Plumbing systems aren't usually exposed on the ground, but this doesn't mean they are immune to the effect of floodwater. A serious flood can cause grave damage to your plumbing installations. Here are some of the specific damages to watch out for after a flood:

It Can Clog the Drains

A premier danger of flooding is that it can clog your drains. This happens when the dirty floodwaters, which will be filled with all manner of debris at this point, settle into your outdoor plumbing. The floodwater plus the dirt, twigs, leaves, water bottles and other debris it may be carrying will collect in your inner pipe walls or even clog the pipes. Such clogging interferes with your plumbing pipes' ability to process wastewater, which means your sinks, toilets, and drains are likely to back up and contaminate your house.

It Can Damage Plumbing Pipes

There are three main ways in which flooding can damage your plumbing pipes. First, the debris in the floodwater can clog the pipes and increase the pressure within the pipes; extremely high pressure will cause the pipes to break. Secondly, the floodwater can saturate the soil, and the saturated soils will not be able to support the weight of the pipes, causing them to crack. Thirdly, the waterlogged soils can also cause your house's foundation to shift, which may cause cracks at the points where the pipes connect to or enter the house. Even if the pipes don't break, their connections are likely to be loosened.

It Can Make Drains Overflow

During a serious flood, it's possible for floodwater to enter your plumbing system via the drain pipes. When too much water enters the drainpipes, it will run out of places to go because the system isn't usually designed to handle that much water. The result is that the conventional water flow will be interrupted, and it can be pushed out its regular way. Apart from that, the pressure inside the pipes will also rise, forcing the water to seek the path of least resistance. Both of these will result in the water rushing out of the drains; the result is that your house can easily be flooded by overflowing drains.

Therefore, you should inspect your plumbing system for signs of damage immediately after a flood. Check if the water pressure is normal; if there are any signs of sewer back-up, or there are any leaks in the system. Consult a plumber at a company like All Clear if you suspect something is wrong with the plumbing system.