If you live in a place affected by tropical storms, you should know every year June 1 to November 30 is a time for preparation and vigilance. With hurricane season underway, it’s important to guard your family and your home from possible injury and damage.

As you board up your windows and stockpile water, remember to take precautions against harmful water damage. When it comes to your home’s water system and plumbing, it’s a good idea to remember these important tips:

  • Clear Out the Pipes Backed-up drains are more likely to become overloaded after a flood. Test each faucet and toilet to ensure that the water flows as it should. Slow drains and leaks might indicate a problem with your sewage or septic system, which can quickly be overrun by floodwater.
  • Protect Your Water Supply To stop flooding from contaminating your home’s water supply, shut off the main water valve before the storm hits. Ration water by opening the faucet farthest away from the main line. Have some water testing strips on hand to determine if the water is safe to drink. Each person in your home should have at least a three-day supply of drinking water.
  • Fill the bathtub(s) with water to use for non-sterilized tasks, such as flushing the toilet.
  • Turn off gas and electricity to your home to ensure safety if the water rises. Don’t wait until inclement weather arrives to shut off power to the air conditioning unit.
  • If you face a serious flood threat, tie down the exterior air conditioning unit to keep it from washing away.
  • Close all exterior crawl space vents and tape them off to prevent moisture from getting inside.

It’s better to be overly precautious when preparing for a hurricane. For more information on safeguarding your plumbing, contact a local Benjamin Franklin professional.