Hurricane season in South Florida runs from June through November—and every year, residents in Fort Lauderdale, Miramar, Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, and throughout Broward County brace for strong winds, heavy rain, and potential flooding. While most people think about boarding up windows and stocking up on supplies, preparing your plumbing system is just as important for protecting your home or business.
At A to Z Statewide Plumbing, we’ve helped countless South Floridians recover from storm damage. The good news? With a few proactive steps, you can reduce the risk of plumbing issues before the storm ever arrives. Here are 5 essential plumbing tips to get ready for hurricane season.
1. Secure Outdoor Plumbing Fixtures
Strong winds and flying debris can damage exposed pipes, hose bibs, and irrigation systems. Broken fixtures not only lead to leaks but can also increase your water bill or cause water damage around your foundation.
What to do:
-Disconnect garden hoses and store them indoors.
-Cover or insulate exposed pipes and outdoor faucets.
-Shut off water to your irrigation system and drain the lines.
2. Install or Check Your Backflow Preventer
During hurricanes and heavy flooding, the municipal water system can become overwhelmed. Without a backflow preventer, contaminated water may flow back into your clean water supply—posing serious health risks.
What to do:
-Have a licensed plumber inspect your backflow preventer for proper function.
-If your property doesn’t have one installed, schedule a backflow preventer installation before peak storm season.
-Make sure backflow devices are up to code and tested annually.
3. Know How to Shut Off Your Water
In a plumbing emergency, shutting off your water quickly can prevent major water damage. Knowing the location of your home or business’s main water shut-off valve is critical during hurricane season.
What to do:
-Locate and clearly label your main water shut-off valve.
-Show all family members or staff where it is and how to use it.
-Consider installing an emergency shut-off valve that activates automatically if a leak is detected.
4. Clear and Inspect Your Drains and Gutters
Blocked storm drains, roof gutters, and downspouts can cause water to pool around your home’s foundation, increasing the risk of flooding and plumbing issues.
What to do:
-Clean gutters and remove any debris before a storm hits.
-Schedule a professional drain cleaning to ensure your system can handle heavy rainfall.
-Check for slow drains in your home and address them before they become a bigger issue.
5. Protect Your Water Heater and Major Appliances
Floodwater can damage your water heater, washing machine, and other major appliances. Even minor flooding can cause electrical hazards and contamination.
What to do:
-If possible, elevate your water heater and other appliances off the ground.
-Consider turning off power to water-using appliances before a storm.
-For tank-style water heaters, make sure the pressure relief valve is functioning properly.
Be Proactive—Not Reactive
Hurricanes are unpredictable, but your plumbing doesn’t have to be. Taking the time to prepare your plumbing system can save you from costly repairs, water damage, and unsafe conditions after a storm.
At A to Z Statewide Plumbing, we’re here to help South Florida homeowners and businesses stay storm-ready. From backflow preventer installation to emergency plumbing inspections and storm drain maintenance, our expert team has you covered.
Schedule your hurricane season plumbing inspection today!
Call us at 954-981-2133 or visit the Request a Service page to book a service.
Stay safe, stay prepared—and let A to Z Statewide Plumbing keep your plumbing hurricane-ready.
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