Why 2024 Could Be a Big Hurricane Season — And What It Means for Your Plumbing

NOAA's 2024 hurricane season forecast called for an above-normal season, with 17 to 25 named storms, 8 to 13 hurricanes, and 4 to 7 major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher). Record-warm sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic and a developing La Nina pattern created conditions that atmospheric scientists described as the most favorable for an active season in recent memory. For Bradenton homeowners, this forecast was not just an academic exercise — it was a call to action.

We covered hurricane plumbing preparation in depth in our evergreen hurricane season guide, but 2024's elevated threat level warranted a timeline-specific plan. This post provides a month-by-month preparation schedule, starting in April and running through November, so you can systematically address every plumbing vulnerability before a storm threatens our area. Each task is matched to the appropriate timing — because some things need to happen months in advance, while others can wait until a storm enters the forecast.

At Rosco Plumbing, we have helped Bradenton families prepare for — and recover from — every significant hurricane since 1983. We know what works, what gets overlooked, and what makes the difference between a home that weathers the storm and one that suffers avoidable damage. Let this timeline be your guide.

April and May: The Foundation Work

Hurricane season officially begins on June 1st, but April and May are when the most important preparation happens — because this is the work that requires a plumber, and plumber availability drops dramatically once storms start forming. Start with a full plumbing inspection or schedule your annual maintenance plan visit. The inspection should cover your main water shutoff valve, all fixture shutoff valves, the water heater, sewer cleanout, exterior hose bibs, and the condition of your supply lines.

The most critical item is your main water shutoff valve. Test it now by turning it fully closed and verifying that water stops flowing at all fixtures. Then turn it back on. If the valve is difficult to operate, leaks when turned, or does not fully stop the flow, have it replaced. A quarter-turn ball valve is the best replacement option — it goes from fully open to fully closed with a 90-degree turn of the handle, so even in a panic situation, you can shut off your water in seconds. Many older Bradenton homes have gate valves that take multiple full turns and frequently seize or fail to seal completely.

This is also the time for any plumbing upgrades you have been considering. Repiping, water heater replacement, sump pump installation, and backwater valve installation are all projects that should be done before hurricane season, not during it. Once the first storm enters the Gulf, every plumber in Manatee County will be booked solid. If you have polybutylene pipes and have been putting off repiping, there is no better motivator than hurricane season — a poly-b failure during a storm, when you cannot get a plumber for days, is a nightmare scenario.

Schedule annual plumbing inspection or maintenance plan visit
Test main water shutoff valve — replace if it does not seal completely
Test all fixture shutoff valves (sinks, toilets, water heater)
Complete any pending plumbing upgrades (repiping, water heater replacement)
Install a backwater valve if you do not have one
Check sump pump operation and battery backup (if applicable)
Photograph all plumbing fixtures and water heater for insurance documentation

Rosco's Tip

Rosco's Tip: The Shutoff Valve Priority

If you do nothing else on this list, test your main water shutoff valve. In 43 years of post-hurricane service calls, the single most common preventable problem we see is a homeowner who could not shut off their water because the valve was seized. A working shutoff valve is the difference between a manageable situation and a catastrophe.

June: Season Opens — Finalize Your Checklist

June 1st marks the official start of hurricane season. If you completed the April/May tasks, you are already ahead of most homeowners. June is the time for final checks and assembling supplies. Locate your sewer cleanout and clear any vegetation or debris from around it. Make sure the cap is present and in good condition. Purchase a plug wrench and a replacement cap so you have them on hand if needed.

Assemble a basic plumbing emergency kit. This does not need to be elaborate, but having a few key items on hand can prevent a small problem from becoming a major one during a storm. Your kit should include: plumber's tape (Teflon tape), pipe repair clamps in the sizes that match your plumbing (1/2-inch and 3/4-inch for most homes), a pipe cutter or hacksaw, waterproof silicone repair tape, a pair of channel-lock pliers, an adjustable wrench, a plug wrench for your sewer cleanout, and a battery-powered headlamp for working during power outages.

If you have a water heater installed in an area that could be reached by floodwater, consider raising it on a platform or stand. FEMA recommends elevating water heaters at least 12 inches above the projected flood level for your area. In Bradenton, much of the area west of I-75 and particularly near the Manatee River is in a flood zone. Even if you are not in a designated flood zone, elevation protects against the unexpected.

When a Storm Enters the Forecast: 72 to 48 Hours Out

When the National Hurricane Center puts Manatee County in the cone of uncertainty, it is time to activate your plan. At 72 hours out, begin the preparation tasks that take time. Fill your bathtubs with water — this provides a reserve for toilet flushing and basic hygiene if you lose water pressure. Each bathtub holds 30 to 50 gallons, which can last a family of four several days for flushing purposes.

Turn your water heater to the lowest setting or vacation mode. This conserves energy, reduces the risk of overheating during a power outage, and keeps a large reservoir of warm water available for emergency use. Remember that a 50-gallon water heater contains 50 gallons of potable water that can be accessed through the drain valve if needed — it is your built-in emergency water supply.

At 48 hours, begin securing exterior plumbing. Disconnect garden hoses from hose bibs and store them inside. Cap any exposed exterior plumbing connections. If you have an outdoor kitchen or outdoor shower, shut off the water supply to those fixtures at their dedicated shutoff valves. If your irrigation system has an above-ground backflow preventer, consider whether it is secure enough to withstand wind-driven debris — some homeowners wrap theirs with moving blankets and secure with duct tape as a precaution.

If you plan to evacuate, shut off the water at the main valve before you leave. This prevents damage from a supply line failure while you are away. In our experience, more homes are damaged by plumbing failures during evacuations than by the storms themselves — a burst pipe in an empty home can run for days before anyone discovers it. Shutting off the main valve takes 30 seconds and eliminates this risk entirely.

After the Storm: A Recovery Protocol

Once the storm passes and it is safe to inspect your property, follow a systematic recovery protocol. Do not rush to turn everything back on — methodical is better than fast. Start with a visual exterior inspection. Walk the perimeter of your home looking for displaced pipes, cracked plumbing vents on the roof, damage to the sewer cleanout, and any standing water near the foundation.

When you are ready to restore water, close all interior faucets and valves first. Then slowly open the main shutoff valve about one-quarter turn and listen. Walk through the house checking for sounds of running water — hissing, spraying, or dripping. If you hear anything with all fixtures closed, shut the main valve immediately and call a plumber. If everything is quiet, open the main valve fully and then open faucets one at a time, starting with the lowest fixture in the house.

Let each faucet run for a minute before using the water for drinking or cooking. Discolored water after a storm is common and usually clears within a few minutes as the system flushes. If the water remains discolored, has an unusual odor, or if you are on a well system, do not use it until it has been tested. Municipal water systems in Manatee County will issue boil-water notices if treatment has been compromised, so monitor local news and the county's emergency communications.

Inspect your water heater before restarting it. If any floodwater reached the unit, do not turn it on — have a licensed plumber inspect it first. Check the T&P valve, the gas line connections (for gas models), and look for any visible damage. If the unit was not affected by flooding and you simply turned it down before the storm, you can restore the temperature setting once the water supply is confirmed clean and flowing normally.

Special Considerations: Barrier Islands, 55+ Communities, and Older Homes

Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key face unique hurricane plumbing risks due to storm surge exposure, saltwater intrusion, and the elevated construction common on barrier islands. Homes on pilings have exposed plumbing underneath that is vulnerable to wind-driven debris. Before hurricane season, inspect these exposed runs, secure loose hangers and strapping, and consider protective wrapping for vulnerable sections. After a surge event, have your plumbing inspected for saltwater corrosion — salt is highly corrosive to copper and accelerates deterioration of all metal fittings.

Residents of 55+ communities like Del Webb Lakewood Ranch, Heritage Harbour, Cresswind, and Esplanade at Artisan Lakes should take special care with their preparations. Many residents live alone, may have mobility limitations, and may not be able to perform physical tasks like shutting off valves or filling bathtubs quickly. We recommend identifying a trusted neighbor or family member who can help with preparation tasks, and making sure all shutoff valves are easily accessible and recently tested.

Older homes in central Bradenton, Palmetto, and Ellenton — particularly those built in the 1970s and 1980s — have additional vulnerabilities. Galvanized steel drain lines, copper supply lines with decades of mineral buildup, and polybutylene pipes all represent elevated risk during a storm. The stress of pressure fluctuations, power outages, and water hammer from municipal system irregularities can push aging plumbing systems past their breaking point. If your home is more than 30 years old and has not had a plumbing assessment, scheduling one before hurricane season is one of the smartest things you can do.

Hurricane season 2024 brings elevated risk, but Bradenton homeowners who follow this timeline will be well-prepared to protect their homes and families. The key is starting early — do the big-ticket items in April and May, finalize your preparations in June, and when a storm enters the forecast, you will be executing a plan rather than scrambling. Rosco Plumbing has been helping Bradenton families prepare for hurricane season since 1983, and we are here to help you too. Call us at (941) 345-2464 to schedule your pre-season inspection or to discuss any of the upgrades mentioned in this guide. Your home is worth protecting, and we take that responsibility seriously.

Hurricane Season 2024: Your Complete Plumbing Preparation Timeline