14 Dec

Will My Plumbing Work During A Power Outage?

By Uncategorized

No one enjoys the inconvenience of a power outage. Maryland homes and businesses are more than a little familiar with power outages during hurricane season. Life seems to stop when the power goes out. No lights, internet, major appliances, or heating/cooling. But, does your plumbing get affected as well?  

What plumbing items will still work?

Like everything else in today’s world, your plumbing system does depend largely on electricity and/or gas. Luckily, there are some important features in your home that should still operate normally with or without power.

  • Toilets
  • Sinks
  • Tank-Style Water Heaters

What plumbing items won’t work?

If you utilize a well-pump, then you will unfortunately not have access to water during a power outage since the pump itself requires electricity to operate. Without the pump, there is no water flow. In the event you have a reservoir of water, then you can still access this stored water during the outage. Other items that may not work during a power outage are:

  • Pump-Assisted Sewer Systems– If your home’s sewer system depends on an electric pump, avoid flushing unless absolutely necessary to avoid a back-up of wastewater. By limiting the number of times you flush during the power outage, you can avoid an overflow of your sewer system into your home.
  • Tankless Water Heaters- Unlike their tank-style cousins, electricity is needed for tankless heaters to power their ignition. Until the power is back on, you will not have any hot water either. 
  • Pump-Assisted Toilets– However, if you have access to water, rather it is from your sink or from a reservoir, you can pour water into the tank to flush the toilet until power is restored.

What can you do to avoid these plumbing issues during a power outage?

Plumbing is one of our more important elements of living comfortably in our homes. We want to keep our plumbing systems, like water heaters and sump pumps running as normal. To help prevent clogs, water, or sewage backflow into your home, consider a back-up generator to ensure things continue to flow properly. This backup energy source will also keep your water heater and other appliances operating during any power outages. Need a professional plumber in the Baltimore, MD area? Give us a call today at (410) 265-8833.

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