In Hawaii Kai, heavy rain, strong winds, and the occasional tropical storm are just part of life. But even though most of us know to stock up on batteries and bottled water, we don’t often think about getting our home’s plumbing ready. Before the next major rainstorm hits, here’s what a plumber Hawaii Kai wants you to know.
1. Find out where your main water shutoff valve is.
Everyone in the family should know where the main water shutoff is. Storms can burst pipelines, knock things over, or tip trees. If water starts spraying from a place it shouldn’t, turn off the supply right away and ask for help.
2. Clean out the gutters and downspouts
Not only is standing water on your roof or around your foundation hazardous for buildings, it can also get into plumbing pipes and cause gradual leaks in areas you wouldn’t think. Before a storm, check that your gutters, downspouts, and any drains in your yard are clear.
3. Make sure outdoor fixtures and hoses are safe.
You need to take care of your garden hoses, hose bibs, and irrigation pipes. Take the hoses out of the garden and put them away inside. It’s advisable to cover or insulate outside fixtures, especially when storms are coming in from the north. This keeps things from getting damaged if the temperature drops below normal.
4. Look at your sump pump (if you have one)
Before heavy rain, people who live near the marina and have basements or laundry rooms that are low to the ground should always inspect their sump pump. Put a couple buckets of water in the pit. If it doesn’t turn on or drains slowly, call a plumber to fix it quickly.
5. Close off weak entry points
Check around all the places where pipes come into the house, especially where plumbing comes in from the outside. To fill up cracks, use caulk or foam that expands. This keeps water out and makes it less likely that bugs will get in when the ground is wet.
6. Keep sewer drains safe
Flash floods can put too much strain on city sewers, which can cause backups in your home that are not pleasant. Adding a backwater valve gives you more protection and keeps dirty water outside, where it belongs.
7. Unplug and turn off appliances in areas that are likely to flood.
If flooding is possible, unplug your washer, dryer, and even your hot water heater on the bottom floor. This lowers the chance of electrical damage and dangers to your home.
8. Look for leaks that aren’t obvious After the Storm
Check for wet places, puddles that don’t make sense, or stained walls or floors a day or two after everything clears up. These could be fresh leaks. Finding mold early on saves you money on repairs and stops it from growing.
9. Have emergency numbers on hand
Make sure you can see and reach your plumber’s contact information. When the rains is rising or the pipes burst late at night, you don’t have time to Google.
A little planning can go a long way. You can get through the storm and maintain your Hawaii Kai home’s plumbing in great shape with a few fast tests and some easy steps to stop problems before they happen. Before the gloomy clouds come in, it’s time to get ready!