As hurricane season approaches, Lexington residents are scrambling to protect their homes from storm damage. One often overlooked part of hurricane prep is your plumbing and HVAC systems. At Kay Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we know the stress and worry that comes with severe weather threats. Follow our expert advice on hurricane plumbing and HVAC prep in Lexington, and you’ll minimize damage and avoid costly repairs after the storm.
At Kay Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we know how important it is for your home to have clean, safe water. So, we offer high-quality water filtration systems in Lexington, SC, that are made to deal with these issues and give you peace of mind.
Pre-Hurricane Plumbing Preparation:
Clean and Clear: Start by cleaning your gutters, downspouts, and drains. This keeps water draining during heavy rains, reducing the risk of flooding and damage to your home.
Root Check: Inspect your property for tree roots that could damage underground pipes. If you suspect any issues, contact our plumbing team for a professional assessment.
Sump Pump Maintenance: Make sure your sump pump works well, and think about adding a battery backup. This is very important to keep your basement from flooding when the power goes out.
Seal and Secure: Check that all service lines (water, gas, and electrical) are properly sealed to prevent water from coming in during the storm.
Before the Storm:
Water Storage: Fill bathtubs and sinks with water for non-potable use, such as flushing toilets or cleaning.
Shut It Down: Turn off the main water valve to keep your home’s water supply from getting dirty.
Power Down: Turn off electricity and gas to your water heater to prevent damage and potential hazards.
Elevate and Protect: If flooding is likely, elevate your furnace, water heater, and electric panel. For hurricane HVAC Lexington SC protection, securely tie down exterior air conditioning units.
Seal the Crawl Space: Close and tape off exterior crawl space vents to prevent water intrusion.
During the Storm:
Conserve Water: Minimize water use to reduce strain on the plumbing system.
Use Stored Water: Utilize the water you’ve stored for essential needs like flushing toilets.
After the Storm:
Inspect and Assess: Check all plumbing fixtures for damage once it’s safe to do so.
Wait for the All-Clear: Before turning the main water supply back on, check with local authorities to ensure it’s safe.
Look for Warning Signs: Be alert for signs of contamination or damage, such as discolored water, leaks, or cracks in pipes.
Clean Up Again: Clear any new debris from gutters, downspouts, and drains.
Survey for Damage: Check your property for fallen trees or debris that might have damaged underground pipes.
Flood Recovery: If flooding occurred, remove soaked carpeting and furniture, and properly air out your home to prevent mold growth.
Stay Safe: Avoid flooded areas to prevent contamination or electrical shock risks.
General Weather-Preparedness Tips:
- Stock Up: Keep a supply of bottled water for drinking and cooking.
- Test Kits: Have water testing strips on hand to check water safety after the storm.
- Know Your Valve: Know the location of your main water valve for quick shutoff if needed.
- Backflow Prevention: Consider installing backflow preventers on sewer and septic tank lines to prevent contamination.
When to Call a Professional:
You can do many of the steps needed to get ready on your own, but there are times when you need professional help. For plumbing help right away in Lexington, SC, call Kay Plumbing, Heating & Cooling if you notice any of these signs:
- You notice bubbles when turning on water, which could indicate trapped air or debris in the pipes.
- There’s sewage backing up into toilets, bathtubs, or sinks.
- You need a thorough inspection and cleaning of your HVAC system after flooding.
Keep Your Home Safe with Hurricane Plumbing and HVAC Services in Lexington, SC
It is very important to get your plumbing and HVAC systems ready for hurricane season to protect your home and keep your family safe and comfortable. If you follow these steps and stay alert, you can lower the chance of storm damage and the cost of fixing it.
Remember, Kay Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is here to help with all your hurricane preparedness needs, from storm-resistant HVAC systems to flood-damage HVAC repair and water damage restoration in Lexington, SC. Don’t wait until it’s too late – contact us today for a comprehensive assessment of your home’s readiness for hurricane season.