FREE SWFL HOMEOWNER GUIDE
Hurricane Plumbing Prep
Guide For Southwest
Florida Homeowners
Protect Your Home's Plumbing Before, During, and After the Storm
A Free Resource from Your Local Plumbing Friends
Hurricane season is simply a part of life here in Southwest Florida. From June through November, we stock up on water, board up windows, and fuel our generators. But there's one critical area of the home that is consistently overlooked until it's too late: the plumbing system.
As your local plumbing experts, we created this free guide to help you protect your home. Whether you're in Cape Coral, Fort Myers, North Fort Myers, Naples, Bonita Springs, or Estero, taking a few simple steps now can save you from thousands of dollars in post-storm water damage.
Free Pre-Storm Inspection
Worried about your plumbing this storm season? Let us take a look before the weather turns. We offer completely free pre-storm plumbing inspections for our SWFL neighbors.
239-422-8339
THE COMMON OVERSIGHT
Why Plumbing Prep Is Often Forgotten
When storm season approaches, homeowners rush to stock up on water, board windows, and fuel up generators: but most never think about their plumbing until after the storm, when they discover costly problems.
Just 30 minutes of preparation can prevent thousands of dollars in water damage and stressful post-storm repairs.
Sewer Line Backups
Heavy rainfall can overwhelm city sewer lines, causing contaminated water to back up directly into your home's drains.
Power Surge Damage
Lightning strikes and grid fluctuations can fry the electrical components in your well pump and water heater.
Slab Leaks & Septic Saturation
Ground shifting can reveal hidden slab leaks, while saturated soil in low-lying areas can overload your septic system.
Before the Storm: Your Pre-Hurricane Checklist
A quick, 30-minute plumbing prep can prevent thousands in post-storm damage. Follow these critical steps to secure your home before the hurricane hits.
- Locate and test your main water shut-off valve to ensure it works correctly before an emergency.
- Find your water heater shut-off (gas valve or electrical breaker) and test it so you are ready.
- Inspect all outdoor hose bibs and completely turn off exterior water leading to irrigation systems.
- Clear floor and exterior drains of any debris, yard waste, and leaves to prevent immediate flooding.
- Trim tree roots away from sewer cleanouts and ensure that all your cleanout caps are secure.
- Fill bathtubs and large containers with water for basic sanitation use in case water service drops.
- Document your plumbing with photos (water heater, fixtures, and exposed pipes) for your insurance.
- Know how to shut down your well pump immediately if you lose power, to protect the system.
- Avoid heavy water use as the storm approaches to prevent overloading your septic system field.
- Schedule a pre-storm inspection if anything has been worrying you — Call A Friend at 239-422-8339.
During the Storm: What to Watch For
While the storm is active, safety is your top priority. Keep these plumbing guidelines in mind to protect your home and your family until the weather clears.
What To Do
- Listen for boil-water advisories from local SWFL utilities
- Conserve water in case of unexpected service interruption
- Keep a phone charged to call for emergency plumbing help
- Evacuate immediately and call your gas company if you smell gas
What To Avoid
- Run large water-use appliances during peak storm flooding
- Drink tap water during an active boil-water advisory
- Flush wipes or paper towels that could clog stressed sewer lines
- Attempt any plumbing repairs while the storm is active
- Ignore sewage backups inside the home - stay clear and call us
After the Storm: Post-Hurricane Checklist
The storm passing isn't the end. Many serious plumbing issues only show up in the days that follow. Use this actionable checklist to protect your home, spot hidden damage early, and know when to call in the professionals.
POST-STORM INSPECTION LIST
- Check for visible leaks at fixtures, exposed pipes, and water heaters.
- Look for warm spots on floors or unexplained increases in water bills (signs of slab leaks).
- Inspect water heater for water damage, rust, or signs of electrical surge damage.
- If you lost power, run cold water at every fixture for several minutes before drinking.
- Follow boil-water advisories until your local utility lifts them.
- Check sewer cleanouts and floor drains for backups or sewage smells.
- If you have a septic system, watch for soggy ground or slow drains indicating saturation.
- If you have a well, have water tested for contamination before drinking.
- Document any storm-related plumbing damage with photos before any repair work for insurance claims.
- Call My Plumbing Friends at 239-422-8339 for any concerns - post-storm visits are prioritized for our neighbors.
STORM DAMAGE DIAGNOSTIC
Common Signs of Damage
Discolored Water
Cloudy or foul-smelling water from any tap in your home.
Pressure Drops
Sudden or noticeable loss of water pressure at any fixtures.
Sewage Odors
Unpleasant smells coming from interior drains, toilets, or the yard.
Soggy Ground
Pooling water near the home's foundation, well, or septic field.
Heater Failure
Your water heater refuses to turn back on or function after the storm passes.
Pipe Cracks
Visible splits, cracks, or leaks anywhere on exposed plumbing lines.
Slow Drains
Water taking noticeably longer than usual to empty from sinks or tubs.
Toilet Gurgling
Toilets failing to flush correctly or bubbling from the bowl.
If you see any of these, give us a call. Most are simple fixes - but waiting can turn a small issue into a flooded home.
FREE SWFL HOMEOWNER SERVICE
Worried About Storm Season? We Can Help.
Hurricane season is stressful enough without wondering if your home's plumbing is ready to weather the storm. As your local plumbing friends, we want to help our Southwest Florida neighbors stay protected.
We offer completely free, no-obligation pre-storm plumbing inspections. We'll send an expert to your home to ensure your critical shut-off valves work, your drains are clear, and your systems are secure. It's just one less thing for you to worry about.
What's Included in Your Free Inspection
- Comprehensive visual check of all visible indoor and outdoor plumbing
- Function test of main water and water heater shut-off valves
- Thorough inspection of outdoor hose bibs and sewer cleanouts
- Safety and condition check of your water heater
- Plain-language, no-pressure plumbing health report
Post-Storm Plumbing Emergencies — We're Here
After the storm passes and it's safe to dispatch, we prioritize emergency plumbing calls across all six cities we serve. Burst pipes, sewage backups, water heater failures, and major leaks get same-day response whenever conditions allow.
239-422-8339
Services to Consider Before Storm Season
Whole-Home Repipes
Complete repiping solutions to secure your home's water lines against stress and shifting.
Residential Leak Detection
Pinpoint and resolve hidden leaks before major storms turn them into expensive water damage.
Water Heaters
Reliable repair and installation to ensure safe operation when power grids fluctuate.
Drain Cleaning
Fast, effective clearing of your drains to prevent major backups during heavy coastal rain.
Sewer Line Repair
Professional repairs to protect your property from overwhelmed city sewer systems.
Emergency Plumbing
24/7 priority response for Southwest Florida homeowners when you need a friend most.
WE'VE GOT ANSWERS
Hurricane Plumbing FAQs
Should I shut off my main water valve before a hurricane?
In most cases, no — you'll want water during and immediately after the storm. But you should know exactly where the valve is and confirm it works in case you need to shut it off quickly during an emergency.
Why does my water look discolored after a storm?
Pressure changes during major storms can stir up sediment in city water mains. Run cold water at all fixtures for several minutes until it runs clear. If discoloration persists more than a day, give us a call.
Do I need to do anything special with my water heater during a hurricane?
Yes. If you lose power for an extended period, turn off the gas or breaker to your water heater to prevent damage. After power is restored, check for leaks before turning it back on. We're happy to help if you're not sure.
Is sewage backup covered under regular plumbing service?
Sewage backups during or after a hurricane are emergency calls — we prioritize them. Call us at 239-422-8339 as soon as it's safe and we'll get to you as fast as we can.
Should I worry about my septic system during a hurricane?
Yes. Heavy rainfall can saturate the drain field and back sewage into the home. Avoid heavy water use during and right after the storm, and watch for slow drains or soggy ground over the field.
Do you offer pre-storm plumbing inspections?
Yes. We offer free pre-storm inspections to SWFL homeowners. Call A Friend at 239-422-8339 to schedule.
Still Have Questions?
If you're not sure about your plumbing prep or need immediate post-storm assistance, don't hesitate to reach out. We're your local plumbing friends.
Storm Season Is Here. Don't Wait.
The best time to think about your plumbing is before the storm hits. Whether you want a free inspection, have questions, or just want to know we're a phone call away when you need us — we're here for our SWFL neighbors.
FOLLOW US
COMPANY
LEGAL
Service Area
Fort Myers
Cape Coral
Estero
Bonita Springs
Naples
And Surounding Areas
Copyright 2026. My Plumbing Friends. All Rights Reserved. License # CFC1432699
Facebook
Instagram