As hurricane season approaches, most homeowners prepare for power outages, flooding, and high winds. But one area often overlooked is your home’s plumbing system. Whether it’s your water heater, sewer lines, or outdoor fixtures, hurricanes can cause serious plumbing issues if you’re not prepared.

At 535 Plumbing, we know the unique challenges Hawai‘i homeowners face. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive Homeowner Plumbing Checklist for Hurricane Season to help you protect your home, minimize damage, and recover quickly after a storm.

Why Plumbing Prep Matters During Hurricane Season

While roof inspections and emergency kits are top of mind, preparing your plumbing is just as important. Heavy rain, power outages, and flooding can overwhelm your drainage system, contaminate your water supply, or leave you without hot water when you need it most. Taking simple preventive steps now can save you thousands in repairs later.

1. Secure Your Water Heater

Water heaters are often overlooked during hurricane prep, but they can become damaged or even dislodged during high winds or flooding.Water heaters are often overlooked during hurricane prep, but they can become damaged or even dislodged during high winds or flooding.

What to Do:

• Strap your water heater: Make sure it’s securely fastened to the wall using seismic straps or anchor bolts.
• Turn off the gas valve or power supply: Prevent fire risks or surges if a storm is imminent.
• Know where your shut-off valves are: Practice turning off the cold water supply line.

💡 Pro Tip: 535 Plumbing members get one free water heater flush per year, included in our Aloha Membership Plan. Regular flushing extends the life of your heater and keeps it operating efficiently—especially important during emergencies.

2. Inspect and Clear Your Drains and Gutters

Blocked drains or gutters can cause water to pool around your foundation and back up into your home.

What to Do:

• Remove debris from gutters and downspouts.
• Clear storm and floor drains.
• Check for standing water or slow drainage.

3. Locate and Test Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve

In an emergency or evacuation, knowing how to quickly shut off water to your entire home is critical.

What to Do:

• Find your main shut-off valve near the water meter.
• Test it to ensure it turns easily.
• Show all family members how to operate it.

4. Install or Test a Backflow Preventer

Floodwaters can reverse into your plumbing system, contaminating your drinking water.

What to Do:

• Install a backflow preventer if your home doesn’t have one.
• Schedule a test for any existing backflow devices.
• Ask your plumber for certification documentation if needed.

5. Turn Off Outdoor Hose Bibs and Irrigation Systems

Outdoor plumbing fixtures are prone to damage during storms.

What to Do:

• Shut off water to hose bibs and drain them.
• Disconnect garden hoses.
• Disable automatic irrigation systems before a storm.

6. Check Sump Pumps and Sewer Cleanouts

Storm surges and rainfall can overwhelm your drainage system.

What to Do:

• Test your sump pump using a bucket of water.
• Ensure discharge pipes are clear and functional.
• Schedule a sewer camera inspection if you’ve had prior backups.

🛠 Need a camera inspection? 535 Plumbing offers sewer video inspections to assess the condition of your underground lines before or after a storm.

7. Fill Bathtubs for Emergency Water Use

If water service is interrupted, having water on hand is essential.

What to Do:

• Fill bathtubs and large containers with water before the storm hits.
• Use this water for flushing toilets and washing, not for drinking.
• Store potable water in sealed containers.

8. Schedule a Professional Plumbing Inspection

Prevention is the best protection. A licensed plumber can identify small issues before they become costly emergencies.

A Hurricane Prep Plumbing Inspection Includes:

• Pressure test and PRV evaluation
• Water heater check and flush
• Shut-off valve test
• Backflow device assessment
• Sewer line camera inspection.
• Exterior fixture inspection

🛡 Even better? Our Aloha Members receive one free full plumbing inspection every year—perfect for preparing ahead of hurricane season. It’s just one of the many benefits of joining our membership program, designed to save you money and extend the life of your plumbing system.

9. Prepare for Post-Storm Recovery

After a hurricane, inspect your plumbing system for signs of damage.

What to Check:

• Discolored or foul-smelling water
• Gurgling toilets or slow drains
• Unusual drops in water pressure
• Leaking or damaged fixtures

Avoid using your plumbing until it has been evaluated—especially if you suspect sewer damage.

Final Thoughts: Be Proactive, Not Reactive

Taking the time to prepare your plumbing system now will give you peace of mind when the weather turns. Just like stocking up on batteries and food, a solid hurricane plumbing checklist should be part of every homeowner’s storm prep routine.

At 535 Plumbing, we’re proud to serve Hawai‘i with expert, honest, and fast plumbing services. Whether you need a pre-storm inspection, water heater service, or emergency repair, we’re here for you.

Want Peace of Mind All Year?

Join our 535 Plumbing Aloha Membership Plan and get:

• 1 Free Annual Plumbing Visual Inspection
• 1 Free Water Heater Flush Per Year
• Priority Scheduling & Special Discounts
• Ongoing System Monitoring & Maintenance Tips

Let us help you prepare, protect, and prevent plumbing problems—before and after the storm.

Get a Professional Quote for Your Storm-Related Plumbing Issues

535 Plumbing specializes in storm-related inspections and repairs. Whether you need a routine cleaning or a complex repair, we provide expert plumbing services tailored to your specific situation. Contact us today for a professional assessment and a customized quote to keep your plumbing system in top shape!

Trust 535 Plumbing to Save You Time, Water, and Money

At 535 Plumbing, we specialize in building-wide plumbing maintenance. Our experienced professionals are equipped with the latest tools and techniques to ensure your building’s plumbing and fixtures stay in the best condition possible. From minor fixes to major repairs, we’re committed to providing top-notch service and peace of mind.

Contact 535 Plumbing today to schedule an inspection and take the first step toward reclaiming control over your building’s plumbing. We have the tools and expertise to diagnose and resolve your issue efficiently. Don’t let a simple plumbing problem escalate—take action today to maintain the functionality of your building’s plumbing system. For more plumbing maintenance tips and advice, check out our other guides!

Contact 535 Plumbing Today

535 Plumbing is here to help. We offer:

• Fast and Reliable Service: Get prompt assistance when you need it most.
• Expert Technicians: Our skilled plumbers have experience with all garbage disposal types and plumbing systems.
• Upfront Pricing: No surprises—just honest, transparent estimates.
• Sustainable Solutions: We fix garbage disposals efficiently to save water and reduce your environmental footprint.

If you live on Oahu and are in need of a licensed plumber to help with your plumbing issues, choose 535 Plumbing for the job! Our team of professional Oahu plumbers are highly skilled and our excellent customer support representatives will work with you to schedule your appointments at a time you most convenient. Learn more and schedule an appointment by calling (808) 300-0535, or Visit Our Contact Us Page. Mahalo!