2024’s hurricane season is here, and you know what that means: it’s time to protect your home’s plumbing! If you’re a homeowner living on the Gulf Coast, it’s necessary to know the short-term effects of hurricanes on your house. That way, you can determine if the storms have damaged your home, and if they have, you’ll know how to respond.
2024 Hurricane Season
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts there is an 85% chance that there will be more hurricanes during the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season than average. They forecast that there will be 8 to 13 hurricanes this season, 4 to 7 of which will likely develop into major hurricanes. Hurricanes differ from major hurricanes because the latter are defined by their high wind speeds of 111 mph and higher.
The NOAA predicts there will be a higher volume of hurricanes this year because of the near-record-high water temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean and fewer Atlantic trade winds, among other factors. That’s why it’s even more important to protect your home this year from the short-term effects of hurricanes.
This is especially true if you’re a Louisiana native! Louisiana has been hit by over 50 hurricanes since 1851, and it ranks as the fourth most hurricane-prone state in the United States. As of 2018, approximately 22% of all hurricanes that hit the US also hit Louisiana. It’s more at risk of hurricanes than most other states due to bordering the Gulf of Mexico. As such, Louisiana residents would be wise to prepare for this hurricane season.
Short-Term Effects of Hurricanes on Your Home
Hurricanes are mighty forces of nature, what with their strong winds and heavy downpours. Unfortunately, these factors lend destructive power to the storms, and they have the potential to cause a variety of plumbing predicaments for you and your family. Keep reading to learn more about how hurricanes can affect your home.
Water Pipe Breakage
Water pipes are prone to bursting during hurricanes due to the force of strong winds. Be on the lookout for the following signs in your home during hurricane season; they can serve as indicators that a pipe has broken:
- Discolored water
- Inconsistent water pressure
- Water puddling on the floor
- Strange noises coming from your pipes
- Mold or water stains on the walls
- Higher water bills than usual
If you notice one or more of these signs in your home, turn off the water supply in order to prevent any further damage to the pipes. The water supply valve may be found by the water heater or outside near the water meter. As an extra precaution, consider turning off the electricity.
Once you have turned off the water, try to identify where the leak is coming from. Bulges in the floor and ceiling, water spots, and drips can all be signs that the leak is nearby.
After identifying which pipe has broken, contact your local plumber in order to get it professionally repaired. If you’re having trouble figuring out where the leak is coming from, no worries: at Goodbee Plumbing, we also happily complete plumbing inspections in order to help you figure out where the problem lies.
Flooded Water Heater
Your water heater is vital to everyday tasks like bathing, cooking, and cleaning. However, it can be put at risk of flooding in the midst of a hurricane. To determine if your water heater has flooded, look for these signs:
- Discolored water
- Low supply of hot water
- Popping noises in the water heater’s tank
- Puddling around the bottom of the water heater
If your water heater has flooded, then it must be replaced entirely. Using a heater that has been flooded, even if it has been repaired, can pose a safety risk to your home.
As such, if you are in need of water heater installation—or are unsure as to whether or not your heater flooded—then contact a Goodbee plumber near you for assistance.
Sanitary Sewer Overflow
Because of the excessive rainfall during hurricanes, it is possible for local sewer systems to flood. The flooding can lead to water supply contamination, as well as flowing into residential areas. This phenomenon is called a sanitary sewer overflow (SSO), and it can cause property damage and pose a threat to homeowners’ health.
If you have reason to believe that an SSO has occurred in your area, check your basement for flooding. If you find that sewage has, in fact, leaked into your home, do not attempt to remove it yourself. Raw sewage carries bacteria, which can make you sick if you are not equipped with the proper PPE.
In order to have the sewage safely removed from your home, call a professional plumber for assistance. They are trained to remove sewage safely and will have the necessary tools. With the help of a plumber, your home will quickly be restored to its former condition, and you and your family will no longer be at risk of getting sick.
Prep for Your Next Hurricane Season
The best way to protect your house from any plumbing problems is to prepare for hurricanes in advance. There are several steps you can take to ensure that you and your loved ones are safe before, during, and after the storm, and we at Goodbee have a series of tips to make the prep process as easy as possible. Although hurricane season can be stressful, taking action beforehand will reduce your concerns.
Goodbee is Here for All Hurricane Needs
Goodbee’s team is based out of Covington, Louisiana, so we know a thing or two about how hurricanes can impact your home. Whether you need help determining where your leak is, assistance in preparing your house, or have any other needs related to the short-term effects of hurricanes, our plumbers are here for you. We pride ourselves on friendly, above-and-beyond service and high-quality repairs.
Want to learn more about us and how we can help you? Give us a buzz at 985-893-1883 to find out more about our services.