Hurricane Season Plumbing Checklist for Lakeland Homes
Lakeland is inland, but tropical storms still bring days of rain, power cuts and flooded yards. A little plumbing prep before June makes the aftermath easier.
Request a plumberBefore the season
Find and test your main water shut-off. Make sure the water heater's pressure relief line runs somewhere safe. Clear gutters and downspouts so roof water drains away from the slab.
Store some water
If a storm cuts power to a well pump or a treatment plant, you may be without safe water for a while. Fill clean containers and a bathtub for flushing before the storm arrives.
During a power cut
Electric water heaters and well pumps stop without power. Don't run a generator in a garage or near open windows, and never connect one to the house wiring without a proper transfer switch installed by an electrician.
Septic and sewer after heavy rain
Saturated ground can make septic systems and older sewer lines back up. Cut water use for a day or two after big storms: fewer loads of laundry, shorter showers.
Boil-water notices
If your utility issues one, boil water for drinking and cooking until it's lifted. Afterwards, run cold taps for a few minutes and replace fridge and under-sink filter cartridges.
After the storm
Check for new leaks, damp spots on ceilings and water around the heater. If flood water reached a gas water heater, don't relight it until a plumber checks it. Send a request and a plumber will get in touch.
Wells and pumps
If your home is on a private well, a power cut stops the pump. Know how to switch the pump back on safely and test the water if flood water got near the wellhead.
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