Every hurricane plumbing checklist Florida homeowners follow before storm season can prevent thousands of dollars in water damage. Furthermore, South Florida faces some of the most intense hurricane activity in the United States every year. Additionally, plumbing systems take serious damage during storms through flooding, pressure surges, and debris impacts. Call Acer Plumbing at 954-243-6644 before hurricane season to get your plumbing storm-ready today.
Hurricane plumbing checklist Florida homeowners should complete every year
Moreover, most South Florida homeowners focus on windows and roofs when preparing for hurricanes. Additionally, plumbing preparation gets overlooked until a storm causes a serious water emergency. Consequently, a flooded home from a burst pipe or backed-up sewer costs far more to repair than a preventive plumbing inspection. Therefore, completing your hurricane plumbing checklist Florida before June 1st each year is essential.
In fact, according to Ready.gov’s hurricane preparedness guidelines, knowing how to shut off your home’s utilities is one of the most critical steps before any major storm. Furthermore, Acer Plumbing recommends completing your full plumbing inspection no later than May each year. As a result, you have enough time to schedule repairs before the busy pre-storm season rush. Notably, our team serves Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Miramar, Davie, and all of South Florida.
Know Where Your Main Water Shutoff Is Located
Moreover, every member of your household needs to know where the main water shutoff valve is. Additionally, a storm that damages your pipes can flood your home within minutes if the water stays on. Consequently, shutting off the main valve immediately stops flooding in its tracks. Therefore, locate your shutoff valve now and make sure it opens and closes freely before storm season starts.
In fact, many South Florida shutoff valves seize up from years of no use. Furthermore, a seized valve cannot close during an emergency no matter how hard you turn it. As a result, Acer Plumbing recommends having a plumber test and service your shutoff valve annually. Notably, this one step alone can save your home from catastrophic water damage during a hurricane.
Inspect Your Water Heater Before Storm Season
However, water heaters take serious damage during hurricanes from flooding and power surges. Moreover, a flooded water heater requires full replacement and creates gas or electrical hazards immediately. Additionally, South Florida homeowners with gas water heaters must know how to shut off the gas supply valve quickly. Consequently, Acer Plumbing recommends strapping your water heater to the wall and elevating it above potential flood levels where possible.
Furthermore, check your water heater’s pressure relief valve before every hurricane season. In addition, a faulty relief valve can cause a dangerous pressure buildup if the unit overheats during a power restoration surge. As a result, replacing an old or corroded relief valve costs very little compared to the damage a failed one causes. Notably, our water heater service in Hollywood FL includes full pre-storm safety inspections throughout South Florida.
Hurricane plumbing checklist Florida — outdoor plumbing and irrigation
Especially before a major storm, shut off and drain your irrigation system completely. Furthermore, hurricane-force winds turn unsecured irrigation heads and exposed pipes into dangerous projectiles. Additionally, shutting off your irrigation prevents excess water from saturating already flooded soil around your foundation. Consequently, a waterlogged yard increases the risk of foundation movement and underground pipe damage significantly.
Check sewer cleanouts and backflow prevention devices
Additionally, sewer systems throughout South Florida experience extreme stress during heavy hurricane rainfall. Moreover, municipal sewer systems can back up into homes when storm surge and rain overwhelm the system. Consequently, a functioning backflow prevention device stops sewage from entering your home through floor drains and toilets. In fact, Acer Plumbing installs and certifies backflow prevention devices throughout Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.
Drain and Protect Outdoor Plumbing Fixtures
Beyond that, outdoor hose bibs, exposed pipes, and pool equipment all need attention before a hurricane hits. Furthermore, disconnect garden hoses from all outdoor faucets before the storm arrives. Consequently, connected hoses trap water in the line and increase the risk of a cracked hose bib during pressure changes. Additionally, cover exposed outdoor pipes with foam pipe insulation to protect them from flying debris.
Moreover, pool plumbing takes special preparation before a major storm. Furthermore, turn off all pool equipment and set the pump timer to off before the storm. As a result, power surges during and after the storm cannot damage your pool pump and filtration system. Notably, partially drain your pool if a major storm surge threatens your area to reduce overflow flooding around the pool equipment.
Stock Emergency Plumbing Supplies Before the Storm
In addition, every South Florida homeowner needs basic emergency plumbing supplies on hand before hurricane season. Furthermore, waterproof pipe tape, a pipe wrench, a toilet tank repair kit, and a hand pump are essential storm supplies. Consequently, minor leaks and running toilets become major problems when a plumber cannot reach you immediately after a storm. As a result, handling small repairs yourself buys critical time until professional help arrives.
Moreover, fill your bathtubs with water before the storm makes landfall. Furthermore, this stored water handles toilet flushing and basic sanitation if your water supply fails after the storm. Consequently, a family of four can manage basic needs for two to three days with a full bathtub of water. In fact, this simple step costs nothing and takes less than five minutes to complete.
Schedule a Pre-Storm Plumbing Inspection With Acer Plumbing
As a result, a professional pre-storm plumbing inspection catches problems before a hurricane turns them into disasters. Furthermore, Acer Plumbing holds a full Florida-licensed plumbing contractor license. Notably, our technicians check water supply lines, drain lines, water heaters, shutoff valves, and backflow devices in a single visit. Ultimately, one inspection gives you complete confidence that your plumbing can handle whatever storm season brings.
Moreover, Acer Plumbing responds throughout Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, Miramar, Pembroke Pines, Davie, Hialeah, North Miami, and all of South Florida. Furthermore, we offer transparent upfront pricing with no hidden fees on every inspection and repair. Consequently, scheduling early means you avoid the pre-hurricane rush when every plumber in South Florida is fully booked. Call 954-243-6644 or schedule your pre-storm plumbing inspection today.
In addition, explore all our South Florida plumbing services to see the full range of work our licensed team handles year-round. Furthermore, from emergency repairs after the storm to full pipe replacement, Acer Plumbing is the one call that handles it all. Ultimately, protecting your home starts with protecting your plumbing before the storm arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I complete my hurricane plumbing checklist Florida homes require?
In fact, complete your full hurricane plumbing checklist Florida before June 1st every year. Furthermore, the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th with peak activity in August, September, and October. Additionally, scheduling a plumbing inspection in April or May ensures repairs complete before the season starts. Ultimately, call Acer Plumbing at 954-243-6644 in spring to book your pre-season inspection before the calendar fills up.
Should I shut off my water before a hurricane?
Moreover, shut off your main water supply if authorities issue a mandatory evacuation order for your area. Furthermore, a vacant home with water running can flood completely if a pipe breaks during the storm with no one there to respond. Additionally, shutting off the water does not affect stored water in your water heater tank or filled bathtubs. Consequently, turning off the main valve before evacuation is one of the simplest and most effective steps you can take.
What plumbing damage do hurricanes most commonly cause?
However, the most common hurricane plumbing damage includes burst pipes from debris impact, flooded water heaters, sewage backups from overwhelmed municipal systems, and cracked outdoor hose bibs. Moreover, storm surge flooding causes water heater failures and contamination of supply lines in low-lying areas throughout Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. Additionally, power surges after the storm damage water heater heating elements and pump motors. Therefore, a post-storm plumbing inspection catches all of these issues before they cause secondary damage.
Can I use my plumbing during a hurricane?
As a result of sewer system stress during major storms, limit your plumbing use during a hurricane as much as possible. Furthermore, avoid flushing toilets and running water unnecessarily when heavy rainfall overwhelms the municipal sewer system. Additionally, a sewage backup during the storm creates a serious health hazard that takes days to clean up properly. Notably, contact our team immediately after the storm and we will inspect your entire plumbing system and clear any blockages before they cause further damage.
