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HEALTH AND SANITATION
Rebuilding plumbing systems following a natural 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— the first in a series— looks at challenges and opportunities involved in rebuilding plumbing systems in the Southeastern US. Written by IAPMO Staff Writer Mike Flenniken, it is the next in a regular series of similar articles that will run in this magazine.
Dave Viola IAPMO CEO
This article originally appeared in Southern PHC magazine.
The 2024 hurricanes that ravaged the Southeastern US, Helene and Milton, left homes and communities torn down to the foundations. From Florida to the Carolinas, plumbing systems, critical to clean water access and sanitation, were not exempt from the destruction, suffering from flooding, pipe damage and contamination. As communities rebuild, there is an opportunity to go beyond simple restoration and create systems that are resilient and efficient.
Impact on plumbing systems Natural disasters wreak havoc on plumbing systems in numerous ways. The destruction caused by these disasters extends beyond immediate repairs. Corroded pipes, damaged fittings and displaced components often require extensive replacement to restore a safe and functional plumbing system. The aftermath of natural disasters also accelerates water contamination risks, as floodwaters carry debris, bacteria and other harmful substances into water systems.
In many cases, disasters don’ t just break the plumbing; they expose weaknesses that existed all along. Rebuilding is an opportunity to make systems stronger, more efficient and more resilient.
“ Resiliency is being able to bounce back from a sudden disaster,” said Christoph Lohr, P. E., vice president of
Technical Services and Research at IAPMO, adding that smarter plumbing systems can reduce costs, save water and energy and enhance overall safety.
By focusing on principles such as right-sizing pipes, efficient designs and advanced technologies, Southeast communities can rebuild systems that are better prepared for tomorrow’ s challenges.
Right-sizing pipes Right-sized pipes are the cornerstone of resilient plumbing systems. Oversized pipes, common in older infrastructure, lead to water stagnation, longer hot water delivery times and unnecessary construction costs. In disaster-prone areas, where every dollar counts during recovery, right-sizing balances upfront costs with long-term performance and safety.
“ When you have to rebuild, especially a house that’ s been destroyed and you’ re trying to reduce costs or make the system more affordable, right-sizing is going to make a lot of sense,” Lohr said.
Reducing pipe sizes to align with today’ s water-efficient fixtures has been recognized as a critical step in modern plumbing design. A recent New York Times article highlighted how such practices not only save materials but also prevent issues like water aging, helping systems deliver hot water faster and reducing the risks of bacterial growth.
Image by Freepik
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www. plumbingafrica. co. za @ plumbingonline @ plumbingonline @ PlumbingAfricaOnline September 2025 Volume 31 I Number 07