Here in the Boston area we don’t get very many hurricanes. When we do, it’s important to be prepared. In addition to the normal preparations for disaster, there are steps you can take to minimize damage to your home’s plumbing.
1. Stay informed
This article is not a comprehensive guide to hurricane preparedness and safety. Some resources that will help you prepare overall are:
- Ready.gov is a national website with information and resources on how to prepare for emergencies.
- Sign up for emergency alerts in your area.
2. Before the hurricane
Clearing out any leaves, debris, and drain obstructions from around your drainpipes and gutters will help rainwater drain properly and will reduce the risk of your home getting flooded. You should also check to make sure your sump pumps are working properly. If you need to have a sump pump installed or repaired, we can help!
You can also fill your bathtub with water during the hours before the storm hits. This will provide you with a reserve of water for washing and flushing in case your water or your plumbing fails.
3. During the hurricane
See the article on Ready.gov for information on how to stay safe during the hurricane. If you are asked to evacuate your home, please do so immediately! But first turn off your main water valve and your hot water heater before leaving. This will prevent contaminated water from entering via the main water valve and will minimize damage in the event a pipe bursts. Turning off the hot water heater will prevent it from turning on if there is no water inside the tank to be heated.
4. After the hurricane
If you have a flood, call us for water remediation services.
If you notice any of the following less obvious conditions, you should also call us immediately!
- Your water looks cloudy. This could indicate it’s contaminated.
- Your water has bubbles in it. This could mean there’s trapped air in your pipes, which could be caused by a broken pipe or a clog.
- You notice sewage backup. This can be caused by clogged drains and is hazardous to your health.
- Clogged or slow drains. This can mean you have debris that has built up in your pipes and should be cleared.
Call McMahon Plumbing at 617-364-2200 if you have any questions!
