Will My Plumbing Work in a Blackout?

From thundering rain to blistering snow, Pennsylvania is no stranger to storm season. While we can certainly brave the elements, the real trouble comes when mother nature knocks out the power in our homes. If you’re experiencing a blackout, you may be surprised to learn that not all of your plumbing may work. In order to be best prepared here’s how a blackout will affect your different systems.

Your Sump Pump

Your sump pump is a saving grace when it comes to protecting your home from rising floodwaters. However, almost all sump pumps operate on electricity. So if the power goes out during a storm, you’re unit won’t be able to keep your home safe, and you could end up with a few inches of water in your basement or crawlspace.

Your Water Heater

Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to light some candles and simply take a nice, hot bath while you wait for your power to turn on? Well, that won’t be possible in some cases. Most tankless water heaters run on electricity, so it won’t work if the power is out, or if your tank-based unit also uses electricity as a power source, you’ll be stuck with the same issue.

Your Toilet

Sorry to say it, but in some cases, even your toilet won’t work in a blackout. It may work as long as it is a gravity-based flushing system, but if it uses electricity to flush, you’ll have to *ahem* hold it in until the power is back on.

For electrical solutions in Lancaster County and beyond, contact Lancaster Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical.