Protecting Your Home’s Air and Water After Texas Storms
Strong Central Texas storms can roll through quickly, with heavy rain, high winds, hail, and power outages all in a single afternoon. When the sky clears, you may see broken branches and wet spots, but still wonder if the air you are breathing and the water coming from your taps are really okay. The trouble is, storm damage does not always show up where you can see it.
Hidden moisture in walls and attics, tiny cracks in plumbing lines, and damage to HVAC parts can all change your indoor air and water without any big, obvious mess. That is why it helps to understand what storms can do inside your home, not just outside. In this guide, we will talk through warning signs, what an indoor air quality inspection and plumbing check look like, and smart steps to be ready before the next round of storms.
How Texas Storms Threaten Indoor Air Quality
Central Texas storms can be hard on AC systems and rooflines. High winds and flying debris can hit your outdoor AC unit, bend fins, or clog it with leaves and dirt. Wind-driven rain can sneak under shingles or into attic vents. Once that happens, dust, pollen, and outdoor pollutants can find new paths into your ductwork and then into the air you breathe.
Water is a big part of the problem. When rain seeps into attics, wall cavities, around windows, or near ceiling penetrations, it can leave damp spots that remain wet. That damp, warm environment can feed mold and mildew. If that growth is near ducts or your indoor unit, spores can move through the system whenever your AC runs.
After a storm, a professional indoor air quality inspection often includes:
- Checking air filters and indoor coils for dirt and moisture
- Inspecting ductwork for gaps, sagging sections, or standing water
- Measuring indoor humidity levels in different areas of the home
- Testing AC performance after power surges or short power outages
Poor air can show up as more allergy symptoms, asthma flares, musty odors, headaches, or that tired, foggy feeling. With Central Texas spring allergens already building this time of year, a storm-damaged system can make your home feel like the outdoors moved inside.
Storm Damage Risks Hiding in Your Plumbing System
Storms not only affect the air. Heavy rains and localized flooding can overload city sewer lines or septic systems. When that happens, you may notice sewer odors coming from drains, gurgling sounds, or even backflow into tubs or floor drains. That is not just unpleasant; it can mean germs are closer to the living space.
Soil around your home can shift when it gets soaked, then dries again. That movement can stress underground water and sewer pipes. After a big storm, that might show up as:
- New wet spots in the yard
- Lower water pressure at faucets
- Discolored water or particles in the flow
Water heaters, exposed piping, and fixtures can also get hit by lightning, power surges, hail, or debris. Damage there can create scalding risks, small gas leaks, or slow water leaks that feed mold behind walls or under floors. Strange tastes, odors, or ongoing clogs are your plumbing saying something has changed since the last storm.
Signs Your Air and Water Need a Professional Check
Some problems are quiet, but your home still gives you clues. After a storm, watch and listen for air quality warning signs such as:
- Persistent musty or earthy smells
- Visible mold or dark spots on vents or near windows
- More dust collecting on surfaces than usual
- AC that cycles on and off a lot or airflow that feels weak
- Indoor air that feels sticky even when the AC is running
On the plumbing side, red flags include:
- Gurgling drains or slow-draining sinks and tubs
- Water that looks cloudy, rusty, or has small particles
- Sulfur, bleach-like, or metallic smells from taps
- Water stains on ceilings, walls, or inside cabinets
- Higher than normal water bills with no change in usage
These signs can point to leaky ducts, soaked insulation, clogged AC condensate lines, blocked sewer lines, or small slab and yard leaks. Small issues early on are usually much easier to handle than a full mold cleanup or a major pipe repair down the road, so it is best not to ignore changes that show up right after a storm.
What Happens in a Post-Storm HVAC and Plumbing Visit
During a post-storm HVAC visit, a technician will usually:
- Check air filters and recommend replacement if they are dirty or damp
- Inspect the AC and furnace safety controls after power events
- Look at the evaporator coil and blower for debris or moisture
- Inspect ductwork where reachable, checking for gaps or water spots
- Test humidity levels and suggest dehumidifiers, UV lights, or air purifiers if needed
If you have noticed cooling problems or strange noises, a focused AC repair check can be part of that visit, too.
A plumbing review after a storm may include:
- A visual check of exposed pipes, valves, and fixtures
- Testing water pressure and temperature at several taps
- Inspecting around the water heater and under sinks for leaks
- Checking drain performance and listening for gurgling
- Recommending water testing if there are signs of contamination
When HVAC and plumbing are checked together, you get a clearer picture of your home’s overall health. Many homeowners in the Greater San Marcos area like to pair storm checks with a spring AC tune-up and a quick water heater check, so any storm-related problems are handled before longer, humid days arrive.
Long-Term Storm, Indoor Air, and Water Safety Steps You Can Take
There are smart steps you can take before the next big storm. For air systems, consider:
- Surge protection for HVAC equipment
- Regular maintenance before storm season and before peak AC use
- Sealing and insulating ductwork where accessible
- Adding whole-home dehumidifiers or air purifiers if recommended
- Keeping outdoor units clear of clutter and vegetation
For plumbing, long-term protection can include:
- Installing or checking backflow preventers where needed
- Adding shutoff valves in key spots for faster response
- Making sure the yard slopes away from the house to move water out
- Regular water heater service and inspection
- Periodic checks of older or previously repaired lines
Keeping simple notes on each major storm and any changes you notice in the air or water later helps technicians track patterns and identify issues faster during service visits.
FAQs About Storms, Indoor Air, and Water Safety:
1. How soon after a storm should I schedule an indoor air quality inspection?
If you notice odors, extra dust, or allergy flare-ups right after a storm, it is smart to have an inspection as soon as possible, especially if water got into the attic or the ceiling.
2. What are the most common HVAC problems after Central Texas storms?
Common issues include clogged or bent outdoor units, wet insulation near ducts, tripped safety controls from power surges, and duct leaks that pull in attic air.
3. Can a power surge really damage my AC or furnace even if it still runs?
Yes, surges can weaken electrical parts, so the system still runs but is more likely to fail early or run less efficiently.
4. How do I know if my water is safe to drink after heavy flooding or sewer backups?
If you see discoloration, smell anything odd, or notice nearby flooding or sewer issues, do not rely on sight or smell alone. Have a plumbing professional check your system and recommend testing.
5. What plumbing issues should make me call for emergency service right away?
Visible sewage backups, sudden loss of water pressure, signs of a gas smell, or water pouring from ceilings or walls are all emergencies.
6. Is there anything I can safely check myself before calling a professional?
You can note any odors, look under sinks for new moisture, and listen for gurgling drains, but deeper checks should be left to trained technicians.
7. Will homeowners’ insurance help cover storm-related HVAC or plumbing repairs?
Coverage differs by policy, so it is best to review your documents and talk with your insurance agent about storm events and what is included.
8. How often should I schedule maintenance for HVAC and plumbing in Central Texas?
Regular twice-yearly HVAC checks and yearly plumbing reviews work well for many homes, especially in an area with long AC seasons and strong storms.
9. Are air purifiers, dehumidifiers, or water filtration systems worth it in our area?
In many Central Texas homes, added filtration and humidity control can help manage allergens and moisture brought by storms and prolonged humid periods.
10. Why choose a company that offers both HVAC and plumbing for post-storm inspections?
When one team understands both systems, it is easier to spot how a storm may have affected air and water together, so you can develop a comprehensive plan to protect your home.
Breathe Easier with a Professional Indoor Air Evaluation
If you notice allergies, musty odors, or lingering dust, we can help you pinpoint what is affecting your home’s air quality. Schedule an indoor air quality inspection so our Woods Comfort Systems team can assess your air and recommend clear next steps. We will walk you through practical solutions that fit your home, budget, and comfort needs. To request an appointment or ask questions, simply contact us.
