Storm season can bring heavy rain, strong winds, flooding, and power outages to Metairie. These conditions can place extra pressure on a business’s plumbing system. A clogged drain, broken pipe, or sewer backup may force a business to close and pay for costly repairs. It can also create unsafe conditions for workers and customers. Business owners cannot control the weather, but they can prepare their buildings. A plumber in Metairie can inspect the system and repair weak areas before a storm arrives.
Schedule a Plumbing Inspection Before Storm Season
A commercial plumbing inspection can find small problems before heavy rain makes them worse. A plumber can check exposed pipes, toilets, sinks, faucets, water heaters, shutoff valves, and floor drains. The inspection may also uncover leaks, loose connections, corrosion, and poor water pressure.
Do not wait until a storm is close. Plumbing companies may receive many emergency calls before and after severe weather. Scheduling service early gives your business more time to complete needed repairs. It also lowers the chance of a sudden leak or plumbing failure during the storm.
Clean Drains and Sewer Lines
Slow drains are often a warning sign of a larger blockage. Grease, food waste, soap, hair, paper, and dirt can build up inside commercial drain lines. Heavy rain may add more pressure to the sewer system and cause a partial clog to become a full sewer backup.
Have slow or noisy drains checked before storm season. Professional drain cleaning can remove buildup and help wastewater leave the building. A plumber may also use a video camera pipe inspection to find tree roots, cracks, or damaged sections inside the main sewer line. Do not depend on chemical drain cleaners. They may not clear a deep clog and can harm some pipes.
Keep Outdoor Drains Clear
Leaves, branches, dirt, and trash can block outdoor drains during a storm. When rainwater cannot drain, it may collect around doors, foundations, loading areas, and outdoor equipment. Standing water can enter the building or place added pressure on underground pipes.
Check storm drains, gutters, downspouts, and drain covers around the property. Remove visible debris and trim plants that may cover drain openings. Make sure downspouts send water away from the foundation. Never open a sewer cleanout or reach into a flooded drain. Water or waste may be trapped under pressure.
Find and Label the Main Water Shutoff
A broken pipe can release a large amount of water in a short time. Every business should know where the main water shutoff valve is located. The valve may be inside a utility room, near the water meter, or along an outside wall.
Place a clear label near the valve and keep the area free of boxes or equipment. Managers and trusted workers should know how to turn it off. Post simple directions nearby and add the location to your storm plan. Shutting off the water quickly can reduce flooding and water damage while you wait for a commercial plumber.
Protect Water Heaters and Plumbing Equipment
Water heaters, pumps, and other plumbing equipment may be damaged by floodwater or power surges. Keep storage boxes, chemicals, and other items away from this equipment. If possible, protect low equipment in areas that have flooded before.
Do not turn on a water heater or pump that has been touched by floodwater. Water can damage burners, wiring, controls, and insulation. Gas-powered equipment may also create a serious safety risk if it is damaged. Have the unit inspected before using it again.
Check Toilets and Employee Areas
A leaking toilet or loose fixture can become a larger problem during a storm. Check toilets for weak flushing, rocking, running water, and leaks near the base. Watch for dripping faucets, wet cabinets, and slow sinks in kitchens, break rooms, and restrooms.
Ask employees to report plumbing problems as soon as they notice them. Gurgling toilets, bad drain smells, water stains, and changes in water pressure should not be ignored. Early repairs are often easier than fixing a flooded restroom or damaged wall after a storm.
Create a Plumbing Emergency Plan
Your storm plan should include the phone number for a local plumber, the location of each shutoff valve, and steps for protecting important areas. List which manager can approve an emergency repair if the owner cannot be reached.
Employees should know when to stop using toilets, sinks, dishwashers, and other fixtures. If several drains become slow or wastewater comes up through a floor drain, using more water may make the sewer backup worse. Keep people away from wastewater because it may contain harmful germs and chemicals.
Prepare Your Metairie Business With Blair Plumbing
Routine care can lower the risk of burst pipes, clogged drains, sewer backups, fixture leaks, and water heater damage during storm season. Blair Plumbing provides commercial plumbing services, drain cleaning, pipe inspections, leak detection, and emergency repairs for local businesses.
Do not wait for heavy rain to reveal a hidden plumbing problem. Contact Blair Plumbing today to schedule an inspection with a trusted plumber in Metairie and help prepare your business for storm season.