When Hurricane Season Hits, Your Plumbing Needs Protection: Essential Storm Preparation Tips Every Florida Homeowner Should Know

Florida homeowners know that hurricane season isn’t just about boarding up windows and stocking emergency supplies—it’s about protecting every system in your home, including your plumbing. Hurricane season officially stretches from June 1 to November 30, with the highest activity typically hitting between mid-August and late October, and the powerful storms that sweep through the Sunshine State can wreak havoc on your plumbing system in ways many homeowners never anticipate.

Hurricanes can impact your home’s plumbing system in several ways. Heavy rains and storm surges can overwhelm municipal systems, leading to sewage backups while flooding can infiltrate your pipes and foundation. From contaminated water supplies to burst pipes and sewer backups, the plumbing challenges that hurricanes bring require proactive preparation to avoid costly repairs and potential health hazards.

Know Your Main Water Shutoff Valve Location

One of the most critical steps in hurricane preparation is knowing where your main water shutoff valve is located. In an emergency, you’ll need to shut off the water supply immediately to prevent flooding. If you are evacuating, the primary thing to remember is to shut off your main water valve. Water supplies can be contaminated when flooding occurs. Shutting off your main water valve can help protect your home’s water supply.

The shutoff valve is typically located outside near the street or where the water line enters your home. Familiarize yourself with the location and operation of the valve before a storm hits. Consider using a brightly colored tag to mark the valve for easy identification during an emergency.

Address Plumbing Issues Before Storm Season

Hurricane preparation starts well before any storm warnings are issued. If you suspect you may have a cracked or broken pipe, please call for a plumbing inspection right away. During a hurricane, that issue may only get worse. You don’t want to deal with broken pipes during a hurricane, and they are not something you can ignore! You could lose water pressure or water service altogether.

Deal with drain issues now. If a drain is running slowly, it may be a simple clog like too much hair down the bathtub drain. Slow drains increase the risk of backups during heavy rainfall, so addressing these problems before storm season can prevent major headaches when severe weather hits.

Protect Your Outdoor Plumbing Systems

Outdoor spigots, irrigation lines, and pool plumbing are highly vulnerable during hurricanes. Before the wind picks up, turn off and drain any accessible spigots, hose bibs, irrigation valves, and pool fills. Lock down garden hoses in a weatherproof storage area so they don’t whip against siding or break off fittings.

Elevate outdoor plumbing components such as hose bibbs or irrigation systems where possible, and secure any loose items that could become projectiles in high winds. A forgotten garden hose can cause significant damage when whipped around by hurricane-force winds.

Install Backflow Prevention Devices

Florida’s sewer systems can get overwhelmed by heavy rain and storm surge. When this happens, sewage can back up into your home’s plumbing system, a messy and hazardous situation. Installing a backwater valve in your main sewer line prevents this by only allowing water to flow out, not back in.

Have a backflow preventer installed or inspected to avoid sewage backup. Turn off the main water valve if flooding is expected to prevent contamination. These devices are essential for protecting your family’s health and preventing contaminated water from entering your clean water supply.

Prepare Your Septic System and Sump Pump

Don’t go into hurricane season with a full septic tank. Any breakages occurring from flooding can mean a yard full of raw sewage. Septic systems can also get backed up during a storm. Start hurricane season with an empty septic tank!

If your home has a sump pump, test it before storm season arrives. Before a storm arrives, pour a bucket of water into the sump pit to confirm that it activates, discharges water properly, and shuts off when the pit is empty. Inspect the outdoor discharge outlet and clear any debris or grass that could block flow.

Stock Emergency Water and Supplies

We recommend filling your bathtubs with water when a hurricane is imminent. That water can be used for a variety of purposes. If you lose water service during a hurricane, you can use the water you have saved in the bathtub to fill your toilet tank so it can still flush.

Stock up on bottled water in case of water service disruptions or contamination. Having emergency water supplies ensures your family can maintain basic hygiene and sanitation even if municipal water systems are compromised.

Clear Storm Drains and Gutters

Clean out your storm drain and catch basin. Clean up leaves, branches, and any other debris that could create a clog. Your drains and gutters are highways for rainwater. When they get clogged with leaves, twigs, and other debris, they effectively create a dam. That blocked water has to find another path, and too often, that path is back toward your house.

Why Professional Plumbing Services Matter

When it comes to hurricane preparation and recovery, having a trusted local plumbing professional makes all the difference. For residents in Brevard County, Plumber Brevard County, FL Drain Wizard Plumbing & Rooter Service offers the expertise and reliability you need during storm season.

Founded in 2007, Drain Wizard Plumbing & Rooter Service is a family-owned and operated business based in Cocoa, Florida, proudly serving homeowners and businesses throughout Brevard County and the Space Coast. With over 40 years of combined plumbing and rooter experience—and backed by 20 years of former military service—they bring a strong foundation of values to every job they take on. Their approach is rooted in honesty, hard work, loyalty, and a deep commitment to quality workmanship. These are the core principles that drive their success and build lasting relationships with the customers they proudly serve.

Post-Storm Plumbing Inspection

After a hurricane passes, don’t assume your plumbing system escaped unscathed. It’s important to check your pipes, faucets, and fixtures as soon as it is safe to do after a storm. Look for visible signs of damage, including leaks, cracks, or signs of displacement.

Don’t turn the faucets on too fast as there could be a pressure build-up in the system. Slowly turn on the main water shutoff valve and listen for any hissing or unusual sounds that might indicate leaks. If you notice any problems, contact a professional plumber immediately to assess the situation and prevent further damage.

The Bottom Line

Hurricane season preparation isn’t complete without protecting your plumbing system. Taking the time to prepare can help you avoid costly repairs and keep your home safe and comfortable before, during, and after the storm. From shutting off main water valves to installing backflow preventers and clearing storm drains, these proactive steps can save you thousands of dollars in potential damage and protect your family’s health and safety.

Remember, early prep gives you the best shot at staying safe and avoiding major water damage. Don’t wait until a storm is bearing down on Florida to address these critical plumbing preparations. Start your hurricane season plumbing checklist today, and when the next storm threatens the Space Coast, you’ll have the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home’s plumbing system is ready to weather the storm.