While storms strike suddenly, underlying plumbing problems often develop slowly, out of sight. A minor root intrusion in your sewer line, for example, can turn into a complete blockage once heavy rainfall saturates the soil and causes roots to swell. Additionally, aging pipes are more prone to cracking or bursting under the added pressure that flooding puts on the ground around them. With that said, the experts at Houston suggest beginning hurricane plumbing prep weeks before the onset of hurricane season. Why? If you do not, you might find yourself looking for emergency plumbing services at the most inconvenient time
Sewer Line Flood Risks in Houston Neighborhoods
* Drains are draining slowly
* Sewage smell close to cleanouts outdoors
* Water rising in the lowest drain inside the house.
Hiring a professional plumber to inspect the sewer line before hurricane season begins is a key part of hurricane plumbing prep, helping keep track of cracks, clogs, or tree root intrusion before they can turn into major problems.
Adding a backwater valve offers further protection against flooding — a simple device that most Houston homes don’t have installed by default, yet it plays a critical role in preventing sewage from flowing back into the property.
Homes in older neighborhoods, which often still have clay pipes, need this inspection even more, since clay is especially prone to cracking and root intrusion. Without it, small issues can quickly escalate into major sewer backups once heavy stormwater hits the system.
Safety of Your Water Heater During Hurricanes
2. Disconnect the power source before leaving the premises.
3. Close the water inlet valve so that dirty water does not fill the tank.
4. Check the anode rod and pressure relief valve in advance.
Outdoor Drain Protection as Part of Hurricane Plumbing Prep
During a hurricane, outdoor drains face the most challenging situation. Debris from the hurricane blocks the drains and creates obstructions. Thereby, water cannot flow anywhere but towards your foundation. Also, blocked storm drains around you put your whole street at risk of flooding.
Simple Outdoor Drain Steps
- Clear gutters and downspouts of debris
- Schedule drain cleaning for yard and driveway drains
- Extend downspouts away from the foundation.
- Check that outdoor faucets have proper covers.
In addition, outdoor faucet protection prevents pipe bursts caused by sudden pressure shifts or debris impact during high winds. Wrapping exposed faucets and shutting off outdoor water lines beforehand adds another safeguard.
Because Houston storms often bring both wind and flooding together, addressing outdoor drains protects your home from two directions at once.
Backflow Prevention Steps
Backflow happens when contaminated water reverses direction and enters your clean water supply. During a hurricane, pressure drops in city water lines make this far more likely.
Therefore, backflow prevention deserves serious attention in any hurricane plumbing prep Houston plan.
How to Prevent Backflow
- Put a backflow prevention device in your water supply pipe.
- Test the installed devices yearly, better yet, before the storm season.
- Locate your main shutoff valve.
- Do not use tap water for consumption during floods.
Likewise, a professional plumber can perform the inspection of your system immediately and see whether it is working properly, as this step alone can make a meaningful difference in your hurricane plumbing prep. As problems associated with backflow can be discovered only when the contamination takes place, you should check your system beforehand.
Building Your Full Hurricane Plumbing Prep Houston Checklist
• Have your backwater valve installed or tested.
• Secure and elevate your water heater.
• Remove debris from your gutters and other outdoor drains.
• Drain outdoor faucets and insulate them.
• Test backflow prevention devices.
• Keep the number of an affordable plumber who works in Houston on hand.
