Here on Florida’s Treasure Coast, hurricane season brings intense rain, high winds, and major flood risks. While most homeowners focus on boarding windows or securing roofs, your plumbing system also needs preparation to help minimize damage and avoid costly repairs.
At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Port St. Lucie, we specialize in helping homeowners protect their plumbing systems before, during, and after the storm. Here’s what you can do to stay ready—even if you don’t have a sump pump or backflow preventer.
- Locate and Label Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve
In an emergency, knowing how to shut off your water quickly is crucial. If you evacuate or if your plumbing becomes compromised during a storm, shutting off your main valve can prevent contamination or flooding inside the home.
Tip: Use a brightly colored tag or sticker to make your shut-off valve easy to find.
Need help locating it? Schedule a walkthrough.
- Inspect and Secure Your Water Heater
Your water heater is vulnerable to power surges and flooding. Pre-storm preparation includes:
- Checking for leaks, rust, or corrosion
- Securing connections and strapping the unit (especially in garages)
- Elevating it if it's in a flood-prone location
Bonus: A full tank of clean hot water may be your backup supply if city water is interrupted.
- Use Smart Leak Detection Devices
Even if you’re away during the storm, a smart leak detection system can alert you if water is flowing where it shouldn’t be. These systems monitor water usage, detect hidden leaks, and some models even shut off your main line automatically if a problem is detected.
Explore leak detection options
- Check Drains and Gutters for Proper Flow
Poor exterior drainage can lead to water pooling near your foundation and getting into crawlspaces or slab cracks. While we don’t offer sump pump installation, simple DIY maintenance can help:
- Clear gutters and downspouts of leaves and debris
- Check that downspouts direct water away from your home
- Inspect patio drains and French drains for clogs
- Preventing Sewage Backflow Without a Valve
Although we don’t install backflow preventers, you can still help reduce risk with these tips:
- Limit water usage during heavy rainfall
- Avoid using showers, toilets, and washing machines during flood conditions
- If your neighborhood has frequent backups, talk to your municipality about line inspections or neighborhood-level improvements
- Protect Outdoor Plumbing Fixtures
- Disconnect and store garden hoses
- Cover or insulate outdoor faucets
- Close irrigation systems or valves leading to sprinklers
These steps help prevent burst outdoor lines during sudden pressure changes or debris impact.
Don’t Wait for the Storm—Prepare Now
The best time to prepare is before the forecast turns serious. At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Port St. Lucie, we’ll help ensure your plumbing system is ready—so you can focus on what matters most.
Schedule your pre-storm plumbing checkup and get peace of mind this hurricane season.
