Plumbing Catastrophe: Flooding

You may assume the chance of flooding in Arizona is about as likely as snow flurries in the Sahara—slim to none. Unfortunately, rain isn’t always the main culprit. Leaky and busted pipes pose an Arizona emergency plumbing threat to every homeowner. Learn what to do in case your home floods, and how to prevent flooding it in the future.

Preventing potential floods

Hard, mineral-filled water accelerates pipe corrosion and the potential for flooding, so your pipes and Arizona water heater need to be well maintained and repaired or replaced as needed. If your water heater is hooked up improperly, it could flood your home and cause extensive damage. If your water heater shows signs of corrosion, is leaking, makes strange buzzing noises, or just flat-out isn’t working properly, don’t hesitate to call Chas Roberts right away.

In the winter when the temperature plummets, the potential for flooding increases. When the thermometer dips below 32 degrees, the water in your pipes can freeze, causing it to expand. This increased pressure can cause your pipes to burst and flood the surrounding area. To avoid such a calamity, make sure your pipes are well insulated and cover exterior pipes with blankets or towels. Allowing an outdoor valve to drip will keep the water in the pipe moving and reduces the risk of freezing.

What to do if your home floods:

In the unhappy event that your home does flood, it is important to follow these steps to avoid further catastrophe:

• Shut off your water and electricity. Shut off your home’s main water valve and if needed and the electricity to the part of your home where the flooding has occurred. Never touch electrical sources while you are standing in water. This prevents potential electrocution, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.
• Call a plumber. Contact a professional Arizona emergency plumbing specialist to come assess the situation and fix the problem. Flooded appliances and equipment are dangerous and should only be handled by a qualified professional to avoid accidents and injury.
• Dry it out. To avoid mold, it is important to remove water and excess moisture as quickly as possible. Remove standing water and use fans and ventilation to dry out excess moisture. To avoid electrical shock and explosion, always replace your Arizona water heater, furnace, and air conditioner if they have been damaged by floodwater.

If you find yourself in an Arizona emergency plumbing pickle and need a plumber, call Chas Roberts at 602.943.3426 for Phoenix and 520.292.6858 for Tucson. We offer 24-hour emergency service by trained and certified technicians. Don’t forget to check out our Facebook and direct any questions or concerns to info@chasroberts.com!