Charleston Hurricane Season Prep: Don’t Forget About Your Main Utility Shutoffs

When hurricane season rolls around, most of us double-check our emergency kits, make sure we’ve got plenty of water and batteries, and look up our evacuation zones. Now those are all very important, but one thing many homeowners forget to do? Locate and shut off utilities. Today we are going to share reasons why shutting off your main utilities is an important step in hurricane preparedness.

Know Where Your Main Water Shutoff Valve Is

If high winds or flooding damage your plumbing, you could end up with a broken pipe or major leak even after the storm has passed in some cases. That’s why knowing how to shut off your home’s water supply is so important.

Where can you find your main shutoffs?

   - Near the water heater

   - Where the water line enters your home

   - Inside a ground-level utility box near the curb

Pro Tip: If the valve is rusty or hard to turn, it might not work when you need it most. Consider replacing it if it looks worn out before any storms arrive. 

Find Your Gas Shutoff Valve

Storm damage can also lead to dangerous gas leaks. Strong winds or flooding may loosen gas connections without you realizing it. If you don’t already know where your gas shutoff is located, now’s the time to find it. Start by looking for your gas meter on the outside of your home or along your property line. Keep a gas shutoff wrench or tool nearby, and learn how to use it before you need it.

Pro Tip: If the valve is rusty or hard to turn, it might not work when you need it most. Consider calling your local plumbers, and replace it if it looks worn out before any storms arrive.

Locate Your Sewer Cleanout Cap

Here’s one many people overlook: the sewer cleanout cap. It’s a capped pipe that sticks out of the ground, usually white or black, and can often be found near your foundation, in a garden bed, or along the property line. During a hurricane, heavy rainfall and flooding can overwhelm sewer lines. That can cause backups into your home’s drains, toilets, and tubs.

Pro Tip: If water starts backing up, knowing where your cleanout is located allows a plumber to release the pressure quickly, or block incoming flow if needed.

Evacuating? Take a Few Minutes to Shut It All Down.

   - Main water valve

   - Gas supply

   - Check your sewer cleanout cap

These steps only take a few minutes but could save your home from major damage if utilities fail or lines break while you're away.

Quick Recap

Getting familiar with your home’s water, gas, and sewer systems may not be the first thing you think of when prepping for a storm, but it should be on your list. A little preparation now can help you avoid major problems later.

For any hurricane preparedness questions or if you want to get your home or business prepared call your trusted plumbers in Charleston at Rooter Man today!

Is Your Toilet Costing You Money? Here’s How to Tell

Did you know that a hidden water leak in your home can greatly increase your water bill? A small drip from a sink faucet won’t break the bank, but a leaky toilet could without you even knowing. When you combine that knowledge with the fact that toilets are one of the most common sources of household leaks that we see means that these leaks often slip under the radar until they cause damage. If you have a leaky toilet it’s easy to see why early detection matters.

Fortunately, there are some telltale signs that your toilet might need a quick and simple repair. Keep an eye (and ear) out for these symptoms:

• You have to jiggle the handle to make the toilet stop running

• The toilet makes noise even when it hasn't been used recently

• Water is running over the overflow tube inside the tank

• You need to fully hold down the handle to get it to flush

• Water trickles into the bowl long after you've flushed

• You hear the tank refilling on its own (as if it flushed without being used)

• Your toilet bowl *sweats* or constantly has condensation

If any of these sound familiar, your toilet likely has a leak. The good news is that most toilet leaks are caused by worn or misaligned parts and can be fixed without replacing the entire toilet.

Fix that leak before it drains your wallet (and your patience)

A leaking toilet may seem like a minor inconvenience, but it can waste thousands of gallons of water a year if it’s left alone. That wasted water still shows up on your bill. If you suspect a leak, don’t ignore it and don’t stress trying to fix it yourself.

Call Rooter Man today, and we’ll send a licensed plumbing technician to diagnose the issue and make a quick repair. We’re here to help you save water, money, and hassle.