2020 Hurricane Season: Why Forecasters Are Worried
The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season is shaping up to be one for the record books. NOAA's forecast calls for 13 to 19 named storms, with 6 to 10 becoming hurricanes. If those numbers hold — and early activity suggests they might even be conservative — this could be one of the most active seasons in recorded history. For homeowners in Bradenton and across Manatee County, that means preparation is more important than ever.
Warm sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic and the absence of El Nino conditions are creating a perfect environment for tropical storm development. Combined with an unusually active early season — we had already exhausted the Greek alphabet of storm names before November — the message is clear: take this season seriously. And with many families still spending most of their time at home due to COVID-19, protecting your home's plumbing infrastructure takes on added urgency.
At Rosco Plumbing, we have been helping Bradenton families prepare for hurricanes since 1983. This year, we want to focus specifically on the plumbing steps that are most commonly overlooked — the ones that make the difference between riding out a storm and dealing with a costly plumbing disaster in its aftermath.
Related: Emergency plumbing services
Protect Your Water Heater Before the Storm
Your water heater is one of the most vulnerable appliances in your home during a hurricane. If floodwater reaches the unit, the electrical components, thermostat, and gas valve can all be permanently damaged. Even a few inches of water around the base of a gas water heater can ruin the burner assembly and create a safety hazard. Before any storm threatens Manatee County, take a few simple precautions.
Turn your water heater to the "pilot" setting on gas units or the lowest temperature setting on electric models. If your water heater is in a garage or on the ground floor of an elevated home, consider whether you can elevate it on concrete blocks or a platform. This is particularly important for homes in flood-prone areas near the Manatee River or on barrier islands like Anna Maria. After the storm, do not restart your water heater until a professional confirms it has not been compromised by flooding.
Related: Water heater services, Water heater maintenance tips for Florida
Sewer Backflow Prevention: Your First Line of Defense
During heavy rainfall and storm surge, the municipal sewer system can become overwhelmed. When that happens, wastewater flows backward through the sewer line and into your home through toilets, shower drains, and floor drains. This is one of the most damaging and unsanitary consequences of a hurricane, and it is far more common than most people realize.
A backwater valve — also called a backflow preventer — is a device installed on your sewer line that allows wastewater to flow out but prevents it from flowing back in. If you do not have one, we strongly recommend having one installed before hurricane season. It is a relatively modest investment that can prevent thousands of dollars in sewage cleanup costs. Check your sewer cleanout cap as well — make sure it is in place, tightly sealed, and not cracked.
Related: Sewer line services and backflow prevention
Rosco's Tip
Rosco's Tip: Emergency Sewer Plug
If a backwater valve is not in your budget before the storm, a temporary solution is a test plug or inflatable sewer plug inserted into your sewer cleanout. These can be found at plumbing supply stores and provide a temporary seal against backflow. Remove it after the storm to restore normal drainage.
Secure Outdoor Plumbing and Irrigation
Outdoor plumbing is often overlooked during hurricane preparation, but it is directly exposed to wind, debris, and flooding. Disconnect garden hoses from outdoor faucets — a connected hose can act like a lever in high winds and snap the hose bib right off the wall. If you have an irrigation system, shut it off at the controller and close the supply valve. Wind-driven debris can break exposed sprinkler heads and PVC risers, turning each one into an open water fountain when pressure is restored after the storm.
Pool plumbing is another concern for many Bradenton homeowners. Turn off your pool pump and lower the water level by a few inches to accommodate heavy rainfall. Secure or remove any above-ground pool equipment that could become a projectile in high winds. After the storm, do not restart pool equipment until you have inspected it for debris damage and electrical issues.
After the Storm: A Plumbing Damage Checklist
Once the storm passes and it is safe to inspect your property, work through a systematic plumbing check before turning anything back on. Walk the perimeter of your home and look for cracked, displaced, or exposed pipes. Check under sinks for signs of leaks. Look at your water heater for any evidence of water damage, especially around the base and electrical connections.
Turn your main water supply on slowly with all interior fixtures closed. Walk through the house listening for running water. If you hear water flowing when nothing is on, shut the main off immediately and call a plumber. Check each toilet, faucet, and shower individually. Flush each toilet and watch for proper drainage. If you notice slow drainage throughout the house, the sewer line may be blocked or damaged.
Document everything with photos for insurance purposes. Plumbing damage from a named storm is typically covered under your homeowner's insurance policy, but documentation is critical. Take photos of any damage before you clean up or make repairs. Keep receipts for all emergency plumbing work.
Related: Emergency plumbing services, Pipe leak repair, Closing your Bradenton home for the off-season
With forecasters predicting a record-breaking 2020 hurricane season, now is the time to make sure your plumbing is ready. The steps we have outlined here — protecting your water heater, installing backflow prevention, securing outdoor plumbing, and knowing what to check after the storm — can save you thousands of dollars and enormous headaches. At Rosco Plumbing, we offer pre-hurricane plumbing inspections to identify and address vulnerabilities before a storm threatens. Call us at (941) 345-2464 to schedule yours. We have been helping Manatee County weather hurricane season since 1983, and we are ready to help you too.