Living in Magnolia means enjoying the benefits of Southeast Texas while also preparing for the weather that comes with living near the Gulf Coast.
Hurricane season can bring heavy rain, strong winds, power outages and localized flooding throughout the Greater Houston and Montgomery County areas. Most homeowners naturally think about generators, flashlights, food, batteries and securing outdoor furniture when a tropical system threatens.
Your plumbing system deserves a place on that preparation list too.
Severe weather can expose existing plumbing problems, contribute to drainage issues and leave homeowners scrambling for repairs at the same time thousands of other people need help.
A little preparation before a storm arrives can help protect your home and make plumbing emergencies easier to manage.
If you discover a problem while preparing your home, a professional plumber in Magnolia TX can help identify issues before severe weather makes them worse.
Why Plumbing Preparation Matters During Hurricane Season
Your home’s plumbing system includes much more than the faucets and toilets you see every day.
Behind the walls, beneath the floors and underground are water lines, drainpipes, sewer lines, shutoff valves, water heaters and other components that keep clean water flowing into your home and wastewater moving out.
During severe weather, these systems can be affected by:
- Heavy rainfall
- Saturated soil
- Flooding
- Power outages
- Falling trees
- Ground movement
- Debris
- Municipal water interruptions
- Sewer-system overload
- Existing leaks or damaged pipes
A plumbing system that works perfectly during ordinary weather may suddenly show symptoms when conditions become more demanding.
The goal of hurricane preparation is not to guarantee that nothing will go wrong.
It is to identify problems early and make sure you know what to do if a plumbing emergency occurs.
1. Know Where Your Main Water Shutoff Valve Is
Every homeowner should know how to shut off the water to the house.
During a plumbing emergency, finding the valve for the first time while water is pouring into your home wastes valuable minutes.
Your main shutoff valve controls the water entering the property.
Before hurricane season becomes active:
- Locate the main shutoff.
- Make sure household adults know where it is.
- Determine how it operates.
- Make sure the valve is accessible.
- Keep the appropriate shutoff tool nearby if one is required.
Do not wait until a pipe breaks to figure this out.
If storm damage causes a pipe to rupture inside the home, shutting off the water quickly can significantly reduce the amount of additional water entering the property.
2. Check Your Home for Plumbing Leaks
A small leak may seem like something that can wait.
Before a hurricane or tropical storm, however, existing leaks deserve attention.
Look around the house for signs such as:
- Dripping faucets
- Running toilets
- Water beneath sinks
- Damp cabinets
- Ceiling stains
- Wall discoloration
- Moisture around water heaters
- Wet areas around plumbing fixtures
- Unusually high water bills
- Water meter activity when fixtures are off
A small plumbing weakness can become a much larger problem if the home experiences additional stress during severe weather.
Leaks hidden behind walls or beneath floors can also cause damage before homeowners realize there is a problem.
If you suspect a leak but cannot locate it, professional plumbing service may help determine the source.
3. Pay Attention to Slow Drains Before Heavy Rain
A drain that is already moving slowly deserves attention before several inches of rain arrive.
Slow drainage may result from buildup or a blockage somewhere inside the plumbing system.
Warning signs can include:
- A kitchen sink draining slowly
- Standing water in the shower
- A bathtub taking longer to empty
- Toilets gurgling
- Several drains slowing simultaneously
- Unpleasant drain odors
Multiple slow drains can be more concerning than one isolated fixture.
They may indicate a restriction farther inside the drainage system.
Heavy rainfall does not automatically create a clog inside your home’s pipes, but severe wet weather can expose existing sewer and drainage problems.
If your drains are already struggling during normal conditions, consider having the problem evaluated before a major storm arrives.
4. Check Toilets That Keep Running
A running toilet is easy to ignore.
After all, the toilet still works.
But a toilet that continues running after it has been flushed can waste water and may indicate worn or malfunctioning internal components.
Listen for toilets that:
- Run continuously
- Turn on unexpectedly
- Take unusually long to refill
- Require handle movement to stop
- Frequently need multiple flushes
Red Lion Plumbing notes that many running toilets can be repaired by replacing worn internal components rather than replacing the entire toilet.
During hurricane preparation, fixing unnecessary water waste makes particular sense.
If water service becomes temporarily limited or disrupted during severe weather, you do not want a malfunctioning fixture wasting water.
5. Inspect Your Water Heater
Your water heater is one of the most important appliances in the home, and it often receives little attention until there is no hot water.
Before severe weather arrives, look around the unit for obvious warning signs.
These may include:
- Water around the bottom of the tank
- Rust or corrosion
- Moisture around connections
- Unusual noises
- Inconsistent hot water
- Discolored hot water
- A leaking pressure-relief valve
- Visible damage to piping
Traditional tank water heaters can hold a substantial amount of water.
That is helpful during normal operation, but a leaking or damaged tank can also create considerable property damage.
If your unit is showing signs of trouble, Red Lion Plumbing provides water heater installation and repair for homeowners throughout its service area.
Do not attempt repairs involving gas lines, electrical components or pressurized water systems unless you are properly qualified to perform the work.
6. Never Store Items Directly Around the Water Heater
Garages and utility rooms frequently become storage areas.
Boxes, paper products, cleaning supplies and household items can gradually accumulate around the water heater.
Before hurricane season, clear unnecessary items from around the unit.
This makes the equipment easier to inspect and provides better access if service is required.
For gas water heaters, combustible materials should not be stored around the appliance.
Also make sure you can easily reach the appropriate shutoff controls.
7. Understand What Happens During a Power Outage
Plumbing and electricity are more connected than many homeowners realize.
Depending on your home and equipment, a power outage may affect:
- Electric water heaters
- Tankless water heaters
- Well pumps
- Sewage pumps
- Recirculation pumps
- Water-treatment equipment
- Other electrically powered plumbing components
A traditional municipal water connection may continue providing water during an electrical outage, but electrically powered equipment in your home may not operate normally.
Homeowners with private wells should pay particular attention because the well pump typically requires electricity.
If you use backup generator power, make sure the system is properly installed and operated according to manufacturer and electrical safety requirements.
8. Do Not Use Floodwater as Household Water
After a major storm, standing water may look relatively harmless.
It should not be treated as clean water.
Floodwater may contain sewage, chemicals, bacteria, debris and other contaminants.
Keep children and pets away from floodwater whenever possible.
If floodwater enters your home and comes into contact with plumbing fixtures, water-heating equipment or other systems, those components may need professional inspection before normal use resumes.
Follow official local instructions regarding water safety after severe storms.
If a boil-water notice is issued, follow the guidance provided by the appropriate public authority.
9. Watch for Sewer Backup Warning Signs
Heavy rain can sometimes coincide with sewer and drainage problems.
Homeowners should recognize the warning signs of a possible sewer backup.
Pay particular attention if:
- Several drains stop working
- Toilets begin gurgling
- Water rises in a bathtub when a toilet is flushed
- Wastewater appears through a floor drain
- A shower backs up when the washing machine drains
- Strong sewer odors appear inside the home
If wastewater begins backing up, reduce household water use immediately.
Do not keep flushing toilets or running appliances in an attempt to make the problem disappear.
Every additional gallon of water sent into a blocked drainage system can potentially make the backup worse.
Contact a plumber to determine whether the problem is inside your property’s plumbing.
10. Keep Storm Drains and Outdoor Drainage Areas Clear
While municipal storm drains are separate from your household plumbing system in many areas, drainage around your property still matters.
Leaves, branches, pine needles and other debris can accumulate around outdoor drains and drainage paths.
Before severe weather:
- Remove obvious yard debris
- Keep drainage paths clear
- Clean gutters
- Check downspouts
- Make sure water drains away from the foundation when possible
- Avoid placing debris where heavy rain can wash it into drains
Good exterior drainage can help reduce water collecting around the home.
11. Look for Signs of Underground Pipe Problems
Not every plumbing problem occurs inside the house.
Water and sewer lines run underground where homeowners cannot easily inspect them.
Possible signs of underground trouble include:
- Unexplained wet areas
- Unusually green patches of grass
- Low water pressure
- Higher water bills
- Repeated drain problems
- Sewer odors
- Soft or sinking areas of soil
Magnolia-area homes may experience soil movement during cycles of dry weather followed by heavy rainfall.
If you already suspect an underground plumbing problem, investigating it before a major weather event can prevent additional uncertainty later.
12. Protect Outdoor Plumbing Components
Walk around your property before severe weather and identify exposed plumbing components.
These might include:
- Outdoor faucets
- Irrigation equipment
- Pool-related plumbing
- Water-treatment components
- Exposed piping
- Hose connections
Disconnect unnecessary garden hoses and make sure outdoor plumbing is not damaged or leaking.
Also secure loose objects in the yard that could become airborne and damage exposed equipment during high winds.
13. Be Careful With Gas Plumbing After Storm Damage
Gas lines deserve special attention because mistakes can create serious safety risks.
According to Red Lion Plumbing, gas-line work in Texas should be performed by appropriately licensed professionals.
If you smell gas, hear hissing near a gas line or suspect storm-related gas damage, do not attempt to make an improvised repair.
Leave the affected area and follow emergency procedures from your gas provider and local authorities.
A plumbing emergency involving gas is very different from a dripping faucet.
Treat it accordingly.
14. Take Photos Before the Storm
Most people think about photographing their roof, vehicles and exterior property before a hurricane.
Consider documenting major plumbing equipment as well.
Take photographs of:
- Water heater
- Plumbing under sinks
- Visible supply lines
- Utility room
- Outdoor plumbing equipment
- Areas where you already suspect a leak
These photographs create a record of the property’s condition before the storm.
If damage later occurs, having before-and-after documentation may be useful.
15. Keep Your Plumber’s Number With Your Emergency Contacts
During a regional weather event, thousands of households may experience problems simultaneously.
Do not wait until a plumbing emergency to figure out which company you want to call.
Save the number for your plumber with your other important contacts.
Red Lion Plumbing can be reached at 281-259-8117.
Having the number available is especially helpful if power or internet service becomes unreliable after a storm.
What Should You Do If a Pipe Breaks During a Storm?
A burst or broken water line can quickly create extensive damage.
If it is safe to do so:
Shut Off the Water
Use the main water shutoff valve to stop water entering the home.
Turn Off Electricity in Affected Areas If Necessary
Water and electricity are a dangerous combination.
Do not enter standing water where electrical equipment may be energized.
Move Belongings Away From the Water
If safe, protect furniture, electronics and other property from additional exposure.
Document the Damage
Take photographs or video.
Call a Professional
A licensed plumber can locate the damaged section and determine the appropriate repair.
Do not restore water service until you are confident the damaged plumbing has been addressed.
What Should You Check After the Storm?
Once severe weather has passed and local authorities say conditions are safe, inspect your plumbing.
Walk through the home and check:
- Faucets
- Toilets
- Drains
- Water heater
- Under-sink piping
- Utility areas
- Outdoor faucets
- Visible pipes
- Areas around the home’s foundation
Then pay attention to how the system behaves.
Has the water pressure changed?
Are drains slower?
Do toilets gurgle?
Do you hear water moving when nothing is running?
Is the water heater functioning normally?
Do you see new damp spots?
Changes that appear immediately after severe weather may deserve further investigation.
When Should You Call a Plumber After a Hurricane?
Some situations should be addressed quickly.
Call a professional plumber if you notice:
- A burst pipe
- Significant water leakage
- Sewage backing into the home
- Several clogged drains
- Sudden low water pressure throughout the house
- A leaking water heater
- Gas odors
- Underground water leaks
- Water coming through walls or ceilings
- Plumbing fixtures that suddenly stop functioning
- Repeated toilet backups
- Unusual water discoloration that does not resolve
When safety is involved, contact the appropriate emergency service or utility provider first when necessary.
Why Choose Red Lion Plumbing?
Red Lion Plumbing is a family-owned and operated plumbing company serving Magnolia and surrounding communities including The Woodlands, Tomball, Cypress, Spring, Conroe and Montgomery.
With more than 40 years of plumbing experience, Red Lion Plumbing provides residential and commercial plumbing services for customers throughout the area.
Services include water heaters, tankless water heaters, drain cleaning, clogged toilet repair, repiping, kitchen plumbing, bathroom plumbing and other plumbing needs.
Red Lion Plumbing is licensed and insured and focuses on providing customers with straightforward solutions based on the specific plumbing problem.
Prepare Your Plumbing Before the Next Storm
Hurricane preparation does not need to begin when a storm enters the Gulf.
The best time to locate shutoff valves, fix slow drains, repair running toilets, inspect a water heater and investigate suspected leaks is while the weather is calm.
A simple plumbing checklist now can make a major difference when severe weather arrives.
Remember the essentials:
- Know how to shut off your water
- Repair known leaks
- Address slow drains
- Check running toilets
- Inspect the water heater
- Keep drainage areas clear
- Know the warning signs of a sewer backup
- Save your plumber’s phone number
If you discover a plumbing problem while preparing your Magnolia-area home for hurricane season, Red Lion Plumbing is available to help.
Contact Red Lion Plumbing or call 281-259-8117 to schedule plumbing service.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hurricane Season Plumbing
Should I turn off my home’s water before a hurricane?
Not automatically. Whether you should shut off your water depends on your property, evacuation plans and instructions from local authorities or utilities. However, every homeowner should know where the main shutoff is located and how to use it during a plumbing emergency.
Can heavy rain cause my drains to back up?
Heavy rain can coincide with drainage and sewer problems, particularly when systems are already restricted or damaged. If multiple drains back up or wastewater enters the home, reduce water use and have the problem evaluated.
Why is my toilet gurgling after a storm?
Gurgling may indicate air being displaced because wastewater is not moving normally through the drainage system. If several fixtures are affected, the problem may extend beyond the individual toilet.
Can a hurricane damage my water heater?
Floodwater, electrical problems, physical damage and other storm conditions can affect water-heating equipment. If the unit has been exposed to flooding or appears damaged, have it evaluated before attempting to operate it.
What should I do if I smell gas after a storm?
Leave the affected area and follow emergency instructions from your gas provider and local authorities. Do not attempt to repair a suspected gas leak yourself.
Should I use plumbing fixtures during a power outage?
It depends on your home’s plumbing system. Municipal water may remain available, but equipment such as well pumps, sewage pumps, tankless water heaters and other components may require electricity.
What plumbing problems should I fix before hurricane season?
Prioritize active water leaks, slow or blocked drains, running toilets, leaking water heaters, damaged pipes and any problem affecting the safe operation of your plumbing system.
Who provides plumbing service in Magnolia TX?
Red Lion Plumbing provides residential and commercial plumbing services in Magnolia and surrounding areas including The Woodlands, Tomball, Cypress, Spring, Conroe and Montgomery.
Red Lion Plumbing
14631 Timbergreen Dr
Magnolia, TX 77355
Tel: (281) 259-8117
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