Protect your home. Know your risk. Get ready.
⚡ CFC Licensed Plumbers · (561) 316-7450What hurricane scenario are you preparing for?
Florida averages 1.6 hurricane landfalls per year — the highest rate of any U.S. state. The Gulf and Atlantic coasts face completely different storm tracks.
Storm surge and prolonged heavy rain flood septic systems and contaminate private well water, often requiring weeks of remediation and professional testing before water is safe to drink.
Post-storm water main breaks cause citywide boil-water notices. This happened across dozens of FL municipalities during Hurricane Ian (2022) and Idalia (2023), affecting hundreds of thousands of residents.
Galvanized steel and polybutylene pipes (common in homes built before 1995) are the most vulnerable to storm pressure surges and post-flood oxidation. Repiping with PEX is the long-term solution.
FL homeowner's insurance typically excludes flood damage. A separate NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) policy is required and must be purchased at least 30 days before any storm event.
| Action | When | DIY / Pro | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Locate main water shutoff | 1 week before | DIY | 10 min |
| Test shutoff valve operation | 1 week before | Pro if seized | 30 min |
| Turn off water heater | At hurricane watch | DIY | 5 min |
| Drain exterior hoses & lines | 24h before | DIY | 30 min |
| Shut off irrigation system | 48h before | DIY | 5 min |
| Document pipe locations (photos) | Anytime | DIY | 15 min |
| What to Check | Why It Matters | Call Pro When… |
|---|---|---|
| Inspect all visible pipes | Surge pressure damage | Any cracks or leaks |
| Test water pressure | Main break indicator | Low or surging pressure |
| Check WH for flooding | Electrocution hazard | Any flood contact at all |
| Run all faucets briefly | Clear debris and air locks | Sputtering continues >2 min |
| Smell near gas appliances | Gas line damage risk | Immediately — any smell |
| Check drains for backup | Storm drain overwhelm | Any sewage backup |
DO NOT turn on a flooded electric water heater — the risk of electrocution is severe. Call a licensed FL plumber with a valid CFC license number before restoring power to any water heater, pump, or appliance that experienced any flood or submersion contact. Verify CFC license at myfloridalicense.com.
Check floridadep.gov and your county emergency management website immediately after any storm. Well owners must perform a bacteriological water test before drinking — do not rely on visual inspection. Shock chlorination kits ($15–30) should be on-hand before the storm season begins.
Post-storm plumbing repairs over $2,500 typically require a Florida building permit. Emergency permits are available within 48 hours of a declared disaster under FS 489.117. Ask your contractor to pull permits — unpermitted repairs can void insurance claims and complicate future home sales.
CFC-licensed FL plumbers. We call back within 2 hours.