6 Plumbing Checks Before Storm Season Hits

If you’ve lived in Florida long, you know the drill—stock up on water, secure the patio furniture, and keep the generator gassed up. But one part of storm prep that’s often overlooked is your home’s plumbing system. With Complete Plumbing and Drain, we will make sure your plumbing system is prepared.

As hurricane season kicks off in June, it’s important to make sure your plumbing is just as storm-ready as the rest of your home. Taking a few simple steps now can help you avoid costly repairs, water damage, and major headaches when the next storm rolls through.

Here are 6 essential plumbing checks to tackle before storm season hits.

1. Know How to Shut Off Your Main Water Valve

When a storm hits, burst pipes, leaks, or flooding can cause serious damage fast. Knowing how to shut off your main water valve can help you take control in an emergency.

Quick How-To:

Locate the main shut-off valve. It is located near the water meter or where the main water line enters your house.
Turn the valve clockwise until it stops. This cuts off your home's water supply.
Share this info with family members, too—especially if you’ll be away during the storm.

This is one of the best ways to prevent excess water from flooding your home. If you're not sure where your main valve is or how to operate it, our team at Complete Plumbing and Drain can walk you through it.

2. Test Your Sump Pump

If you have a sump pump, now’s the time to make sure it’s in working condition. This small device can be your first line of defense against a flooded basement or crawl space, especially in areas prone to heavy rainfall like Brandon and the surrounding Tampa Bay region.

What to Do:

Pour a bucket full of water directly into the sump pit.
The pump should activate and drain the water quickly.
Listen for any strange noises or signs of wear.

If your pump isn’t working or you’ve never had it serviced, schedule a sump pump checkup with a professional plumber before the storms arrive.

3. Inspect Your Backflow Valve

A backflow valve prevents sewer water from flowing back into your home during floods and storm surges—a serious concern for Florida homeowners.

Signs You May Need Help:

Your home doesn’t have a backflow valve (many older homes don’t).
You’ve experienced sewer backups before.
You’re unsure if the valve is functioning properly.

Backflow issues can result in contaminated water, health hazards, and damage to your plumbing system. Schedule a backflow prevention service to ensure your home is protected.

4. Clear Outdoor Drains and Gutters

Your drainage system is just as important as your roof during hurricane season. Blocked outdoor drains and gutters can cause water to pool, damaging your foundation and flooding low areas.

To-Do List:

First, remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts.
Then, check outdoor drains around patios, driveways, and basement windows.
Make sure water flows away from the home’s foundation.

Don’t forget to check storm drains near your property, especially after big storms—keeping them clear helps the entire neighborhood stay dry.

5. Secure Your Hot Water Heater and Plumbing Fixtures

Strong winds and sudden flooding can knock over appliances and damage fixtures if they’re not properly anchored.

Prep Steps:

Make sure your hot water heater is braced securely (especially in garages or basements).
Protect exposed plumbing pipes with insulation or covers.
Move small, valuable fixtures or tools to higher ground in case of flooding.

If you need help securing or elevating vulnerable parts of your plumbing system, a quick call to 813-699-0684 could save you a lot of stress (and money) later.

6. Save Our Emergency Contact Info

Even with the best preparation, plumbing problems can still happen during a storm. That’s why it’s smart to keep our info handy for 24/7 emergency repairs.

How to Contact Complete Plumbing and Drain

Emergency Number: 813-699-0684
Request Service: Contact Us Online
Service Areas: Brandon, Valrico, Riverview, Plant City, Tampa Bay, and surrounding areas

We’re a family-owned company founded by third-generation plumber Chris McConnell, and we’re here when you need us most.

New to Florida? Here’s What to Know About Hurricane Season

Welcome to the Sunshine State! While Florida is known for its warm weather, beautiful beaches, and outdoor living, it also comes with one disruptive seasonal challenge: hurricanes.

What are the Dates for Florida's Hurricane Season?

Hurricane season in Florida officially runs from June 1 to November 30, with the peak typically falling between August and October. During this time, the warm waters of the Atlantic and Gulf fuel tropical storms that can quickly grow into hurricanes.

Why It Matters

Here is the awful truth. Hurricanes can bring heavy rain and flooding, high winds that can knock out power or damage structures, storm surges, especially near the coast.

Then, there are the widespread outages and service disruptions. Not to mention, the potential damage to your plumbing systems, like sewer backups or overwhelmed drainage systems

Even if a hurricane doesn’t make direct landfall, strong storms can still affect your area, especially in Southwest Florida, Tampa Bay, Brandon, and surrounding cities.

Quick Tips for First-Time Floridians:

Stay Informed: Sign up for local emergency alerts and keep an eye on the National Hurricane Center updates.

Have a Plan: Know your evacuation zone, gather emergency supplies, and prepare your home.

Protect Your Property: This includes checking your roof, windows, and yes, your plumbing system (especially your sump pump, backflow valve, and outdoor drains).

Know Who to Call: In case of plumbing emergencies, save our number: 813-699-0684

If you’re unsure how to storm-proof your home, don’t worry—we’re here to help. Complete Plumbing and Drain offers expert, friendly service to make sure your home’s plumbing can weather the storm.