Top 7 Ways to Prepare Your Plumbing for A Hurricane

Hurricanes. They don’t just toss trees and ruffle roofs. Beneath the surface, they also pose a significant threat to your home’s plumbing system. 

As homeowners, we often overlook the foundation of our daily comforts: our plumbing. 

Preparing your plumbing for a hurricane can make the difference between minor damage and a huge financial burden. 

Learn the top seven tasks you need to do for your plumbing before a hurricane hits. By the end of this article, you’ll be better equipped to keep your home safe and mitigate extensive post-hurricane repairs.

How to Safeguard Your Plumbing from Hurricane Devastation

Living in Virginia means we’re no strangers to hurricane season. Fierce winds, surging waters, and power losses—still, it’s best to have a plan and brief checklist to ensure your home’s plumbing system is effective during severe weather:

1. Secure Outdoor Fixtures

Outdoor hose bibs, faucets, or pipes are vulnerable to the strong winds and flying debris that hurricanes bring. To ensure their safety, take the time to tightly secure, turn off, and cover these fixtures before the storm arrives.

Tightening any loose connections and shutting off the water supply can prevent potential leaks or breaks. Covering them with sturdy materials can provide an additional layer of protection against debris impact, reducing the risk of damage.

2. Clear Gutters and Drains

Clearing your gutters and drains is a crucial step in preparing for a hurricane. Accumulated debris like leaves, twigs, and dirt can obstruct the proper flow of rainwater, leading to backups and potential flooding. 

Regularly inspect and clean your gutters and drains to ensure they can effectively channel rainwater away from your home’s foundation. By doing so, you reduce the risk of water pooling around your property and causing extensive water damage.

3. Install a Sump Pump

For homeowners with basements or crawl spaces, a sump pump is a valuable investment in flood prevention. When heavy rains occur, excess water can infiltrate your basement or crawl space, causing significant damage. 

Installing a sump pump helps to actively remove water buildup, keeping your home dry and preventing flooding. As a preparatory measure, make sure your sump pump is in proper working condition, ensuring that it can efficiently pump out water when needed.

4. Turn Off Main Water Valve

One proactive measure to take before a hurricane is to turn off your home’s main water valve. This precautionary step can be invaluable in preventing potential flooding caused by pipe breakage during the storm. 

By shutting off the main water supply, you reduce the risk of water gushing into your home, which can lead to extensive damage to your belongings, structure, and electrical systems.

5. Secure Water Heaters

Water heaters are not only heavy but also contain a substantial amount of water. During a hurricane, the strong winds and vibrations can cause unsecured water heaters to tip over, leading to water leakage and even potential fire hazards if gas lines are compromised. 

Properly anchoring your water heater to a stable surface or wall can prevent these risks, ensuring that it remains upright and functional during and after the storm.

6. Elevate Appliances and Utilities

Elevating your appliances and utilities, especially those located in the basement, is a proactive step to safeguard them from potential flood damage during a hurricane. 

Placing these items on raised platforms or shelves can prevent them from sitting in standing water if your basement floods. This not only helps protect your appliances but also reduces the risk of electrical hazards and the need for costly replacements after the storm.

7. Check your Backflow Preventer

A backflow preventer is a critical component in preventing sewage from flowing back into your home’s plumbing system during flooding. Before a storm arrives, make sure your backflow preventer is functioning correctly by having it inspected or maintained by a professional. 

This small yet vital device can prevent contaminated water from entering your home, ensuring the safety and sanitation of your living environment even during extreme weather events.

Schedule an Appointment with A1 Sewer & Drain Today!

We’ve walked through the vital steps to safeguard your plumbing from hurricane havoc. But are you confident that you’ve covered every nook and cranny? 

Let A1 Sewer & Drain help you with that. We know that the safety of your home is paramount. That’s why we offer appointments for homeowners like you. Don’t leave things to chance. Let our experts give you peace of mind. Schedule your appointment today and ensure that your home’s plumbing is hurricane-ready!

Resources

How to Fix Leaky Pipes

Leaky pipes can wreak havoc on your home. Learn the signs, solutions, and preventative steps to safeguard your property.

How Do I Know My Sewer Line Needs Cleaning?

Is your sewer line in trouble? Spot early signs of blockage and protect your home. Learn more with A1 Sewer & Drain.

Are Slow Moving Drains Normal?

Don't let slow drains bog down your home's health. Discover simple fixes and the importance of timely repairs in this guide.