Prepare Your Plumbing for Hurricane Milton

As Florida braces for Hurricane Milton, ensuring your home is ready for the impending storm is crucial. While stocking up on emergency supplies and staying updated with local authorities is essential, take notice of your plumbing system. Heavy rains and strong winds can wreak havoc on your plumbing, leading to significant damage and potential water shortages.

Fortunately, you can help prevent storm-related plumbing issues by taking proactive steps.

Step 1: Clear and Maintain Your Drains

The first priority when preparing for a storm should be your drainage system. With heavy rainfall expected, your gutters and drains will be working overtime to keep your home safe from flooding. Here's what you need to do:

• Inside Your Home: Test all drains by running water through them. If the water takes longer than a few seconds to drain, it's time to schedule a drain cleaning service. Avoid over-the-counter drain cleaners, as they may cause more harm than good.

• Outside Your Home: Inspect your gutters, downspouts, and drains for debris. Remove any blockages and reattach or replace anything that appears rusty or loose. If you encounter significant issues, it's best to consult a professional plumber once the storm passes.

Step 2: Check Your Sump Pump

If your home is at risk of flooding or has a basement, it likely has a sump pump. This device is essential for preventing water buildup. Ensure your sump pump is functioning correctly by:

• Check for debris inside the pump and ensure it turns on automatically.

• If you notice any issues, schedule sump pump repair services as soon as possible after the storm.

Step 3: Inspect Your Home's Foundation

Cracks in your foundation can lead to serious plumbing problems during stormy weather. Walk around the perimeter of your home and look for any signs of stress in the concrete. While minor blemishes can be patched up, it's wise to have a professional assess more significant issues once the storm has passed.

Step 4: Turn Off the Main Water Valve

If you've prepared by stocking up on water supplies, consider shutting off the main water line during severe storms. This simple step can prevent existing plumbing issues from worsening. Fill your sinks and bathtubs with water for cleaning and flushing needs before turning off the main supply.

If you're evacuating, turning off the main water supply is especially crucial to prevent contaminated water from entering your home's plumbing. Also, remember to turn off the electricity or gas to your water heater to prevent it from activating while the water is off.

A Plumbing Preparedness Checklist

Preparing Now:

• Clean out gutters, downspouts, and drains for optimal water flow.

• Ensure your sump pump and water alarm with battery backup are functioning correctly.

• Check that service lines (water, gas, and electricity) are adequately sealed.

• Keep a supply of bottled water for drinking and cooking.

Just Before the Storm:

• Fill bathtubs with water for cleaning and flushing toilets.

• Turn off the main water supply to prevent contamination.

• Disconnect the electricity/gas from the water heater.

• Elevate any vulnerable systems, such as your furnace or electrical panel.

After the Storm:

• Inspect all plumbing fixtures to ensure they are functioning correctly.

• Wait for local authorities to confirm turning the main water supply back on is safe.

• Look for fallen trees or debris around your property.

• Remove soaked carpeting and furniture to avoid mold growth.

• Avoid flooded areas to reduce the risk of contamination or electrical shock.

Visit FEMA's free guide for an extensive Hurricane Preparedness Checklist, including emergency kit essentials and evacuation planning.

If you have plumbing questions or encounter issues after the storm, contact a reliable plumbing service once it's safe to do so.

Stay safe, and let's weather this storm together!