Hurricane Plumbing Preparation: Protecting Your DeLand Home

Living in DeLand means enjoying beautiful weather most of the year, but it also means preparing for Florida’s hurricane season. From June through November, our charming city with its mix of historic Victorian homes and modern developments faces the potential for severe storms that can wreak havoc on plumbing systems. Whether you live in one of DeLand’s early 1900s historic homes with original galvanized pipes or a newer ranch-style house, proper hurricane preparation can save you thousands in water damage and costly repairs.

The combination of DeLand’s humid subtropical climate, aging infrastructure in many neighborhoods, and the intense rainfall that hurricanes bring creates a perfect storm for plumbing disasters. But with the right preparation, you can protect your home and family from the worst effects of these powerful storms.

Pre-Storm Plumbing Inspection: Your First Line of Defense

Before hurricane season arrives, conducting a thorough plumbing inspection is crucial for DeLand homeowners. Our area’s high humidity and proximity to the coast accelerate pipe corrosion, especially in historic homes with original galvanized steel or cast iron pipes. This makes pre-storm preparation even more critical.

Start your inspection by examining all visible pipes, fixtures, and connections throughout your home:

• Check for signs of corrosion on exposed pipes, particularly in basements, crawl spaces, and utility rooms
• Look for water stains on walls, ceilings, and around fixtures that could indicate hidden leaks
• Test water pressure at multiple faucets to identify potential blockages in aging pipes
• Inspect your water heater for rust, leaks, or unusual sounds that could signal impending failure
• Examine outdoor spigots and hoses for cracks or loose connections that could fail under storm pressure

Pay special attention to areas where DeLand’s hard water has caused mineral buildup, as these deposits can weaken pipe joints and create failure points during storms. If you discover any concerning issues during your inspection, this is the time to address them – not when a hurricane is bearing down on Central Florida.

Securing Your Water Supply and Shutoffs

One of the most important steps any plumber in DeLand will tell you is knowing how to quickly shut off your water supply. During hurricanes, broken pipes or compromised city water systems can leave you without safe drinking water or cause flooding in your home.

Locate and test these critical shutoffs before storm season:

• Find your main water shutoff valve and ensure it turns easily – have it serviced if it’s stuck or corroded
• Label individual fixture shutoffs throughout your home so family members can quickly stop localized leaks
• Test your water meter shutoff as a backup to your main valve
• Inspect your well system if you have private water, including the electrical connections and pressure tank
• Store emergency water supplies – one gallon per person per day for at least three days

For DeLand homes built on concrete slab foundations, the main water shutoff is typically located near the street or where the water line enters your home. Older homes may have shutoffs that are harder to operate due to corrosion from our humid climate, so test these well in advance of any storm threats.

Protecting Pipes and Preventing Backups

DeLand’s intense hurricane season rainfall can overwhelm drainage systems and cause dangerous backups in homes. Combined with our area’s aging infrastructure, this creates serious risks for property damage and health hazards.

Take these steps to protect your plumbing system from storm damage:

• Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas to prevent damage from temperature fluctuations during extended power outages
• Install a sump pump if your home is prone to flooding, especially important for DeLand’s lower-lying areas
• Check your septic system if applicable, pumping it before hurricane season if it’s more than half full
• Clear gutters and downspouts to direct water away from your foundation and prevent overflow
• Install backflow preventers on floor drains and lowest-level fixtures to prevent sewage backups
• Secure outdoor plumbing fixtures like hose bibs and irrigation systems that could be damaged by flying debris

Remember that DeLand’s heavy clay soils don’t drain quickly, which can put additional pressure on your home’s drainage systems during prolonged rainfall. Proper preparation helps prevent the costly water damage that many homeowners face after major storms.

Emergency Supplies and Storm Day Preparations

When a hurricane warning is issued for the DeLand area, having the right supplies and taking final protective measures can make the difference between minor inconvenience and major disaster. Your preparation should focus on both maintaining access to water and preventing damage to your plumbing system.

Essential supplies every DeLand homeowner should have ready:

• Stock plumbing repair materials including pipe tape, pipe clamps, and basic fittings for emergency repairs
• Keep a reliable flashlight and batteries for inspecting dark utility areas after the storm
• Maintain a basic tool kit with pipe wrenches, screwdrivers, and other essential plumbing tools
• Store cleaning supplies including bleach for disinfecting after potential contamination
• Have a battery-powered radio to stay informed about water safety advisories
• Keep emergency contact numbers for utilities and professional plumbing services readily available

On the day of the storm, take these final protective steps:

• Fill bathtubs with water for emergency use if city water becomes unavailable
• Turn off electricity to water heaters and other plumbing appliances if flooding is expected
• Document your plumbing system with photos for potential insurance claims
• Secure any loose outdoor plumbing components that could become projectiles

Post-Storm Recovery and When to Call Professionals

After a hurricane passes through DeLand, the temptation is to immediately assess damage and begin cleanup. However, plumbing problems after storms can be dangerous and complex, requiring careful evaluation to ensure your family’s safety.

Before using any plumbing fixtures after a storm:

• Check for water contamination – don’t use tap water until authorities confirm it’s safe
• Inspect for gas leaks around water heaters and other gas appliances before turning them back on
• Look for electrical hazards around plumbing fixtures and water heaters before restoring power
• Examine all visible pipes for new damage, leaks, or shifted connections
• Test water pressure gradually by turning fixtures on slowly to avoid overwhelming damaged pipes

While some minor issues can be handled by homeowners, many post-hurricane plumbing problems require professional expertise. Call a qualified plumber in DeLand immediately if you discover:

• Any signs of sewage backup or contamination in your home
• Major pipe damage or loss of water pressure throughout the house
• Water heater problems including pilot light issues, gas smells, or electrical concerns
• Structural damage to plumbing systems or signs of foundation shifting
• Persistent leaks that you cannot easily locate or stop

Remember that after major storms, demand for plumbing services in DeLand spikes dramatically. Having a relationship with a trusted local plumbing company before you need emergency services can save you time and stress when disaster strikes.

Protecting your DeLand home from hurricane-related plumbing disasters requires preparation, but the investment in time and materials is minimal compared to the potential costs of water damage, contamination, and emergency repairs. Start your preparations early in the season, and don’t hesitate to address problems before they become emergencies.

Need professional help with your hurricane plumbing preparation? Call The DeLand Plumber at (386) 888-6467