Hurricane Plumbing Preparation: How to Protect Your Home August 1, 2025

When a hurricane is on the horizon, most homeowners focus on boarding up windows or stocking up on supplies. But one area often overlooked, especially in flood-prone regions like Columbia, SC, is hurricane plumbing preparation. After the devastating Columbia flood of 2015, it became clear just how important it is to safeguard plumbing systems from storm-related damage.

Proper preparation can protect your home from major water damage, sewer backups, and expensive repairs. With these expert tips, you’ll be ready to face storm season head-on — and avoid costly surprises when the skies clear.

Why Hurricane Plumbing Prep Is Critical

The Hidden Risks of Floodwater on Plumbing

Hurricanes bring more than just high winds — they also dump inches of rain and surge into areas ill-equipped to drain water quickly. Floodwater can:

Force dirty water back through sewer lines into your home.
Overwhelm sump pumps and drain fields.
Crack pipes and dislodge fixtures from shifting foundations.

Read more in FEMA’s Hurricane and Flood Mitigation Handbook, which explains how storms affect plumbing and utility systems.

Insurance and Cost Implications of Plumbing Damage

Many homeowners find out too late that standard insurance doesn’t cover sewer backup or flood-related plumbing failures. Even when covered, deductibles are high, and delays in cleanup can multiply the damage. Hurricane plumbing preparation is far more cost-effective than reactive repairs.

Expert Plumbing Tips to Get Hurricane-Ready

When preparing your home for hurricane season, safeguarding your plumbing system is just as vital as boarding up windows or securing outdoor furniture. One of the most crucial steps is shutting off your main water valve before evacuating. This simple act can prevent catastrophic flooding inside your home if a pipe bursts during the storm. Similarly, testing your sump pump and backup system ensures you’re ready for potential flooding. Pour water into the sump pit to confirm it’s functioning properly and make sure your battery backup or generator is fully charged.

Another key consideration is installing a backwater valve on your main sewer line. If public sewers become overwhelmed, this valve helps keep raw sewage from backing up into your home — a costly and unsanitary mess. Also, take the time to elevate water heaters and major appliances in your basement or garage. Even a few inches can make a big difference in protecting your equipment from water damage.

Lastly, make sure you have emergency plumbing contacts and tools on hand. Keep essentials like a pipe wrench, shut-off keys, and a flashlight in a designated storm kit, and save a trusted plumber’s number — like WeCo Rooter at (803) 999-9326 — in your phone so you’re not scrambling for help after the storm has passed.

For a full checklist of hurricane prep steps, refer to FEMA’s official hurricane preparation guide (PDF).

Hurricane Plumbing Prep Kit: Tools & Essentials to Keep On Hand

As part of your hurricane preparedness plan, it’s smart to create a dedicated plumbing prep kit. This ensures you’re ready to act quickly before, during, and after the storm. Based on expert guidance and FEMA/EPA recommendations, here’s what your kit should include:

Basic Tools & Shut-Off Equipment

Water shut-off key or wrench – For turning off the main water supply
Adjustable pliers – Useful for tightening fittings or shutting valves
Pipe wrench – For heavy-duty plumbing needs
Teflon tape – For sealing threaded pipe connections
Flashlight and extra batteries – Critical for low-light situations

Emergency Repair Items

Plumber’s epoxy or pipe repair clamps – For temporary leak control
Heavy-duty plastic sheeting – To cover exposed fixtures or block backflow
Sandbags – For sealing floor drains and basement toilets
Zip ties or duct tape – For securing loose hoses or fixtures

System Information & Documentation

Diagram of shut-off valve locations – Quick reference for you or others
Pump testing instructions – Step-by-step guide to test your sump pump
List of appliance elevations – Record of what’s been lifted and protected
Printed emergency plumbing contact list – In case your phone battery dies

In case of emergency, keep contact details for your local water utility and a trusted plumber — such as WeCo Rooter at (803) 999-9326 — readily accessible. For a deeper dive into storm preparedness, review FEMA’s Hurricane Prep Guide (PDF) and the EPA’s Incident Action Checklists for Water Utilities.

Local Considerations for South Carolina Residents

Plumbing Codes and Hurricane Season Alerts

South Carolina has specific plumbing codes and storm protocols. Always check with your county’s emergency management website and follow updates from SCEMD. A local plumber like WeCo Rooter understands regional flood patterns, elevation issues, and state regulations — giving you the best defense before and after a storm.

For general residential advice, see the EPA’s Hurricane Preparedness Tips.

Hurricane Plumbing Prep for Renters

Renters may not own the pipes, but that doesn’t mean they can’t or shouldn’t prepare. Here’s how tenants can protect their space and minimize plumbing damage:

1. Communicate with Your Landlord

Ask about sump pump status, backwater valves, and any previous flooding issues.
Request emergency contact info for property maintenance or plumbing emergencies.

2. Use Temporary Drain Covers

Place heavy-duty rubber stoppers in sinks, showers, and floor drains.
Tape toilet lids shut to prevent backflow in high-risk areas.

3. Document Plumbing Conditions Pre-Storm

Take photos of plumbing fixtures, water heaters, and walls near pipes.
Email a copy to yourself and your landlord for documentation.

4. Store Valuables Above Plumbing Zones

Elevate items stored near baseboards, laundry areas, or bathroom floors in case of overflow or leaks.

Even without ownership, renters can still take hurricane plumbing preparation seriously to protect their belongings and reduce post-storm repair costs.

What to Do After the Hurricane Passes

Step-by-Step Plumbing Inspection Post-Storm

Once it’s safe to return:

Check for visible leaks or standing water.
Test sump pumps and drains.
Flush toilets and run faucets.
Look for sewage odors or discoloration in water.

Signs of Damage That Need Professional Repair

Water around your foundation
Drains backing up
No water pressure or discolored water
Odd noises from pipes

For concerns about drinking water after a storm, read the EPA’s guidance on Managing Contaminated Drinking Water Post-Hurricane.

Don’t attempt risky repairs — Contact WeCo Rooter for a full post-hurricane inspection and rapid repair. We’re your trusted team for all hurricane plumbing preparation and recovery needs in South Carolina.