When you’re watching the news and the forecast calls for bad rain and winds, you probably start thinking about how you’re going to weather the storm if the power goes out. However, you probably don’t think about how your plumbing is going to work during a blackout.
We’re sorry to say it, but there may be certain systems in your home that won’t function if the power shuts off.
Your Pipes
New Jersey is no stranger to cold temperatures, and if the power goes out during a particularly cold night, your pipes could freeze from a lack of heat. You should be fine if the power is only out for a few hours, but if you’re left without power (and heat) for a while, you should check your home for frozen pipes.
Remember: Frozen pipes can burst and lead to major flooding.
Your Tankless Water Heater
Compared to tank-based water heaters, tankless systems offer better efficiency and energy savings, so it’s no surprise that many homeowners have made the switch to these systems. But since tankless water heaters use electricity to do their job, you’ll likely be left without any hot water if there’s a blackout.
Your Sump Pump
When rough weather brings heavy rain and flooding, your sump pump is an essential part of your plumbing system that helps get rid of excess water in your basement or crawl space. If a blackout forces you to be without electricity for an extended period of time, you could be left with a basement full of water.
Your Toilets
Toilets get rid of waste one of two ways — either through a gravity-based system or by using electricity to pull waste through your sewage system. Toilets that use a gravity-based system won’t be affected by a blackout.
However, if your toilet uses electricity, you will have a tough time disposing of waste since it will build up in a chamber rather than be pushed through your plumbing system.
Avoiding Plumbing Issues During a Blackout
The easiest way to assure your plumbing works during a blackout is by installing a whole-home generator. These units will keep your power on so you don’t have to worry about handling plumbing issues once your home’s regular electricity returns.
Keep Your Home Safe with Gold Medal
To keep your power on and your plumbing working, trust the experts at Gold Medal Service. You can trust our electricians and plumbers to provide you with the best solutions for keeping your home safe during a blackout.
For more information or to schedule a service, call us at 1-732-638-4317