Living in Hillsborough County, Florida, means preparing for hurricane season every year. While most homeowners focus on securing windows, roofs, and emergency supplies, one crucial area that often gets overlooked is plumbing. Strong storms can cause flooding, pipe damage, and sewage backups, leading to costly repairs and health hazards.
At Zoltan Kovacs Plumbing, we help homeowners protect their general plumbing from storm-related damage. Below, we outline the best steps to storm-proof your pipes before hurricane season hits.
1. Inspect Your Plumbing for Existing Issues
The last thing you want during a hurricane is a small leak turning into a major flood. Before the storm season, schedule a general plumbing inspection to check for:
✅ Leaky pipes that could worsen under heavy rain pressure.
✅ Corroded or weak pipe joints that may burst.
✅ Slow drains that could indicate blockages in your sewer line.
If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s best to repair them in advance to prevent bigger problems when the storm arrives.
2. Install a Backflow Prevention Device
Hurricanes can cause sewer system overloads, leading to dangerous wastewater backups in your home. A backflow prevention device stops contaminated water from reversing into your clean water supply.
✔️ Protects your home from sewage overflows.
✔️ Ensures safe drinking and bathing water.
✔️ Helps you comply with Hillsborough County plumbing codes.
Our general plumbing team can install and maintain backflow prevention systems to keep your water supply clean during storms.
3. Secure Your Outdoor Plumbing Fixtures
Outdoor plumbing fixtures are particularly vulnerable to hurricane-force winds and debris. Before a storm, take these steps to protect them:
🌧️ Disconnect and store garden hoses indoors to prevent damage.
🌧️ Shut off outdoor water valves to minimize flooding risks.
🌧️ Reinforce exposed pipes with insulation or protective covers.
If you’re unsure about your outdoor plumbing’s safety, our experts can help with general plumbing maintenance.
4. Protect Your Water Heater from Storm Damage
Your water heater is one of the most important appliances in your home, and flooding or power outages can damage it beyond repair.
✔️ Elevate your water heater on a raised platform to prevent water damage.
✔️ Turn off the power supply before a hurricane to prevent electrical hazards.
✔️ Consider a tankless water heater, which is mounted on the wall and less likely to suffer flood damage.
Need help securing your unit? Contact our water heater professionals for hurricane-proof solutions.
5. Install a Water Conditioning System for Safer Water
After a hurricane, water contamination is a major concern due to broken pipes, flooding, and bacteria entering the system. A water conditioning system can help by:
✅ Filtering out bacteria and debris from stormwater contamination.
✅ Softening hard water, which can be worsened by storm-related pipe damage.
✅ Providing clean drinking water even if the municipal supply is compromised.
6. Know How to Shut Off Your Water Supply
In case of severe damage, shutting off your home’s water supply can prevent major flooding. Make sure you:
✔️ Locate your main water valve before a storm hits.
✔️ Practice turning it off so you’re prepared in an emergency.
✔️ Shut off the supply if you evacuate to prevent burst pipes while you’re away.
Our general plumbing team can show you how to safely turn off your water in an emergency.
Stay Storm-Ready with Zoltan Kovacs Plumbing
Hurricane season can be unpredictable, but your plumbing system doesn’t have to be. Taking these preventative steps can help safeguard your home from costly damage and plumbing emergencies.
📅 Get storm-ready today! Contact Zoltan Kovacs Plumbing for expert hurricane-proofing services in Hillsborough County, Pinellas, Palm Harbor, and Pasco Counties.
