What to Do After a Storm: Protecting Your Plumbing and Backflow Systems

When a thunderstorm or heavy rain hits, your plumbing system is often one of the first things to feel the impact. From heavy rainfall to power surges, a storm can cause hidden leaks, drain blockages, or backflow issues that require costly repairs and keep your building's systems running safely.

1. Inspect for Leaks and Flooding:

After the rain stops, take a walk around your property. Look for signs of water pooling near your foundation or around outdoor plumbing lines. Even small puddles can indicate a leak or drainage problem. If you notice unusual wet spots indoors or in your basement, it’s best to contact Horn’s Backflow & Plumbing immediately for professional leak detection. Our licensed plumbers use advanced tools to pinpoint leaks before they worsen.

2. Check Drains and Sump Pumps:

Your sump pump is your first line of defense against flooding. After a heavy storm, test your sump pump to ensure it’s working properly. If you hear strange noises, slow draining, or if it’s not turning on, schedule a maintenance inspection right away. Regular preventative maintenance (PM) on sump pumps helps avoid system failures when you need them most.

3. Watch for Signs of Backflow:

Stormwater can overwhelm sewer systems, causing dirty water to back up into your sinks, toilets, or floor drains. This can lead to serious contamination. Make sure your backflow prevention device is functioning correctly. Horn’s Backflow & Plumbing provides testing, repair, and replacement services to keep your system in compliance and your water safe.

4. Inspect Grease Traps and Drains in Commercial Buildings:

For restaurants and commercial properties, post-storm inspections are essential. Heavy rain and power outages can disrupt grease traps, floor drains, and lift stations, leading to unpleasant odors or overflow. Scheduling annual or bi-annual preventative maintenance ensures your systems stay clean and efficient all year long.

5. Call a Trusted Plumbing Company:

The most important step after a storm is calling a company you can trust. Horn’s Backflow & Plumbing is family and veteran-owned, serving our community for over 20 years. We’re here to help you recover quickly and prevent long-term damage. Whether you need emergency service, annual PMs, or just a check-up, you can count on our team to keep your building strong.

If the storm leaves you with unexpected plumbing issues, don’t wait; call Horn’s Backflow & Plumbing today. We’ll handle the dirty work so you can rest easy knowing your property is protected.