toilets. When you believe you are experiencing a clog or water leak caused by prior flooding, look for plumbing companies in Houston Texas you can trust and request a plumber’s assistance immediately.
