What To Do During a Hurricane
Picture this: It’s 2 AM, and Hurricane “Heloise” is howling outside your Jacksonville home. The power went out hours ago, and now you hear the dreaded sound of water dripping somewhere in your house. You grab a flashlight and discover water pouring from a burst pipe in your utility room.
This nightmare scenario happens to hundreds of Northeast Florida families every hurricane season. But it doesn’t have to happen to yours.
Why Hurricane Prep Matters for Your Plumbing
Living in Jacksonville means beautiful beaches, warm weather, and unfortunately, hurricane season from June through November. Most folks know to stock up on water and batteries. But many forget that their home’s plumbing system needs protection too.
When hurricanes hit our area, they bring three major threats to your plumbing:
- Flying debris that can damage outdoor pipes and meters
- Flooding that can back up into your home through drains and toilets
- Power outages that shut down sump pumps and water treatment systems
The good news? A little preparation now can save you thousands of dollars and major headaches later.
Find Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve (Do This Today!)
Here’s a simple test: Can you find your home’s main water shut-off valve in under 60 seconds? If you’re scratching your head, you’re not alone. Most homeowners have no idea where this critical valve is located.
Where to Look:
- Near your water meter (usually close to the street)
- Where the main water line enters your house
- In your garage or utility room
- Sometimes in a covered box in your front yard
How to Test It:
- Turn the valve clockwise to shut it off
- Go inside and turn on a faucet
- If no water comes out, you found the right valve!
- Turn the valve back on (counterclockwise)
Pro Tip: Take a photo of your shut-off valve location and save it to your phone. During a storm emergency, you’ll be glad you did.
If your valve is hard to turn or won’t budge, don’t force it. An old valve can break if you’re too rough with it. That’s when you need professional help. If you notice you have an old gate valve instead of a ball valve – you should have it replaced now.
Stock Your Hurricane Plumbing Emergency Kit
Imagine the hardware store is closed, roads are flooded, and you have a plumbing emergency. What would you wish you had on hand?
Your Emergency Kit Should Include:
- Duct tape (the silver kind works best for temporary pipe fixes)
- Plastic sheeting to cover broken pipes
- Adjustable wrench for shutting off valves
- Plunger (you’ll be surprised how often you need this)
- Bucket for catching drips and leaks
- Flashlight with extra batteries (your phone’s flashlight won’t last all night)
- Rubber gloves for any cleanup work
- Disinfectant in case sewage backs up
Water Storage Basics: Store one gallon of water per person per day. A family of four needs at least 12 gallons for a three-day storm. Don’t forget water for pets!
Where to Store Water:
- Clean bathtubs (line with plastic first)
- Large plastic containers with tight lids
- Water storage barrels (available at camping stores)
Never store water in old milk jugs or containers that held chemicals. The plastic can leak dangerous stuff into your drinking water.
When to Call the Pros Before the Storm
Some hurricane prep jobs are perfect for homeowners. Others need professional attention. Here’s how to know the difference:
DIY Projects:
- Finding and testing your main shut-off valve
- Stocking emergency supplies
- Storing drinking water
- Clearing gutters and downspouts
Call Turner Plumbing For:
- Backflow preventer inspection – This device stops contaminated water from flowing back into your clean water supply
- Sump pump testing – If yours fails during flooding, your basement could turn into a swimming pool
- Main sewer line inspection – Tree roots and old pipes can cause major backups during heavy rains
- Water heater anchoring – Florida building codes require proper anchoring in hurricane zones
Protect Your Outdoor Plumbing
Don’t forget about the plumbing outside your home. Hurricane winds can turn a lawn chair into a missile that damages your outdoor pipes.
Before the Storm:
- Bring in or secure anything that could blow around
- Know where your outdoor water shut-offs are located
- Take photos of your outdoor plumbing setup
- Clear leaves and debris from around your water meter
Special Attention for Pool Owners: If you have a pool, your plumbing system is more complex. Pool equipment can be damaged by flying debris or flooding. Consider having a professional inspect your pool’s plumbing connections before hurricane season peaks.
The Day Before: Final Checks
When the weather forecast shows a hurricane heading our way, it’s time for final preparations:
- Fill your bathtubs with water (for flushing toilets if water service stops)
- Test your shut-off valve one more time
- Move cars away from large trees that could fall on outdoor pipes
- Charge all devices so you can call for help if needed
- Review your emergency kit and make sure everything is easy to find
After the Storm: Stay Safe
Once the hurricane passes, don’t rush to check everything at once. Follow these safety steps:
Before You Use Any Water:
- Check for visible pipe damage
- Look for sewage smells (could mean a backup)
- Test water pressure slowly
- Watch for unusual water color or taste
When to Call for Emergency Service:
- No water pressure at all
- Sewage backing up into your home
- Visible pipe damage or major leaks
- Strange smells coming from drains
- Water heater making unusual noises
Your Hurricane Season Game Plan
Living in Jacksonville means hurricanes are part of life. But with the right preparation, your plumbing system can weather any storm. Here’s your action plan:
This Week:
- Find and test your main water shut-off valve
- Start building your emergency plumbing kit
- Take photos of your outdoor plumbing setup
Before Hurricane Season Peaks (August-September):
- Schedule a professional plumbing inspection
- Have your backflow preventer tested
- Clear all outdoor drains and gutters
When a Storm Approaches:
- Fill water storage containers
- Review your emergency plan with family
- Know how to contact emergency plumbing services
Ready to Weather Any Storm?
For over 80 years, Turner Plumbing has helped Jacksonville families prepare for hurricane season. Our fourth-generation, local team knows exactly what Northeast Florida homes need to stay safe and dry.
Don’t wait until the next hurricane warning to think about your plumbing. A quick inspection now could save you thousands in storm damage later. Plus, our emergency crews are available 24/7 when Mother Nature doesn’t follow business hours.
Ready to hurricane-proof your plumbing? Call Turner Plumbing today at (904) 396-7044 to schedule your pre-season inspection. Because when it comes to hurricanes, the best time to prepare was yesterday. The second-best time is right now.