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Recently, Greene County TN experienced a 500-year flood, leaving many without power, water, and home. I'd like to first start this article out with saying my prayers and family's prayers are going out to all of the families impacted by this storm. While we're also without water, this doesn't come close to those that have lost everything, some including their lives; for that, we thank the Lord and are grateful for everything we have today. Second, we're here to help all of those affected as well and happy to help reassure if a system is safe to continue use once power and/or water is back on. Please call 423-609-3343 for any questions at all. It’s crucial to keep your plumbing system in good shape while waiting for utilities to be restored. Here are some essential tips to prevent damage and costly repairs during this time. 1. Turn Off Your Water Heater One of the most important things you can do before, during, or after the flood in Greene County power or water outage is to turn off your water heater. This prevents damage to the unit, such as blowing a heating element when water flow returns. Hopefully you already did that but if not, here's how: If You Have a Breaker: Turn off the water heater at the breaker panel. This cuts off the power and protects the unit from surges when water is restored. If You Have a Disconnect Switch: Pull the disconnect to safely stop power from reaching the heater. If You Have Shut-Off Valves: Close them. When water is restored, you’ll hear the tank refilling. Once it's full, turn the power back on to avoid damaging the heating element. 2. Shut Off the Main Water Valve (If Necessary) If you’re concerned about potential leaks or if the storm caused damage to your pipes, consider shutting off the main water valve to prevent flooding when the water comes back on. You can find the main shut-off valve where the water line enters your home, usually in the basement, crawlspace, or near the meter. 3. Check Your Pipes for Damage After a storm, especially if the debris entered the home, check all of your pipes to ensure no damage has occurred. Check the following areas: Basement and crawl spaces Exterior walls Attics 4. Use Water Sparingly If you still have some water in your pipes or a backup water supply, use it sparingly. Prioritize drinking, cooking, and sanitation. Avoid activities that use a large amount of water, like laundry or washing dishes, until service is restored. 5. Check for Leaks Once Water Is Restored When the water comes back on, listen for unusual sounds or hissing that could indicate a leak. Check all visible pipes for signs of water leakage, and inspect the following areas: Under sinks Around toilets At water heater connections 6. Gradually Restore Power to Appliances When the power returns, gradually turn on appliances that use water, like dishwashers and washing machines, to avoid overwhelming your system. Start with smaller appliances and work your way up to larger systems like the water heater. 7. Check Your Sump Pump If you have a sump pump, ensure it's still working after the power outage. Sump pumps often fail during storms, leading to basement flooding. Test your pump by pouring water into the sump pit and checking if it activates. 8. Preventative Maintenance After the Storm After utilities are restored, inspect your plumbing system for any signs of damage that may have been caused during the storm. Here’s a quick post-storm checklist: Inspect all faucets for proper flow Check drains for blockages Examine exposed pipes for leaks Test water heater functionality Conclusion Taking these steps right now and after Greene County restores water can prevent serious plumbing issues and costly repairs. If you need assistance with your plumbing system or if you notice damage after the storm, don’t hesitate to contact Greene County Plumbing Solutions for help.

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When you're buying a home, there are a lot of things to think about: location, price, size, and condition of the property. One important aspect that often gets overlooked is the plumbing. Hiring a Greeneville plumber to perform a plumbing inspection before finalizing your purchase could save you from unexpected costs and headaches in the future. 1. Identify Hidden Plumbing Issues Many plumbing issues are not immediately visible, especially if you're only doing a surface-level inspection of the home. Hidden leaks, old pipes, or even outdated plumbing systems can lead to major problems once you move in. A thorough inspection by a Greeneville plumber can uncover these issues before they become your responsibility. This allows you to either negotiate repairs with the seller or avoid a potentially costly home purchase altogether. 2. Protect Your Investment A home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, and plumbing repairs can be surprisingly expensive. Issues like corroded pipes, sewer line problems, or faulty water heaters can cost thousands of dollars to repair. By having a Greeneville plumber inspect the plumbing system, you’re safeguarding your investment. It's much better to address any problems before you close on the home rather than dealing with major repairs after you’ve moved in. 3. What to Expect During a Plumbing Inspection A professional plumbing inspection goes beyond just checking for leaks. Here’s what a Greeneville plumber will typically assess: Pipes and Drains: Are there signs of corrosion or blockages that could lead to future problems? Water Heater: Is the water heater functioning properly, and how old is it? Will it need replacing soon? Water Pressure: Is the water pressure consistent and strong throughout the home? Fixtures: Are faucets, toilets, and showers working correctly without leaks? Sewer Lines: Are the sewer lines clear and free of obstructions? Each of these components plays a critical role in the home’s plumbing system, and a thorough inspection ensures that no stone is left unturned. 4. Local Expertise Matters Not all plumbing systems are the same, and different regions have unique challenges when it comes to plumbing. That's why hiring a Greeneville plumber with local expertise is essential. A plumber who knows the ins and outs of Greeneville’s water systems and local building codes will provide a more accurate and detailed assessment. They’ll be familiar with common issues in the area, such as sediment buildup from local water supplies or problems related to older homes in the region. Conclusion A plumbing inspection is a small price to pay for peace of mind when buying a home. By hiring a trusted Greeneville plumber to inspect your future home's plumbing system, you can avoid unexpected costs, protect your investment, and ensure that your new home is in great condition. If you're in the process of buying a home in Greeneville, TN, and want to make sure your plumbing is in top shape, contact Greene County Plumbing today. Our experienced team will provide a thorough inspection and help you make the best decision for your future home. If you want a full inspection beyond plumbing, we recommend our friend Todd over at Top Tier Home Inspections for thorough reports that even contain moisture meters and thermal photography!