Did Your Home Flood? Important Plumbing Issues

15 October 2021
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If you live in an area prone to flooding, you can face many plumbing problems as part of your recovery. Excess water inside your home can cause a number of damages, so you need a proper professional inspection to avoid missing possible problems. Here are some of the more common problems suffered after your home floods:

Pipe Damage

One possible downfall of a flood is damage to your pipes. Flooding can lead to debris hitting your pipes or excess water possibly cracking or crushing the pipes. You may not even notice any damage right away. Hairline cracks in pipes are not easily recognizable without a plumber's expert eye. These small cracks can quickly turn into bigger cracks, which will present major issues later on.

Plumbing Fixture Damage

You also need to check the plumbing fixtures after a flood. Make sure the fixtures are not loose or damaged in any way. They may have sediment intrusion, which can impede the proper flow of water. A plumber can check the fixtures to make sure they work properly and are fitted correctly. This is especially important for special fixtures like low-flow showerheads. In addition to damage, the fixtures will need a thorough cleaning if they have been infiltrated by floodwater. You can use an equal part of bleach to water in order to ensure the bacteria is gone.

Debris in Pipes

During a flood, debris, dirt, and other objects are in the water. When the water goes away, the debris is often left behind in your home. Depending on the severity of the flood, the debris can get into your home's pipes and cause major clogging. You might be able to remove some of the clogs closer to the surface. However, you never know how badly clogged the rest of the pipes are. You will not be able to reach these pipes without the right equipment, so you need to hire a plumber to check the pipes with a camera to determine if any clogs are present.

A flood can be devastating, and you will have a lot of damage to deal with in a particularly bad flood. In addition to making sure the indoor plumbing is safe, be sure to watch for issues outside as well. After a flood, it is not uncommon for underground pipes to become visible above ground as the dirt is washed away. You need to be sure any exposed pipes are recovered to avoid a significant issue that can impact the plumbing of your entire house. Contact a local plumber to learn more.