Hurricane season can be one of the most destructive times of the year. If you expect a major storm to hit your area this year, take steps to protect your plumbing system from clogs and other damages. Flooding water can introduce debris into your sewage system and drains during the storm. Once debris enters your plumbing system, it can clog up it and flood water into your home or damage your pipes. Here are things you can do to protect your home's plumbing now.

Check Your Drainage Lines 

If you have drainage lines in a basement, garage, or anywhere else around your property, check them for obstructions, such as weeds, piles of dirt, and flowers. Flooding water can push these items into the drains and clog them up. Clogs can prevent excess rainwater from flowing away from the home during the storm. 

Also, check the city inlet in front of your property and house for obstructions. Although the city checks and cleans the inlets, city workers may not have time to maintain them during an impending hurricane. If it floods in your area, the water will have problems flowing into the inlet and out to the city water and sewage centers. You can unblock the inlet in front of your property with a broom or rake. Place the debris in a trash can, then seal the lid shut.

After you take care of the outside of your house and property, you can protect the plumbing inside your home.

Stabilize Your Water Heater

Your hot water heater is one of the most components of your home's plumbing system. Because of this, it's important that you protect your hot water heater from the storm and its flooding water. Water heaters also have electrical parts that can short out when exposed to outside water. In addition, water is a conductor of electricity. If someone goes near a wet or water-logged water heater, it can be dangerous. 

Place your water heater on cinder blocks and another strong material. You want to raise the appliance about 12 inches from the ground. It's also a good idea that you unplug your appliances before water floods into the home. Unplugging the appliance may help prevent electrical injuries in the home. If water already exists in the home, don't touch the appliances and vacate the area. 

To learn more about protecting your home's plumbing pipes, lines, and appliances, contact an HVAC company before the storm hits. 

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