Hurricane season is finally here, so you know the drill. Stock up on emergency supplies and stay up to date with the local authorities for any storm developments. But what about your plumbing? Like the rest of your home, your plumbing could also be negatively impacted by heavy rains and strong winds. Worse yet, damages to your plumbing system could lead to damages elsewhere on your property, not to mention untimely water shortages.

Fortunately, a few tweaks around your property and a reliable plumbing company are all it takes to help prevent storm damage to your plumbing.

This hurricane season, save time and money by being proactive. Follow these simple steps to prepare your plumbing for storm weather, and contact our Ocala plumbers to schedule plumbing services.

House In A Storm

Clear Slow/Backed-Up Drains

Your number one priority when preparing your plumbing for a storm should be your drainage system. All the heavy rainfall brought by hurricanes and tropical storms means your drains and gutters have to work extra hard to save your home from flooding. Make sure your drainage system works properly ahead of time. 

Inside your home, test all drains by running or pouring water through them and wait to see how long they take to drain. If the water takes more than a few seconds to drain, consider scheduling drain cleaning services with a licensed plumber. Be wary when using over-the-counter drain cleaners, as some may cause even more damages to your plumbing.

Outside your home, inspect nearby gutters, downspouts, and drains for debris and remove whatever you can. Re-attach or replace anything that looks rusty or loose. When in doubt, schedule repairs with a professional. If you don’t have your sewer line cleaned and inspected regularly, get a professional to help.

Don’t Forget The Sump Pump

If your home has a basement or has a high risk of flooding, it likely has a sump pump on the premises. Sump pumps help prevent flooding by pumping water away from your home. If it isn’t turning on properly or is clogged with debris, it won’t save your home during a storm. Sump pumps are usually located inside a pit on the lowest part of the basement or crawlspace.

If you know you have a sump pump, check for any debris that might be caught inside. Make sure it turns on automatically and begins pumping right away. If you suspect something’s wrong, contact an experienced plumber to schedule sump pump repair services. They’ll be better able to determine the cause for malfunction and find a suitable replacement.

Check Your Home’s Foundation

Cracks in your home’s foundation can also lead to serious plumbing problems during storm weather, including flooding — make sure to inspect this as well. Walk alongside your home’s perimeter, checking for signs of stress in the bottom concrete. While you can patch minor blemishes yourself, a professional should assess the area and explore repair options with you.

Turn Off The Main Water Valve

If you’ve done your homework and stocked up on water supplies, consider shutting down the main water line during severe storms. Doing so can help stop any lingering issues with your plumbing from worsening due to the weather. One easy way to store water for cleaning dishes, bathing, and flushing toilets is to fill sinks and bathtubs ahead of time.

As the storm approaches, turn off the main water supply, especially if you’re evacuating. Doing so can also help prevent contaminated water from entering your home’s plumbing. Just make sure to turn off the electricity or gas to the water heater as well to prevent it from turning on while the water is shut off.


In the event of a plumbing emergency, such as flooding, don’t hesitate to contact Sunshine Plumbing and Gas for fast and reliable emergency plumbing services.

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