30 HEALTH AND SANITATION
Rebuilding plumbing systems following a disaster
By Mike Flenniken
David Viola, IAPMO CEO In the spirit of the sharing of unique experiences that shape the plumbing industries in our respective nations, the following article looks at the growing concerns around post-disaster plumbing system resilience and recovery. Written by IAPMO Senior Communications Specialist Mike Flenniken, it is the next in a regular series of similar articles that will run in this magazine.
Dave Viola IAPMO CEO
“ Rebuilding
resilient plumbing systems requires collaboration among multiple stakeholders.”
A guide to resiliency and cost-efficiency.
The 2024 hurricanes that ravaged the Southeastern plumbing systems. Oversized pipes, common in older United States – Helene and Milton – left homes infrastructure, lead to water stagnation, longer hot water and communities torn down to the foundations. delivery times and unnecessary construction costs. In From Florida to the Carolinas, plumbing systems disaster-prone areas, where every dollar counts during – critical to clean water access and sanitation – recovery, right-sizing balances upfront costs with longterm performance and safety. were not exempt from the destruction, suffering from flooding, pipe damage and contamination. As communities rebuild, there is an opportunity to go“ When you have to rebuild, especially a house that’ s been beyond simple restoration and create systems that destroyed and you’ re trying to reduce costs or make the are resilient and efficient. system more affordable, right-sizing is going to make a lot of sense,” Lohr said.
Impact on plumbing systems Natural disasters wreak havoc on plumbing systems Reducing pipe sizes to align with today’ s water-efficient in numerous ways. The destruction caused by these fixtures has been recognised as a critical step in modern disasters extends beyond immediate repairs. Corroded plumbing design. A recent New York Times article pipes, damaged fittings and displaced components often highlighted how such practices not only save materials require extensive replacement to restore a safe and but also prevent issues like water ageing – helping functional plumbing system. The aftermath of natural systems deliver hot water faster and reducing the risks disasters also accelerates water contamination risks, of bacterial growth. as floodwaters carry debris, bacteria and other harmful substances into water systems. In addition to improving water quality, right-sizing significantly reduces construction and material costs. In many cases, disasters don’ t just break the plumbing; they expose weaknesses that existed all along. Rebuilding
Smarter plumbing design is an opportunity to make systems stronger, more efficient
Beyond right-sizing, resilient plumbing systems rely on and more resilient. efficient layouts that centralise fixtures and minimise pipe lengths. Compact designs improve water delivery speed,
“ Resiliency is being able to bounce back from a sudden reduce waste and lower utility bills, all while making the disaster,” said Christoph Lohr, P. E., vice-president of overall system more reliable. Technical Services and Research at IAPMO, adding that smarter plumbing systems can reduce costs, save water and energy, and enhance overall safety.
Efficient layouts are especially valuable following disasters, as they simplify repairs and minimise the risk of system
By focusing on principles such as right-sizing pipes, failure. When pipes are shorter and more centralised, leaks efficient designs and advanced technologies, Southeast are easier to locate and fix, ensuring water service can be communities can rebuild systems that are better prepared restored quickly after an emergency. for tomorrow’ s challenges.
Leak detection is another essential component of resilient
Right-sizing pipes design.“ Leak detection systems can sense water
Right-sized pipes are the cornerstone of resilient characteristics such as pressure, flow and any movement
www. plumbingafrica. co. za @ plumbingonline @ plumbingonline @ PlumbingAfricaOnline April 2026 Volume 32 I Number 02