Tropical Storm Bertha has formed in the Gulf and is currently tracking toward the Louisiana coast, with Thursday as the main impact day for Southeast and Central Texas. While the storm is expected to weaken before reaching our area, Bryan and College Station homeowners can still expect scattered showers, gusty winds, and the possibility of brief power outages through Thursday and Friday.
Here is what to do right now to protect your home and your HVAC and plumbing systems before Bertha arrives.
Protect Your AC System Before the Storm
Shut the System Off at the Thermostat and Breaker
When a tropical system is approaching, turn your AC off at the thermostat and switch it off at the main breaker before the storm arrives. Power fluctuations, surges, and outages during the storm can damage the compressor if the system is running when the grid goes down or comes back up. Once power has been stable for a few minutes after the storm passes, it is safe to restart.
Clear Debris from Around Your Outdoor Unit
Strong winds associated with tropical systems can turn yard debris into projectiles. Before the storm, clear the area around your outdoor condenser unit of anything loose, including potted plants, patio furniture, garden tools, and tree branches. Keeping at least two feet of clearance around the unit at all times is good practice, but it becomes especially important before a storm.
Check Your Condensate Drainage
Your AC system produces condensation that drains through a condensate line. If that line is already slow or partially clogged, heavy rainfall combined with high humidity during a tropical event can cause it to back up and overflow into your home. Check that your condensate drain pan is clear and that the drain line is flowing freely before the storm hits.
Prepare for a Potential Power Outage
Tropical systems tracking through Central Texas can produce sustained rainfall and wind that brings down power lines and overwhelms the grid. An extended outage during July heat in the Brazos Valley is not just uncomfortable, it can be dangerous, particularly for older adults, young children, and anyone with medical conditions that depend on powered equipment.
- Stock up on water, flashlights, and battery-powered fans before the storm arrives, not after
- Charge all devices including phones, tablets, and portable battery packs before the storm hits
- Keep your refrigerator and freezer full since fuller units maintain safe temperatures longer during an outage
- Identify a cooling center or shelter option in advance if an outage extends into the hottest part of the day
Plumbing Steps to Take Before the Storm
Know Your Main Water Shutoff
Make sure every adult in your household knows where the main water shutoff valve is located and how to operate it quickly. Storm damage can stress supply lines and fittings, and being able to shut the water off fast can limit damage if a pipe fails during or after the storm.
Watch for Sewer Backflow Risk
Heavy rainfall events can overwhelm municipal sewer systems and cause backflow into home drains. If your home has a history of slow drains or you are in a low-lying area, consider placing drain plugs in floor drains and lower-level fixtures before the storm arrives.
Know Where Your Gas Shutoff Is
Storm damage can sometimes affect gas lines. Make sure you know where your gas shutoff is located. If you smell gas during or after the storm, leave the home immediately and call 911 and your gas provider from outside before re-entering.
After the Storm: What to Check Before Restarting Your Systems
Once the storm has passed and it is safe to move around your property, do a quick inspection before turning everything back on.
- Inspect your outdoor AC unit for debris lodged in the fins, visible damage, or signs of flooding before restarting
- Wait 3 to 5 minutes after power is restored before restarting your AC to allow system pressure to equalize
- Check under sinks and around your water heater for any signs of water intrusion or pipe stress from the storm
- If your home experienced any flooding, have a licensed plumber inspect your system before resuming normal use
When to Call Barker’s
If your AC or plumbing systems experience any storm-related damage, do not attempt repairs yourself. Barker’s Cooling, Heating & Plumbing serves Bryan, College Station, and the surrounding Brazos Valley with licensed HVAC and plumbing service. We are available before the storm for pre-storm checks and after the storm for diagnostics and repairs.
Call us at (979) 398-5194 or request service online. Stay safe out there, Brazos Valley.
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