Climate change has increased the occurrence of natural disasters. When a warning of severe weather goes out, it’s not uncommon for people to be asked to evacuate their homes. When leaving the home, you want to do all you can to keep your systems protected, and that includes the plumbing system.
Here are a few steps you can take to ensure your plumbing stays safe if you need to evacuate for a natural disaster.
Make Sure Your Water Heater is Safely Installed
If your water heater comes loose during a natural disaster, it can do immense damage to your home. Before evacuating, make sure it is securely strapped to the wall. Experts recommend using a heavy metal gauge strapping tape that secures both the top and bottom of the heater. Additionally, all metal and copper piping should be replaced with flexible water connectors and natural gas pipes that are less likely to break under pressure.
Switch the Main Water Valve Off
A natural disaster can cause your pipes to break flooding your entire home. Switching off the main water valve will cut off your water supply to prevent flooding. Your main water valve is usually located in your basement or on an outside wall of your property. You can shut it off by turning it in a counterclockwise direction.
There are two types of designs for the main valve, the gate valve and the ball valve. The gate valve features a durable design, and you may need a tool to move it.
The ball valve is commonly found in homes with plastic or copper pipes, and it will need to be turned clockwise to shut it off. Once turned off, it will be at a right angle to the pipe. It’s a good idea to know where your main water valve is located so you are not scrambling to find it when you are in panic mode.
Remove Debris from Your Drains and Sump Pump
A sump pump works to get rid of water around your home, so it doesn’t flood your interior. If the pump is clogged, it will not do its job properly. Therefore, you want to make sure that your pump and drains are free of debris, especially when a natural disaster is about to hit. To clean the sump pump, you will need to turn off everything the pump is linked to. Next locate the discharge pipe your sump pump is connected to and disconnect it.
Wrap your sump pump with plastic wrapper to prevent debris from spilling all over the home. Take the pump outside, unwrap it and connect it with your garden hose to wash the dirt off the pump. The final step will be removing the standing water from a sump pit with a dry vac.
Natural disasters can wreak havoc on your plumbing system. The tips in this article will keep your home safe from floods and water damage. Call JVS Plumbing today for any plumbing needs.
