Preparing Your Jacksonville Home’s Plumbing for Hurricane Season
While Northeast Florida is a wonderful place to live most of the year, the fear of family and home safety during hurricane season is real. Hurricane plumbing prep in Jacksonville is something every homeowner should seriously examine each spring.
There are a variety of storm-season plumbing issues that can occur during a hurricane, such as drain clogs, pipe damage & water contamination, sewer backups, and water heater issues. There are many things you can do ahead of storm season to help protect your home's plumbing.
Proactive Plumbing Preparedness: Before Hurricane Season Arrives
Preparing for possible plumbing issues that may occur during a hurricane can help reduce and prevent problems during and after a storm.
Clean and Inspect Outdoor and Indoor Drainage Systems
Some plumbing hurricane tips in Florida you can take care of yourself ahead of hurricane season involve inspecting and clearing your water drainage systems. This includes the gutters and downspouts, poor drainage in your driveway or yard, and all interior drains in sinks, tubs, and your washing machine.
Sewer Backups
If your home doesn't have a backflow preventer or backwater valve, you may want to consider installing one. This prevents sewage from backing up into your home during flooding.
Keep any floor drain clear of debris. If you live in a flood-prone area, consider having check valves installed on any floor drains.
If you have a sump pump, check to ensure it is working properly.
Water Heater Issues
Ensure your water heater is securely fastened and properly strapped as mandated by local code.
Emergency Preparedness
Stock up on bottled water as backup drinking water for your family and pets for at least 3 days, with at least 1 gallon of drinking water per person per day and proper amounts for your pets' size and weight. Consider water purification methods such as filters or tablets for longer-term use.
Fill any bathtubs with emergency water to aid in flushing toilets.
Ensure everyone knows where the main water shutoff valve is located and that it is in proper working order. Additionally, consider installing a water-leak detection system that automatically shuts off your water if a leak is detected.
During and After the Storm: Plumbing Safety and Recovery
Things to act on when a hurricane or severe storm is in the immediate forecast:
- Shut off automatic water systems and water to dishwashers and washing machines. If you are evacuating, shut off your main water supply.
- If you have an electric water heater, consider turning it off during power fluctuations.
Following a storm:
- Avoid using tap water for drinking or boiling it until cleared by authorities.
- If water has been off at your home, check for pipe damage, water leaks, and appliances that use water before restoring it.
- When you turn the water on again, open the faucets slowly to allow air to escape from the pipes. Let cold water run for several minutes at each faucet to clear sediment. Flush each toilet a few times to ensure they flow properly. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for restarting water heaters.
When to Call a Professional Jacksonville Plumber
After any violent storm, you may want to call in your professional Jacksonville plumber for an overall check-up. Pay particular attention to, and place an urgent call if there is any standing water in your home, sewage has backed up, you have experienced a burst pipe or leak, or there has been damage to your water heater.
Secure Your Home, Protect Your Peace of Mind
If it has been a while since you last had your plumbing inspected, it would be wise to call for a pre-storm-season plumbing check in Jacksonville. Overall, a general plumbing checkup is well worth the investment before a major storm or hurricane comes.
This year, don't wait,
contact us, Superior Plumbing, for a pre-hurricane season plumbing checkup in Jacksonville today!
Image credit: // Shutterstock // Kunakorn Rassadornyindee