Winters and snow in Western New York provide a picturesque backdrop, along with thoughts of getting cozy by the fire or in bed under layers of comfy blankets. As dreamy as it may sound, we have to face the music and address the elephant in the room.
Even though we’re warm and toasty in our homes during a snowstorm, or any storm for that matter, we have to deal with what happens afterward. And yes, we’re talking about the damage done by the storms, not just in our yards but also in our plumbing and HVAC systems.
But don’t you worry!
In this blog, your trusted emergency same-day plumbers in Western New York will teach you everything you need to know! Discover what plumbing and HVAC challenges to expect after a snowstorm in Buffalo, steps on how to mitigate the problem and more.
1. Burst Pipes
Burst pipes are a common problem after a snowstorm. Why is this happening? The answer is based on science: when water freezes, it expands, putting pressure on your pipe walls. When the pipes can’t take the pressure, they burst, bringing in icy floods and a massive cleanup.
Signs of You Have Frozen or Burst Pipes
- Hearing unusual gurgling or hissing sounds from your pipes
- You can see your pipes are bursting and cracking
- You’re experiencing reduced water pressure
- Feeling cold spots or icy patches near a pipe
- Water stains on your walls and ceilings
- Water pooling in unexpected places
What You Can Do:
- Shut off the main water valve to prevent further damage
- Contact a professional, and don’t delay! They can assess the damage and begin repairs before the situation gets even worse
2. Clogged Drains and Sewage Backups
The winter season can be a magical time, but sometimes, it can also be a nightmare. Grease from dinner plates down the drain is a no-no. But things happen, and we do it anyway.
So, when temperatures drop, standing water–and grease will freeze, blocking the pipelines and leading to clogged drains. When you use a lot of water, it overwhelms your drainage system, resulting in sewage backups. This situation can happen during heavy rainfalls and flooding as well.
Signs of Clogged Drains and Sewage Backups
- Your sink drains slowly
- Gurgling noises from the drains
- Smelling the scent of sewage in or around your house
What You Can Do:
- Avoid using the fixture until you unclog your drains
- You can opt for DIYs, but use them at your own risk since results can be a hit or miss
- If you’re not confident in your handiness skill, you can never go wrong with letting the professionals handle it
3. Sump Pump Failure
Sump pumps are your basement guardians tasked with keeping your basement dry. However, you might experience sump pump failure after a snowstorm. The moment snowmelt rushes in, it can be too much for your sump pump to handle. Clogged pipes and power outages can also play a part in sump pump failure.
Signs of Sump Pump Failure:
- Unusual noises or vibrations from your sump pump
- The sump pump is silent or unresponsive
- Rising water levels are signs your sump pump is not working properly
- Mold growth is visible, and you start smelling strong or musty odors
What You Can Do:
- Check if your sump pump is plugged in or has power
- See if there are any obstructions or blockage
- If unresolved, call a professional for sump pump repair and installation services
4. Leaking Roof and Water Damage
Brutal winds from a storm can be strong enough to cause damage to your roof. When that happens, rain or snowmelt can leak into your home. This leakage can harm your home and plumbing system.
Signs of Leaks on Your Roof:
- Water spots are visible on your ceiling
- Dripping sounds that are both annoying and damaging to your floors
- Damage to your roof, such as chips, cracks, or holes
What Can You Do:
- Use tarps or water buckets to catch water drops and prevent them from damaging your floors or furniture
- Call a professional to check and fix your roof as well as assess any damage done to your plumbing system
5. Malfunctioning Water Heaters
Nothing beats a hot bath during a cold season. But what if your water heater takes a hit from a snowstorm? Snowmelt or storm waters can leak inside your home and enter your water heater, damaging the components inside. This can cause your water heater to malfunction.
Signs You Have a Damaged Water Heater:
- There’s no hot water, or the temperature is inconsistent
- Leaking water or rust trails can be seen around your heater
- Gurgling, loud banging, or popping sounds can be heard
- The water pressure or water flow is weak
What Can You Do:
- Shut off the power supply of the unit and call for a professional
- Don’t touch it or try to fix it yourself, especially if your water heater is in standing water due to flooding
6. Damage to Your Gas Lines
Storms can bring in a lot of damage. From uprooting trees, flooding, and the occasional lightning strikes, storms are a force to be reckoned with. Either of the three events can cause damage to your property or, more importantly, your gas lines.
Signs Your Gas Lines Got Damaged:
- Hearing hissing sounds near your gas lines
- Smelling a strong, distinctive, sulfurous odor similar to rotten eggs
- Dead vegetation or mud bubbles near the gas lines
What You Can Do:
- Evacuate immediately and stay at least 300 feet away from the location
- If it’s safe to do so, close the main gas valve
- Avoid using any electronics or anything that makes flames like a lighter
- Call emergency services or your gas company as soon as possible
- Don’t go near the location until you get an okay signal from professionals or authorities
Preventive Measures to Take
Protect Your Plumbing
- Install a sump pump or inspect it if you already have one
- Check for cracks or leaks in your pipes. If there are any, seal, repair, or replace them
- Disconnect and store your spigots or drain hoses and insulate your sprinkler system
- Secure a backup power source for your sump pump in case of power outages
- Assess your roof and ensure it is free from cracks or damages that can cause leaks
- Avoid getting food scraps or pouring grease down the drain
Safeguard Your HVAC System
- Clear clutter or debris surrounding your HVAC system outside, like heat pumps or ACs
- Invest in surge protectors to help shield your HVAC system from lightning strikes or power surges
- Schedule a regular HVAC maintenance service to keep it in good working order and easily spot any issues after the storm
Post-Emergency Care You Can Do
Pampering Your Plumbing
- After you resolve any plumbing issues, check for any leaks or water damage that can cause mold growth
- Inspect your basement for signs of any flooding
- Run your sump pump to see if it’s still working correctly. Otherwise, call for a sump pump repair and installation service near you
- Clean and sanitize thoroughly, especially in sewage backup cases
TLC for Your HVAC
- Check for dents, loose wires, or any debris stuck on your HVAC system
- Give your air filters a quick checkup, and replace them if needed
- If you think there’s something off, don’t rely on guesswork and call a professional right away
In Conclusion
When dealing with HVAC and plumbing problems from a storm, you need to act quickly to prevent the situation from getting worse. More often than not, these issues require more than minor repairs or DIY fixes. Better be safe than sorry and ensure your safety by seeking help from trusted emergency same-day plumbers in Western New York.
Cellino Plumbing & HVAC is here to help! Give us a ring, and we’ll answer any questions you have regarding plumbing and HVAC care after a storm and more!
