Tampa Bay is no stranger to intense storms throughout the hurricane season. As a homeowner, it’s important to conduct a post-storm inspection of your home’s electrical and plumbing systems.
It’s a necessary practice that allows you to catch any damage so that you can get it repaired before the issue gets any worse.
Importance of Post-Storm Inspections in Tampa
There are various reasons why post-storm inspections are crucial for every homeowner in the Tampa Bay area. Floodwaters could potentially infiltrate your plumbing system, allowing bacteria and other debris to enter your lines. A downed power line can cause electrical surges that may potentially damage your electrical system and everything plugged into it.
Intense storms and plumbing can lead to leaks in your plumbing. This often results in water seeping into the foundation or other areas of your home. Water damage to the structure and your belongings can be extensive. You might see widespread mold and mildew growth.
Additionally, any damage that exposes wiring during the storm can create a fire and shock hazard in your home. Conducting a prompt inspection after a storm will help identify potential issues early. You can then seek repairs promptly, before these issues cause further damage to your home.
Plumbing Inspection Checklist
Look for Sewage Backups
As flood waters take over the area, it’s not uncommon for Tampa Bay storm drains to be overwhelmed. This can lead to a decrease in your home’s ability to dispose of its wastewater via the city’s sewer system.
Key signs that you have a backup in your sewer line include:
- Foul odors
- Gurgling noises
- Slow drainage
- No drainage
It’s vitally important to address this issue with one of our plumbing professionals as soon as possible. A backup of sewage water poses a serious health risk to your family.
Look for Leaky Pipes
Another thing to be on the lookout for is any pipe leaks or breaks. The excessive rain, combined with shifting soil, can put a lot of stress on your underground piping.
Some key indicators that there’s an issue with outdoor lines include a reduction in your water pressure and unexplained pooling of water in your yard.
Traditional signs of interior leaks include water stains on your walls and ceilings, and hearing running water when no taps are on.
Be Wary of Water Supply Contamination
Sometimes, floodwater can seep into your municipal water supply line or private well.
Stay alert to any discoloration, an odd smell, or an unusual taste in your water supply. If you notice anything off, have the problem evaluated by one of our plumbing professionals. You may need water treatment.
Check Your Water Heater
One other thing to look out for is flooding that has reached your water heater. If water reaches the pilot light, burner, or electrical components of your water heater, it can create a dangerous situation.
It’s best to shut off the breaker for your water heater and have one of our professionals assess it. Our inspection will reveal if it has undergone flood damage, and we will assess whether it requires repair or replacement.
Electrical Inspections
Reset Tripped Breakers
One of the first places you want to start your electrical inspection is your electrical panel. See if any of the circuit breakers have been tripped due to the storm.
If any circuit breakers did trip, you can reset them. However, be mindful of what’s on that circuit so that you can check it for any potential damage.
Test Devices for Power Surge Damage
Powerful storms can cause your local power grid to go down, potentially leading to issues such as power surges.
When these surges happen, they can send too much electricity through your electrical system to anything plugged in. This includes expensive appliances and electronic devices. This can lead to permanent damage to these items.
Look for Burnt Outlets & Switches
If any of your outlets or light switches feel hot to the touch, it’s a key indication that there’s damage. Also, be alert to any burnt smells, flickering screens, buzzing smells, or sparks.
Unplug the device or shut off the circuit breaker for that location until one of our licensed electricians can further evaluate the damage.
Preventative Measures Before the Next Storm
As a homeowner, you can take proactive steps to help minimize damage from storms in the Tampa Bay area.
- Install a sump pump to manage floodwaters and prevent excessive flooding in your home.
- Install a whole-home surge protector to divert any excess surge of energy through your wiring. It prevents permanent damage to your electrical system and any devices plugged into it.
- Schedule annual plumbing and electrical inspections to identify any potential issues with your systems.
- Install a water filtration system to protect household members from potentially contaminated tap water.
- Install a backup generator to keep everything running when the power goes out.
Request Plumbing & Electrical Services From Acree
Acree Plumbing, Air & Electric offers expert inspections for your household plumbing and electrical systems. We can help with all your plumbing and electrical installation, replacement, and repair needs.
Just call our office today to book an appointment with one of our friendly plumbers or electricians.
