Preparing for Hurricane Season 2017: Lessons from Last Year

Another Hurricane Season, More Reasons to Prepare

Hurricane season 2017 runs from June 1 through November 30, and once again forecasters are calling for above-average activity. Last year gave us a few scares here in Manatee County, and every storm season teaches us something new about preparation. At Rosco Plumbing, we took notes on what worked and what did not when our customers called for help last year — and we want to share those lessons with you.

Lesson One: Do Not Wait Until the Last Minute

Last year, we received dozens of calls from homeowners trying to get their plumbing inspected and shutoff valves replaced the week a storm was approaching. By then, our schedule was completely full. The homeowners who came through the best were the ones who had their plumbing checked in the spring, well before any storm was on the radar. If you have not had a plumbing inspection this year, now is the time — before the season heats up.

Pay particular attention to your main water shutoff valve, sewer cleanout cap, and water heater. These are the three plumbing components most likely to cause major damage during a hurricane, and all three are easy to inspect and service ahead of time.

Related: Schedule a plumbing maintenance check, our 2016 hurricane plumbing prep checklist

Lesson Two: Document Everything Before the Storm

Several of our customers last year had difficulty with insurance claims because they could not prove the pre-storm condition of their plumbing fixtures and water heater. Take five minutes to walk through your home with your phone and photograph or video every plumbing fixture, the water heater (including the data plate with age and serial number), and the areas under sinks and around toilets. Save these photos to the cloud so you have them even if your phone is damaged.

Lesson Three: Know Your Neighbors

One of the best things about living in Bradenton is the sense of community, and that matters most during a storm. If you know how to shut off a water main or can help a neighbor locate their sewer cleanout, you can prevent serious damage while waiting for professional help. Check on elderly neighbors and snowbirds who may have arrived early — they may not be familiar with hurricane prep for Florida plumbing.

If you need help preparing your plumbing for hurricane season, call Rosco Plumbing at (941) 345-2464. We have been helping Manatee County homeowners weather storms since 1983, and we are here for you again this year.

Related: Rosco Plumbing emergency plumbing services, understanding your home's shutoff valves