Hurricane season in Florida runs June through November, and while Gainesville doesn’t sit on the coast, it doesn’t sit out the storms either. Heavy rain, flooding, and power outages can put real stress on your home’s plumbing, and most of it is preventable with a little prep before the season picks up.
Here’s what Gainesville homeowners should check before the next storm rolls through.
Protect Your Backflow Preventer
A backflow preventer is a small metal device, usually mounted on a pipe outside your home near your irrigation system. It acts as a one-way valve, letting water flow into your home but stopping it from flowing backward into the municipal supply or your clean water lines. If you have an irrigation system, you almost certainly have one — it’s often a boxy or cylindrical metal fitting sticking up from the ground or off a pipe near your lawn.
During floods or heavy rain, ground pressure can spike and put these devices to the test. If a backflow preventer fails, contaminated water from a flooded yard or irrigation line can get pulled back into your drinking water supply.
Before a named storm:
- Inspect it for any visible cracks or wear.
- Make sure it hasn’t shifted or been damaged from yard work or landscaping.
- Know where your main water shut-off is in case you need to cut supply quickly.
If you’re unsure whether your backflow preventer is in good shape, a quick inspection from a licensed Gainesville plumber can give you a clear answer before the storm arrives.
Secure Your Outdoor Fixtures
Outdoor spigots, hose bibs, and fittings are vulnerable during high winds and flooding. A little prep before a storm can save you from a repair call after one.
Before the storm:
- Disconnect garden hoses from all outdoor spigots. Water left in a connected hose can back up into the pipe during pressure changes.
- Shut off any dedicated outdoor water lines if your home has them.
- Check that outdoor fixtures are secure and not at risk of being hit by debris.
Know the Signs of a Sewage Backup
This is one of the more common and more unpleasant problems Gainesville homeowners face after a heavy storm. When municipal sewer lines get overwhelmed by rainwater, the pressure can push sewage back through your home’s drain lines.
Warning signs to watch for during and after a storm:
- Gurgling sounds from toilets or drains
- Slow drains throughout the house at the same time
- Sewage odor coming from drains
If you notice any of these, stop using your drains and call a plumber. Using water when a backup is forming makes the situation worse, and in most cases it needs professional plumbing repair to clear it properly.
On a Well? Don’t Forget Your Pump.
A good portion of homes in Alachua County are on private wells rather than city water, and well pumps have their own set of storm vulnerabilities. Power outages are the most obvious one: if the power goes out, so does your water.
But flooding is also a concern. If your well head or pump equipment is exposed and flood water reaches it, contamination is possible.
Before storm season:
- Know where your well’s shut-off or disconnect is located.
- Consider a generator or backup power source if you rely on well water.
- After any flooding near the well, have the water tested before drinking it.
After the Storm Passes
Once the storm clears, take a few minutes to check your home’s plumbing before resuming normal use:
- Look under sinks, around the water heater, and near any exposed pipes for signs of new leaks or water intrusion.
- If your water looks discolored or has an unusual smell, stop using it and call a plumber.
- If you experienced any indoor flooding, have your drain lines inspected before using them.
Get Ahead of Storm Season
The best time to deal with plumbing concerns is before they become emergencies. If you’ve noticed slow drains, low water pressure, or anything that seemed minor, a storm can turn those small issues into bigger ones quickly.
At J.W. Freeman Plumbing, we’ve helped Gainesville homeowners get ahead of storm season for years. We’re upfront about what we find and what it takes to fix it. Contact us today to schedule a visit before the next storm rolls in.
