The world’s largest earthquake drill, the Great Shakeout is fast approaching! Held annually on the third Thursday of October, millions of people, including the city of Renton, participate by holding earthquake drills and practicing earthquake safety. For residents in the Pacific Northwest, staying up to date on proper earthquake safety is vital since the “Large earthquakes on the 1100-km-long plate-boundary fault of the Cascadia subduction zone beneath Washington, Oregon, and northern California pose a significant hazard to population centers of the U.S. Pacific Northwest.”
Participating in regular earthquake drills helps prepare you on how to get ready and stay safe both before and during an earthquake. But what about after an earthquake? While earthquakes typically don’t last very long, the effects of an earthquake and the damage it brings can be far reaching and long lasting. Aftershocks and general property damage are to be expected with an earthquake, but what about damage that isn’t visible at first glance? Most of a home’s plumbing lives out of sight or underground and if there’s been significant earthquake damage to your plumbing, it may not be readily apparent. After an earthquake has hit, there are a few things that you should check when it comes to your plumbing.
Check your plumbing fixtures
An earthquake can dislodge indoor plumbing or shake loose piping. When the all clear has been given and it’s safe to do so, check your plumbing fixtures for any leaks or damage. If there are no outward signs of damage or if you don’t see any water, that doesn’t mean that you’re out of the woods yet. Keep an ear open for the sounds of dripping or running water behind your walls or take action if you see damp spots start to form. Water leaking from indoor plumbing can damage your furniture, floors, and walls. If it’s taken care of right away, mold and mildew can start to grow and spread as well. A trusted plumber can inspect your plumbing fixtures and help detect any leaks that may have occurred after the earthquake.
Monitor underground plumbing
Underground plumbing infrastructure such as sewer and water lines are equally at risk for damage when an earthquake occurs. Powerful earthquakes move the ground and soil and this disruption can lead to pipes shifting out of alignment or even breaking. If your plumbing lines weren’t unearthed during the earthquake, it won’t be as noticeable then if they’ve been damaged or require maintenance. A broken sewer line could lead to sewage leaks so look for signs of sewage seeping out or wet spots in your yard. If your water main was cracked during the earthquake, then keep your eyes open for signs like puddles of water or new plant growth near where the water is leaking. To fix any damage that’s been done to your sewer line and water line will require the help of a professional plumber.
Trusted Plumbing & Heating are Renton’s #1 trusted plumbing company. The next time there’s a seismic event and you need a reliable plumber to inspect your plumbing for you, call Trusted Plumbing & Heating!