Lights Out: How Your Plumbing Fares During Electrical Outages

Life in the 21st Century equates to an almost blind trust that our lights will always turn on when we flick the switch and our appliances will always work as intended, but the reality is that extreme weather can leave us in the dark for extended periods.

Take the Houston area, for example, where in July Hurricane Beryl rampaged through parts of Texas, leaving a path of destruction and some 2.2 million customers without power.

CNN reported that CenterPoint restored power to 1 million customers in the first 48 hours but didn’t finish restoring power to all remaining customers until 12 days after the storm hit.

Most of us have flashlights and candles on standby for electrical outages, but we may not consider the intricate relationship between our electrical and plumbing systems.

What happens when the power goes out? How does your plumbing stand up to electrical outages? Let's look at this aspect of home maintenance and emergency preparedness.

When the Power Dies: Plumbing Appliances at Risk

When the power goes out you may have plumbing appliances at risk, creating everything from freezing cold showers to possible flooding in your basement.

Here are some plumbing fixtures that will be affected the next time your power goes out:

• No Hot Water? Your hot water heater, especially if you have an electric water heater, may not work properly in a power outage:
  • Electric water heaters rely entirely on electricity to heat water.
    
    
  • Even gas water heaters often have electronic ignition systems. While traditional gas water heaters with a pilot light don’t need electricity, modern gas water heater models generally need electricity to power their electric components such as electricity to ignite the pilot light, maintain temperatures, and detect hot water supply needs.
    
    
  • Gas tankless water heaters may use gas to operate but their hardware requires electricity to power it, so they won’t function during a power outage.
    
    
  • Without power, these systems can’t heat new water or maintain the temperature of stored hot water.
    
    

• Sump Pump Basement Blues: For many homeowners, a non-functioning sump pump during a power outage can lead to a waterlogged nightmare. Sump pumps are your first line of defense against basement flooding, but they're useless without electricity. During stormy weather, when the risk of power outages and flooding is highest, this can be particularly problematic.
• Well Water Issues: If your home relies on a well pump for water supply, a power outage can leave you high and dry. No electricity means no pump operation, which translates to no running water for drinking, cleaning, or flushing toilets.
• Other Affected Appliances: Several other plumbing-related appliances may stop working during an outage in addition to water heaters, sump pumps and water running on well equipment:
  • Garbage disposal.
  • Washing machines and dryers.
  • Dishwashers.
  • Septic systems powered by pumps.
  • Pump-assisted toilets.

While these may not be critical, their unavailability can certainly disrupt your daily routine.

Spotting Trouble: What to Look for During and After an Outage

After a power outage, especially if you have a sump pump, check your basement or crawl space for signs of water damage or flooding. Look for:

• Standing water
• Damp spots on walls or floors
• Musty odors

When the power returns, pay attention to any unusual sounds coming from your plumbing system. Banging, rattling, or hissing noises could indicate air in the pipes or other issues that developed during the outage.

Notice any changes in water pressure or flow after power is restored? This could signal problems with your well pump or other components of your plumbing system.

Strange smells emanating from drains or fixtures after an outage shouldn't be ignored. They could indicate sewage backups or other serious issues that require immediate attention.

Weathering the Storm: Precautions for Outage-Prone Areas

Here are some precautions you can take if you leave in outage-prone areas:

• Surge Protection: Installing surge protectors for major appliances can prevent damage from power surges when electricity is restored. This small investment can save you from costly repairs or replacements down the line.
• Backup Generators: Consider investing in a backup generator for critical systems. This can keep essential plumbing components running during extended outages, preventing potential water damage and maintaining your comfort.
• Emergency Water: Keep an emergency water supply on hand. The general rule of thumb is one gallon per person per day for at least three days. In addition to large bottles of water for consumption, you can fill up a bathtub with water in advance of a storm for future use for other purposes.
• Know Your Plumbing: Familiarize yourself with how to manually operate key plumbing components. This might include knowing how to:
  • Shut off your main water valve.
  • Drain your water heater
  • Manually flush toilets.

An Ounce of Prevention: Regular Maintenance and More

Regular maintenance and inspection of your plumbing system can help identify potential issues before they become major problems during an outage.

Schedule annual check-ups with a professional plumber such as Pilot Plumbing to ensure everything is in top shape.

Other actions you can take:

• Battery Backup for Sump Pump: Installing a battery backup system for your sump pump can provide crucial protection during power outages. These systems automatically kick in when the power fails, keeping your basement dry even during extended blackouts.
  
  
• Whole-House Surge Protection: Consider installing whole-house surge protection. This provides a higher level of protection for all your electrical systems, including those tied to your plumbing.
  
  
• Create an Emergency Plan: Develop a comprehensive emergency plan for extended outages. This should include:
  • Locations of all shutoff valves.
  • Contact information for local plumbers and electricians.
  • Steps for winterizing your plumbing if necessary, during long-term outages.

Understanding how electrical outages affect your plumbing system is crucial for every homeowner. By knowing what to expect, what to look for, and how to prepare, you can minimize disruptions and prevent potential damage during power failures.

Remember, while these tips can help you manage during an outage, it's always best to consult with a professional for personalized advice and assistance. Regular maintenance and professional inspections are key to ensuring your plumbing system can weather any storm – literal or metaphorical.

Contact Pilot Plumbing today in the North Houston and Greater Montgomery County area for a comprehensive plumbing inspection and personalized advice on preparing your system for electrical outages.