Barrier Island Plumbing Faces Unique Hurricane Risks
Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key are two of the most beautiful places to live in Manatee County, but they also face the greatest plumbing vulnerability during hurricane season. Storm surge, saltwater intrusion, and extended evacuation periods create a combination of risks that mainland Bradenton homes simply do not face. At Rosco Plumbing, we service both islands year-round and have firsthand experience with the plumbing damage hurricanes inflict on coastal properties.
As the 2019 hurricane season approaches (June 1 through November 30), here are the specific steps barrier island homeowners should take to protect their plumbing systems. Many of these lessons come directly from our post-Irma experience in 2017.
Related: hurricane prep lessons from Irma, understanding your home's shutoff valves
Saltwater Intrusion: The Silent Destroyer
When storm surge pushes saltwater inland, it can infiltrate your plumbing system in ways that cause long-term damage. Saltwater is far more corrosive than freshwater — it attacks copper pipes, corrodes fittings, damages water heater components, and can contaminate well systems for months after the event. Even brief saltwater contact with exposed plumbing under elevated homes can accelerate corrosion.
If your home is in a flood zone or within the storm surge zone on Anna Maria Island or Longboat Key, inspect all exposed plumbing under the home. Make sure pipe straps and hangers are secure — wind-driven debris that strikes an exposed pipe can cause a catastrophic failure. After any storm surge event, have a plumber inspect for salt damage, especially on copper pipes and water heater connections.
For homes with private wells (more common on the islands than many people realize), saltwater intrusion into the aquifer can affect your water quality for weeks or months after a surge event. Have your well water tested after any significant storm, and flush the system thoroughly before drinking the water.
Related: Pipe repair services, Emergency plumbing
Evacuation Prep: Shutting Down Your Island Home
Barrier island residents are often among the first ordered to evacuate when a hurricane threatens. That means you need a quick, reliable shutdown procedure for your plumbing. Turn off the water at the main valve AND at the meter if accessible. Turn off the water heater (flip the breaker for electric, close the gas valve for gas). Open a few faucets to relieve pressure in the lines.
If you have time, shut off the irrigation system at the controller and at the backflow preventer. Disconnect any outdoor hoses. If your home has a pool, lower the water level by a few inches to accommodate rainwater without overflowing, and make sure the pool equipment plumbing is secured.
Leave a note in a visible location (the garage door or front door works well) indicating that the water is shut off. This helps first responders and neighbors who may check on your home after the storm. Include your name and phone number on the note.
Rosco's Tip
Rosco's Tip
Take photos or video of all plumbing areas before you evacuate — under sinks, water heater, outdoor plumbing, pool equipment. Store the photos in the cloud so they are accessible even if your phone is damaged. This documentation is invaluable for insurance claims if storm damage occurs.
After the Storm: Returning to Your Island Home
When you are allowed to return, resist the urge to turn everything on immediately. Walk the exterior of the house first, looking for displaced pipes, cracked connections, and signs of surge damage. Check under the house if it is elevated. Look for debris lodged against plumbing, cracked pipes, and displaced hangers.
If your home experienced any flooding, do not restart the water heater until it has been inspected by a professional. Floodwater contamination of electrical and gas components is a safety hazard. Even if the water heater looks fine externally, internal damage from salt or sediment can cause dangerous failures.
Slowly turn on the main water valve and check for leaks throughout the house. If you hear running water with all fixtures off, shut the valve immediately and call a plumber. Once water is flowing normally, run every fixture for several minutes to flush the system. For homes that were without water for more than a few days, a boil water advisory may be in effect — check with the local utility before drinking tap water.
Related: Water heater services
Year-Round Hurricane Preparedness for Coastal Homes
The best hurricane plumbing strategy is year-round maintenance, not last-minute panic. Schedule an annual plumbing inspection in the spring, before hurricane season begins. Focus on pipe condition, valve functionality, water heater health, and the security of any exposed plumbing under elevated structures.
A backwater valve on your sewer lateral is especially important for barrier island homes. Storm surge can overwhelm sewer systems and force sewage back into your home through drains. A backwater valve prevents this by allowing flow out but blocking flow back in. If you do not have one, the cost of installation is a fraction of the cost of a sewage backup cleanup.
Rosco Plumbing offers pre-season hurricane plumbing inspections specifically tailored for Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key properties. We know these homes, we know the unique challenges of barrier island plumbing, and we have been helping coastal homeowners prepare since 1983. Call us at (941) 345-2464 to schedule your inspection before the season begins.
Living on a barrier island comes with extraordinary beauty and unique responsibilities. Protecting your plumbing from hurricane damage requires specific preparation that goes beyond what mainland homeowners need to do. Rosco Plumbing has been the trusted plumber for Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key homes since 1983. Call us at (941) 345-2464 to schedule a pre-season inspection and make sure your coastal home is ready for the 2019 hurricane season.