How to Prepare Your Plumbing for Hurricane Season in Florida

When hurricane season arrives in Florida, most people focus on stocking supplies and securing windows. But one area that often gets overlooked is the plumbing system. Heavy rainfall, flooding, and power outages can all strain your pipes and sewer lines — causing damage that’s expensive to fix later.

At Total Comfort Plumbing, we’ve helped countless homeowners prepare and recover from storm-related plumbing issues. Here’s how you can protect your home’s plumbing before, during, and after hurricane season.

Why Hurricane Preparation Matters for Plumbing

Your plumbing system is more vulnerable during hurricanes than you might realize.

Strong winds and flooding can:

• Force debris and sediment into your drain lines

• Overwhelm septic or sewer systems

• Cause water heater failures due to power surges

• Lead to sewage backups into your home

“Preventive plumbing inspections before hurricane season can save homeowners thousands in repairs,” says a lead technician at Total Comfort Plumbing. “One small check can prevent big damage.”

Step 1: Schedule a Pre-Storm Plumbing Inspection

The most effective preparation starts early. Have a licensed plumber in Daytona Beach inspect your system before storm season begins.

During a professional inspection, we check:

• Sewer line integrity and potential blockages

• Backflow prevention valve operation

• Water heater safety and anchor points

• Sump pump functionality (if applicable)

• Outdoor drain and gutter clearance

By identifying weak spots early, you’ll reduce your risk of leaks, backups, or contaminated water during a storm.

Step 2: Install a Backflow Prevention Device

A backflow prevention valve keeps sewage from backing up into your home when floodwaters rise.

These devices are essential in low-lying areas of Volusia County or neighborhoods prone to heavy rainfall. If your home doesn’t have one, contact Total Comfort Plumbing to schedule a quick installation.

This simple device can save you from thousands of dollars in cleanup and property damage.

Step 3: Secure Your Water Heater

Your water heater is one of your home’s most valuable — and vulnerable — appliances.

To protect it:

• Strap it to a wall or floor mount to prevent tipping.

• Turn off the gas and electricity if flooding is imminent.

• Elevate the heater on a concrete slab if it’s installed in a low area.

“We’ve seen water heaters float, tip, or even burst during hurricanes,” says our plumbing team in Ormond Beach. “Securing them is one of the simplest preventive steps homeowners can take.”

Step 4: Clear Outdoor Drains and Gutters

Before any major storm, make sure all yard drains, gutters, and downspouts are clear of debris.

Clogged drains can cause:

• Flooding around your foundation

• Water entering basements or crawl spaces

• Pressure buildup in your plumbing system

Routine cleaning not only helps prevent storm damage but also improves everyday drainage performance.

If you’ve experienced yard or driveway flooding in the past, schedule a drain cleaning service to keep your system ready.

Step 5: Protect Your Sewer Line

Heavy rainfall can infiltrate sewer lines, especially in older systems. When this happens, it can push wastewater back into your home.

To protect your sewer line:

• Avoid flushing wipes or paper towels before or during storms.

• Have a plumber inspect for cracks or weak joints.

• Consider installing a check valve on your main sewer line.

Residents across Port Orange and Daytona Beach who experienced sewage backups during hurricanes often didn’t have backflow protection in place.

Step 6: Turn Off the Main Water Valve Before Evacuating

If you plan to evacuate, always turn off your home’s main water supply before leaving.

This step prevents flooding in case a pipe bursts while you’re away.

• Shut off water to sinks, toilets, and outdoor faucets.

• Disconnect your washing machine hoses.

• Leave faucets slightly open to relieve pressure.

When you return, contact Total Comfort Plumbing to help safely restore water service and inspect for leaks.

Step 7: Check for Damage After the Storm

Once it’s safe to return home, check your plumbing system carefully:

• Run all faucets to check water pressure and color.

• Listen for gurgling sounds in toilets and drains.

• Look for wet spots around walls or floors.

• Inspect your water heater and main line for leaks.

If you notice slow drains or strange odors, call a plumber in Volusia County immediately — hidden issues can worsen quickly after a flood.

Step 8: Prevent Future Flooding with Regular Maintenance

Hurricane preparation isn’t a one-time effort. Make annual plumbing inspections part of your home’s storm-readiness plan.

Routine services like drain cleaning, pipe inspections, and backflow testing keep your plumbing resilient year-round.

Hurricanes are an inevitable part of Florida living — but plumbing disasters don’t have to be. With preparation, maintenance, and expert help from Total Comfort Plumbing, you can protect your home from flooding, backups, and costly damage.

Whether you need a backflow installation in Daytona Beach, a plumbing inspection in Ormond Beach, or emergency service in Port Orange, our team is ready to help — before and after the storm.

Call (386) 944-8999 or book your hurricane prep service online today. Stay safe, stay prepared, and keep your plumbing storm-ready.