Flood Recovery Plumbing in Asheville, NC

Water heaters

A water heater that sat in floodwater may have damaged controls, burners, wiring and insulation. Don't relight or switch it on until it's been checked. In many cases replacement is safer.

Supply lines

Debris, shifting soil and fallen trees can crack buried water lines. A meter that moves with every tap off, low pressure or wet ground in dry weather points to a break.

Drains and sewer

Silt and debris washed into drains can leave them partly blocked. If drains are slow or toilets gurgle, have the line cleared and checked with a camera.

Septic systems

A septic drain field that was under water may not work properly until it has recovered. If drains back up, limit water use and have the system assessed.

Wells

A flooded well needs testing before the water is used for drinking. The county health department can advise on testing and disinfection.

Getting help

Tell the plumber how high the water reached, which appliances it touched and what isn't working. Send a request and a plumber will get in touch.

Insurance and records

Take photos of damaged appliances and their labels before they're removed, and keep every invoice. Those records help with insurance claims and show what was replaced.

Gas and propane appliances

If floodwater reached a gas or propane water heater, furnace or range, leave it off until it has been inspected. If you smell gas at any point, leave the house and contact the gas or propane supplier from outside.

Mold and wet walls

Wet drywall and insulation near pipes can hide leaks and grow mold. Once the plumbing has been checked, dry or remove wet materials quickly, and ask the plumber to confirm none of the water is still coming from a pipe.