(September 16, 2008 – Cincinnati, OH) – Home flooding, as a result of powerful storms, can be a devastating experience. However, good preparation before the storm arrives can minimize the impact on your home. Anyone living in flood prone areas should consider relocating to a safer area until the storm has passed. For those who intend to ride out the storm at home, it is important to take steps to protect your home’s plumbing system while ensuring a clean and safe supply of drinking water. Roto-Rooter, North America’s largest provider of plumbing and drain cleaning services, recommends that homeowners follow these important guidelines before the storm arrives.

Preparing your Plumbing and Drainage System during the Calm before the Storm

·         Check all downspouts and roof gutters to ensure they are securely fastened, free of debris and draining properly.

·         Make sure yard culverts and street drains are free of debris and can carry water away as fast as possible.

·         Inspect foundation and / or basement walls for cracks and repair as necessary. Watermarks near cracks could be a sign of recent leaks and future risk.

·         Inspect basement sump pump. Ensure it is discharging water properly and is not clogged with debris. Do this by pouring a few buckets of water into your sump pit. In a matter of seconds, the pump should discharge the water and shut itself off.

·         If your home has a sump pump and it operates frequently, consider installing a battery back-up pump that will operate in the event of a power failure.

·         Inspect all floor drains throughout the house, including those in the garage, driveway, basement and patio. Make sure the covers are unobstructed and the drains aren’t clogged.

·         Install inexpensive battery-operated flood alarms in basements or flood prone areas. If water enters your home, the alarm will sound giving you time to act sooner. Simple flood alarms cost less than $15 and are available from the Roto-Rooter web site, local Roto-Rooter offices or from major home centers.

If there is advance warning of a major storm and you intend to remain in your home, the water in your household plumbing system can be protected from contamination and made available for use.

·         Shut off the main water valve coming into the home. This prevents any contaminated water from getting into the house.

·         Shut off the valves on any water lines leaving the house, such as outside faucets.

·         Open a faucet at the highest point in the house (such as an upstairs bathroom) to allow air into the system. Then draw water as needed from the lowest faucet in the home.

·         Water in the hot water heater or a pressure tank represents many gallons of safe water for use in an emergency.

·         If there is enough advance warning of the emergency, assure the freshest water supply by flushing the tank and allowing it to refill with clean water.

·         Turn off electricity or gas to the hot water heater, so that there is no risk that the heating unit could come on while the tank is being emptied. Draw water as needed from the drain valve at the bottom of the tank.

·         Water stored in your home’s plumbing system is safe for a few days. After a longer time, it must be disinfected before it is used for drinking or cooking.

·         Sinks and bathtubs and can be filled with water for emergency use. Water stored this way is perfect for cleaning dishes, bathing or flushing toilets. However, due to the difficulty in getting tubs and sinks clean, this water is not recommended for drinking and cooking unless it is first disinfected.

Water safety after the storm

Upon returning to your home after a hurricane or flood, tap water may be unsafe to drink. Bacteria, viruses, debris, or chemicals may have gotten into the water. Water treatment plants may be damaged and unable to clean the water. Here's what you can do:

·         If you don’t know whether the water is safe to use, boil water before using it for any purpose (example: Bathing, brushing teeth, cooking, drinking).

·         Once your community declares its water safe, be sure to flush your home’s water system by opening all faucets for several minutes.

Specializing in Emergencies

Roto-Rooter specializes in emergency service and is always on call and available 24/7. Homes and businesses that need help getting plumbing back on-line in the wake of an emergency can call 1-800-GET-ROTO or service can be scheduled by e-mail at rotorooter.com.

Media outlets in need an expert to offer tips and advice should contact Roto-Rooter.

Roto-Rooter has plumbing professionals in almost every locale in America. If you need an expert to offer these tips, Roto-Rooter is pleased to be of assistance either by phone or in person. Contact Paul Abrams at O) 513-762-6434, cell phone) 513-702-5631.

Roto-Rooter was established in 1935 and is the largest provider of plumbing and drain cleaning services in North America. Roto-Rooter operates businesses in more than 100 company-owned territories and more than 500 franchise territories, serving approximately 91 percent of the U.S. population and 55 percent of the Canadian population. For more information about Roto-Rooter and to see a selection of our current news releases, please visit our online pressroom at www.rotorooter.com.

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