Preparing Your Home’s Plumbing for Hurricane Season in Volusia County

adoghe ahuose erionamhen
Oct 18
4 min read

Every year, Florida homeowners brace for hurricane season — but while most people focus on windows, roofs, and insurance policies, one of the most vulnerable parts of your home often gets overlooked: the plumbing system.

Heavy rains, flooding, and strong winds can cause serious plumbing damage, from sewer backups to pipe bursts. With the right preparation, however, you can protect your home, save thousands in potential repairs, and keep your water flowing even after the storm passes.

At Total Comfort Plumbing, we’ve helped homeowners across Volusia County prepare their plumbing systems before major storms. Here’s what you can do now to safeguard your home.

Why Plumbing Preparation Matters During Hurricane Season

Your plumbing system connects directly to your city’s water and sewer infrastructure. When severe weather hits, both systems are under stress.

Floodwater and debris can cause contamination, drain blockages, and even sewer line backups. Homes near the coast — like those in Ormond Beach, Daytona Beach, and Port Orange — face added risk due to storm surge and saltwater intrusion.

“When hurricanes hit, one of the first calls we get is from homeowners dealing with flooded pipes or backed-up drains,” says a senior technician at Total Comfort Plumbing. “A few preventive steps can make all the difference.”

Step 1: Inspect Your Drains and Sewer Lines

Before hurricane season peaks, schedule a plumbing inspection. Our licensed plumbers can check for:

Tree root intrusion
Clogged drains or main sewer blockages
Cracked or aging pipes

Clearing debris before heavy rainfall helps prevent sewage backups, one of the most common post-storm plumbing emergencies in Volusia County.

If you’ve noticed slow drains or gurgling sounds lately, don’t wait — those are early warning signs of restricted water flow that can become major issues during a storm.

Step 2: Turn Off Your Main Water Valve Before a Hurricane

Knowing where your main shut-off valve is located can save your home from flooding if a pipe breaks during a storm.

When you evacuate or expect severe winds, turn the main valve off. This stops fresh water from flowing into your plumbing system and prevents unnecessary pressure buildup.

If you’re unsure where the valve is or how to operate it, a licensed plumber in Ormond Beach can show you exactly what to do.

Step 3: Secure and Protect Outdoor Plumbing Fixtures

Outdoor spigots, irrigation lines, and pool plumbing are highly vulnerable during hurricanes.

To minimize damage:

Disconnect garden hoses and cover spigots
Turn off and drain outdoor water lines
Secure pool pumps and water heaters to prevent movement
Seal exposed pipes with weatherproof insulation

These steps are especially important for homes in coastal areas of Daytona Beach and Port Orange, where high winds and debris can easily damage unprotected plumbing fixtures.

Step 4: Test Your Sump Pump and Backflow Prevention Devices

If your home has a sump pump, make sure it’s working correctly before the storm. Heavy rainfall can quickly overwhelm basements or crawl spaces if the pump fails.

Check:

That the pump activates automatically
The discharge line is clear and flowing away from your home
The power supply (consider a battery backup in case of outages)

For homes connected to the municipal sewer system, a backflow prevention device is also essential. It stops contaminated water from flowing backward into your home’s plumbing during flooding.

“A backflow valve is your home’s first line of defense against sewage contamination during floods,” notes the Total Comfort Plumbing team.

Step 5: Inspect and Elevate Your Water Heater

Your water heater is one of the most expensive and sensitive plumbing appliances in your home. If your garage or utility room is prone to flooding, raise the water heater on a sturdy platform to keep it above flood levels.

Also, make sure the:

Gas shut-off valve is easily accessible
Electrical connections are elevated or waterproofed
Tank is securely strapped to the wall to prevent tipping

If your heater is outdated or showing signs of rust, consider replacing it before hurricane season begins.

Step 6: Avoid Using Plumbing During the Storm

Once the storm hits, avoid using sinks, toilets, or showers until you’re sure your sewer line is clear and the municipal system isn’t overloaded.

Using plumbing during intense rainfall can force dirty water back into your home if the system is backed up.

After the storm, contact Total Comfort Plumbing to perform a post-storm inspection before using your plumbing normally again.

Step 7: Flush and Sanitize After the Storm

If your home experienced flooding, assume your plumbing system has been contaminated.

After the water recedes:

Flush all pipes with clean water
Sanitize faucets and fixtures
Replace any filters in your water filtration system
Schedule a professional water quality test

This ensures your drinking water remains safe and that no harmful bacteria remain in the lines.

Preventive Maintenance Is Key

The best hurricane protection starts long before storm season begins. By scheduling regular plumbing maintenance in Volusia County, you can catch small leaks, corrosion, or drainage issues before they become major problems.

Our maintenance services include:

Drain and sewer inspection
Leak detection
Water heater checkups
System pressure testing

“Routine inspections give you peace of mind knowing your plumbing is ready for whatever Florida weather brings,” says the Total Comfort Plumbing team.

Why Choose Total Comfort Plumbing

For years, Total Comfort Plumbing has been a trusted name across Ormond Beach, Daytona Beach, and Port Orange. As a local, family-owned business, we understand the unique challenges Florida homeowners face during hurricane season.

We provide:

Licensed and insured plumbers
24/7 emergency response
Honest, upfront pricing
Preventive care and long-term plumbing solutions

Whether you need a pre-storm inspection or post-flood repair, our technicians are here to help keep your plumbing system safe, efficient, and storm-ready.

Hurricane season doesn’t have to be stressful. With a few proactive steps and professional help, you can protect your home’s plumbing from damage and ensure safe, clean water year-round.

If you live in Volusia County, Ormond Beach, Daytona Beach, or Port Orange, schedule your hurricane plumbing inspection today with Total Comfort Plumbing.