Top Plumbing Prep for Hurricane Season Our Tampa Bay Area

With Tropical Storm Erin heading toward us, there is no more doubt that hurricane season is here. And with this, Erin could bring heavy rains, high winds, and flooding that put your home plumbing at serious risk. So, preparing your home plumbing system before the storm arrives helps you avoid costly damage and stressful emergencies. Because hurricane plumbing prep is one of the best steps you can take to help secure your home from the storm. Therefore, in this post, the experts at Billy the Sunshine Plumber will help you discover the top plumbing prep steps every homeowner should take to protect their property during hurricane season.

Step One in Hurricane Plumbing Prep: Inspect and Clear Your Drains and Gutters

First, you should ensure that your drains, gutters, and downspouts are completely clear of debris. Instead of water pooling near your home’s foundation, this will ensure water can flow away from your home. But, don’t stop this just clearing, check these areas regularly during hurricane season to help you quickly spot new blockages caused by wind-blown leaves or branches.

Check and Service Your Sump Pump

If your home has a sump pump, make sure you test it to make sure it works properly before the first major storm. You can do this by pouring water into the pit to see if the pump activates and removes water efficiently. In keeping with this, you should make sure you have a backup power source ready since hurricanes often cause power outages.

Seal Vulnerable Plumbing Entry Points as Part of Your Hurricane Plumbing Prep

To keep floodwater from seeping into your home, you should inspect where pipes enter your home and seal any gaps. Because when you do this, you reduce the risk of contaminated water reaching your plumbing system. Furthermore, this step helps keep pests and debris out during high-wind events.

Secure Your Outdoor Plumbing Fixtures

Before the season begins, you should turn off and drain outdoor faucets, hoses, and irrigation lines if they will not be in use. To prevent your plumbing fixtures from breaking or detaching during severe, be sure to secure or store any above-ground pipes. When you do this, you’ll avoid unnecessary repairs after the storm passes.

Protect Your Septic System is Key to Hurricane Plumbing Prep in the Tampa Bay Area

If your property uses a septic tank, you should have it inspected and pumped if needed before hurricane season. Because when you do this, you minimize the risk of backups and overflows when heavy rain saturates the ground. Also, be sure to give your system time to recover, avoid heavy water usage during and after a storm.

Billy the Sunshine Plumber is Your Hurricane Plumbing Prep Partner

By acting early, you can strengthen your home’s plumbing system and protect it from hurricane-related damage here in Tampa Bay. So, take time to inspect, maintain, and secure every part of your system now. And if you have any questions or concerns, call Billy the Sunshine Plumber today. 

Billy the Sunshine Plumber has been the Tampa Bay 24-hour plumber of choice since 1924 when he first opened for business. And Billy the Sunshine Plumber is open 24/7/365 in Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties. Because, days, nights, weekends, or holidays, Billy the Sunshine Plumber is always here for you.