Living in Southeast Louisiana means hurricane season is part of the calendar. Most prep checklists focus on windows, generators, and supplies, but your plumbing system needs attention too. A few hours of prep before a storm can prevent thousands in damage afterward.
Fill bathtubs and clean containers with water for flushing toilets and basic washing if the city loses pressure. Store at least one gallon of drinking water per person per day for at least three days.
If a major storm is approaching, know where your main water shutoff valve is. If you have a well, know how to shut off power to the pump. If the house floods or a tree damages your service line, you'll want to stop the water before it makes things worse.
For sewer-vulnerable homes, especially in low-lying areas of St. Tammany or Orleans, consider a backflow preventer or check valve on your main line. Storm surge can push sewage backwards into homes — a fix that costs far more than the prevention.
If you're advised to shelter in place and the city issues a boil-water advisory, follow it. Use stored water for drinking and cooking. Don't use the dishwasher or washing machine during heavy flooding, as overwhelmed sewers can back up through drains.
If your home took on water, do not turn the water back on until a plumber has checked the system for damage. Floodwater can compromise fittings, contaminate supply lines, and damage your water heater. If your water heater was submerged even partially, it needs replacement — the controls and burner assembly aren't designed for that exposure.
If you smell sewer gas inside after a flood, your traps may have lost their seal. Run water in every drain for 30 seconds to refill them. If the smell persists, call a plumber.
Anytime after a storm, if you suspect any damage to your plumbing, get a professional inspection. Some problems show up slowly — a slab leak from a shifted foundation can take weeks before it's obvious.
