5 Ways to Protect a Home’s Plumbing During a Power Outage

A power outage is a pain for a number of reasons, but one that doesn’t always come to mind is how it can affect your plumbing. While most of your plumbing isn’t directly affected by your electrical system, an outage can still spell disaster for your pipes. While you should never hesitate to call a licensed plumber if you have an emergency, here are five things that you can and should do to protect your plumbing when you lose power.

 

1. Protect Your Pipes from Freezing

 

One of the biggest dangers when you lose power during the winter is having your pipes freeze. Frozen pipes can burst and cause serious damage to your plumbing and the rest of your home, so protect them by wrapping your pipes with insulation and turning on your faucets. Running water is less likely to freeze, even if it’s only a trickle.

 

2. Turn Off Your Main Water Line in Extended Outages

 

If you’re expecting your power to be out for at least a few days, shut off the main water line for your home. You should still turn on your faucets to let the remaining water drain from your pipes, but this should keep them from freezing if it gets really cold.

 

3. Install a Water-Powered Pump to Your Sump Pump

 

Your sump pump prevents flooding by removing water from your basement and directing it outside. It normally needs electricity to work, which won’t do you any good if your power goes out. Fortunately, you can have a water-powered pump installed that will work without electricity. This is especially helpful if your basement is prone to flooding and your power outage is due to a severe storm.

 

4. Open Your Cabinet Doors

 

If you have cabinets underneath your kitchen and bathroom sinks, open them to expose the plumbing in them to the air in your home. Your heating system won’t work without electricity, but the air circulating throughout your home should still be reasonably warm. Exposing the plumbing under your sinks to this warmer air should keep them from freezing for at least a little while. When you do this, make sure that you move any cleaners or other potentially dangerous materials from your cabinets if you have pets or small children in your home.

 

5. Call a Plumber for Assistance

 

If you’re concerned about any damage that could be done to your pipes during a power outage, contact a local plumber to inspect your plumbing once the power is back on. Your top priority during the outage is to stay warm and make sure that you are safe, but don’t hesitate to call a plumbing professional to look everything over afterward.

 

Your plumbing might not be your biggest priority if your power goes out, but it should never be ignored, especially during the winter or extreme cold weather. Remember these tips to keep your plumbing safe, and don’t hesitate to call a plumbing professional if you need any assistance or any type of plumbing repairs.

 

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