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A residential outdoor drainage pipe being inspected after rain

Storm Damage Plumbing Repair After Hail, Wind and Flood

Hail, falling branches and heavy rain can crack lines and overwhelm drains. See what to check after a storm.

Storms rarely damage plumbing in obvious ways. A branch strikes a hose bib, hail cracks an exposed vent, heavy rain pushes soil against a foundation and drains back up. Storm damage plumbing repair starts with a careful walk around the property and inside the home to find what changed, then repairs lines and drains that were harmed.

Signs you may need Storm Damage Plumbing Repair

  • A broken hose bib, meter box or exposed outdoor pipe
  • Water in the basement or crawlspace after heavy rain
  • Floor drains or fixtures backing up during a storm
  • A change in water pressure or flow right after the event
  • Debris or fallen branches near the sewer cleanout or vents

What Storm Damage Plumbing Repair covers

Work includes repairing or replacing broken exterior lines and fixtures, clearing storm related blockages, checking vents and cleanouts, assessing sump and ejector systems and testing supply lines for hidden leaks. Documentation helps with insurance conversations, so photos and notes are encouraged.

How the process works

  1. 1

    Check safety first

    Avoid standing water near power, and shut off the main if you suspect a broken line.

  2. 2

    Survey outside and in

    Walk the exterior for broken pipes, vents and bibs, then inspect basement, crawlspace and fixtures.

  3. 3

    Document everything

    Take dated photos and keep damaged parts if possible, which helps explain events to your insurer.

  4. 4

    Repair and test

    Damaged lines are replaced, drains cleared and the system is tested for leaks and flow.

What Denver adds to the picture

Denver sits in a hail prone part of the country, and spring and summer storms can drop heavy rain in a short time. Keeping gutters, downspouts and yard slopes clear helps keep water away from foundations and floor drains.

What you can do now

After a storm, run water at a few fixtures and look under sinks and at the meter for signs of a new leak. Check that outdoor cleanouts are uncovered and free of mud or debris.

Questions about Storm Damage Plumbing Repair

Can storms damage buried pipes?

Heavy rain and shifting soil can stress buried lines, especially older ones. If drains slow or back up after a storm, a camera inspection can check the line.

What should I photograph for insurance?

Take wide shots of affected areas, close ups of broken parts, standing water and any damaged belongings, with the date visible if you can.

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