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Upstate South Carolina sees its share of severe weather. The derecho that swept through Spartanburg County a few years back left thousands without power for days. The ice storms that hit the Landrum-Campobello corridor every couple of winters down trees and power lines across the northern part of our service area. And the summer thunderstorms that roll through the I-85 corridor from Greenville to Gaffney bring lightning that takes out AC compressors and control boards every season.
Most storm damage to home systems is preventable with preparation. Here’s what our team recommends.
Before the Storm
Electrical
- Surge protection: A whole-home surge protector installed at the electrical panel protects all your appliances and electronics from lightning-induced power surges. Cost: $300-$500 installed. Individual power strips protect individual devices but don’t stop surges from entering through the panel.
- Generator readiness: If you have a standby generator, test it monthly. If you use a portable generator, never run it indoors, in the garage, or near windows – carbon monoxide kills.
- Know your panel: Label every breaker. In an emergency, you need to know which breaker controls what without guessing.
HVAC
- Secure the outdoor unit: The condenser should be bolted to the pad. Loose units can shift or topple in high winds. Clear any loose objects near the unit that could become projectiles.
- Turn off the system during severe storms: Power surges from lightning strikes can damage the compressor, control board, and capacitor. Turn off the HVAC breaker during active electrical storms and wait 5 minutes after power is restored before turning it back on. This protects the compressor from starting against high head pressure.
Plumbing
- Clear gutters and downspouts: Clogged drainage directs storm water toward your foundation, increasing the risk of basement flooding and foundation damage.
- Test the sump pump: If you have one, verify it works before storm season. A battery backup sump pump is a worthwhile investment – the primary pump is useless during a power outage, which is exactly when you need it most.
- Know your main water shut-off: If a storm damages a supply line, you need to stop the water flow immediately.
During the Storm
- Stay inside and away from windows
- If you lose power, turn off the HVAC breaker to prevent surge damage when power returns
- Don’t use gas appliances for heating (stove, oven) – carbon monoxide risk
- If you smell gas, evacuate and call 911
After the Storm
Electrical
- Check for damage before restoring power: If your home sustained damage (fallen tree, roof damage, flooding), have an electrician inspect before turning breakers back on. Water-damaged electrical components are a fire and shock hazard.
- Reset GFCI outlets: Power surges can trip GFCI outlets. Check bathrooms, kitchen, garage, and exterior outlets.
HVAC
- Inspect the outdoor unit: Look for debris damage, shifted positioning, or standing water around the unit. Clear any branches, leaves, or debris from around and on top of the condenser.
- Wait before restarting: After a power outage, wait at least 5 minutes before turning the HVAC system back on. This allows refrigerant pressures to equalize and prevents compressor damage.
- Listen for unusual sounds: After restarting, listen for new noises – banging, grinding, or humming without startup. These can indicate storm-related damage.
Plumbing
- Check for leaks: Walk around the home and inspect all visible plumbing for new leaks. Check the water meter for movement when all water is off.
- Test well pump (if applicable): Power surges can damage well pump controls.
- Flush water lines: If you lost water service, run all faucets for a few minutes before using the water for drinking.
Storm Damage We Commonly Repair
- Lightning damage to AC compressors and control boards
- Fallen tree limbs crushing condenser units
- Power surge damage to water heater controls
- Flooded crawlspace affecting ductwork and insulation
- Generator backfeed damage from improper connection
YOUTUBE EMBED: Got High Water Pressure? This One Valve Fixes It FAST — @YallCallWally
Call Waldrop Plumbing Air Electric at (864) 536-0887 for storm damage assessment and repair.
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- Runnin’ Out of Hot Water → https://www.callwaldrop.com/blog/runnin-out-of-hot-water-lets-figure-it-out-with-wally-upstate-sc/
- How Does Hot Water Get Through the Whole House → https://www.callwaldrop.com/blog/how-does-hot-water-get-through-the-whole-house/
- Why Does My Drain Keep Clogging → https://www.callwaldrop.com/blog/why-does-my-drain-keep-clogging/
