What Does a Hurricane Mean for My Plumbing?

When hurricane season rolls into South Carolina’s Lowcountry, most homeowners start boarding up windows, checking generators, and stocking up on bottled water and supplies. But one crucial area often gets overlooked—your home’s plumbing system.

As trusted Summerville, SC plumbers, Kinsmen Service Pros have seen firsthand how hurricanes and tropical storms can cause hidden damage beneath your home. From backed-up sewer lines to burst pipes and failed sump pumps, extreme weather can lead to flooding, contamination, and expensive repairs.

Fortunately, with a little prep work, you can avoid many common hurricane plumbing issues. We’re here to let you know about how hurricanes impact your plumbing, offer preparation tips, and provide a post-storm checklist to protect your home.

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How Hurricanes Impact Residential Plumbing Systems

Hurricanes and tropical storms don’t just damage roofs and windows, they can seriously affect the plumbing system that keeps your home running. Here’s how severe weather can disrupt pipes, drains, and water safety:

1. Flooding and Sewer Backups

Your home is vulnerable to sewer line backups when heavy rains or storm surges overwhelm municipal sewer systems. If your drains start gurgling or sewage rises in your toilets, tubs, or floor drains, you may be facing a serious backup. Floodwaters can also carry harmful bacteria and contaminants that put your health at risk, especially if sewage gets into your home.

2. Broken or Blocked Pipes

In the Lowcountry, even tropical-storm-force winds, that may range from 39 to 73 mph, can stretch for hundreds of miles and shift the soil around your home. Tree roots may push into cracked sewer pipes, or sudden shifts in water pressure can cause pipes to burst, especially if they’re older clay or cast iron.

Even if your plumbing appears fine immediately after the storm, ground settling and delayed pressure changes can trigger pipe damage days later.

3. Water Contamination Risks

Broken pipes can let sediment and bacteria seep into your water supply. If a pipe is damaged underground or in your walls, you might unknowingly be using contaminated water. This is why it’s so important to comply with boil water advisories and know where your home’s main shut-off valve is.

If you’re unsure where the shut-off is located, or if the valve is stuck, rusted, or broken, call our team at Kinsmen Service Pros for help.

4. Power Outages and Sump Pump Failure

If your sump pump runs on electricity and the power goes out during a storm, it can’t remove rising water. The results? Your basement or crawl space are vulnerable to flooding. Without a battery backup, you may not realize your pump has failed at all until after water damage wreaks havoc in your home.

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Pre-Storm Plumbing Preparation Tips

A little preparation before the storm hits can make a big difference. Follow these steps to help safeguard your home’s plumbing and give you peace of mind.

1. Inspect and Secure Outdoor Plumbing

Walk around your property and disconnect all hoses. Drain sprinkler systems and secure exposed plumbing fixtures. Make sure backflow preventers are properly installed to prevent contamination from reverse water flow during flooding.

2. Test Your Sump Pump

Pour a bucket of water into your sump pit to confirm that the pump activates and drains correctly. If it fails, contact Kinsmen Service Pros right away for a sump pump repair.

If your pump works, double-check that the battery backup or generator is charged and ready to go in case of a power outage.

3. Shut Off the Main Water Valve (If Evacuating)

If you’re evacuating before a storm, shut off your home’s main water supply. This simple move prevents water from pouring into your house in the event of a broken pipe or sewer backup while you’re gone.

4. Check Sewer Cleanouts and Drains

Make sure your sewer cleanouts and storm drains are clear of debris. Clogs can cause a surge of backflow and prevent your system from draining properly during heavy rain.

Post-Hurricane Plumbing Checklist

Once the storm passes and floodwaters recede, don’t rush to resume normal use of your water. Use this checklist to make sure your plumbing system is safe:

1. Inspect for Leaks and Slow Drains

Check sinks, toilets, bathtubs, and outdoor spigots for leaks, water pooling, or slow drainage, which are all signs of potential pipe damage or clogs caused by shifting debris.

2. Listen for Unusual Sounds

Turn on your faucets slowly and listen for gurgling, banging, or hissing. These noises can mean air is trapped in the lines or there’s a pressure imbalance — common plumbing problems after storms.

3. Avoid Using Water Until It’s Confirmed Safe

If your area has a boil water advisory or if you suspect your plumbing was submerged, avoid using your tap water for drinking, cooking, or bathing. Contaminated water can pose serious health risks.

4. Schedule a Professional Inspection

Just because everything looks okay doesn’t mean your plumbing escaped damage. Schedule a post-storm inspection with Kinsmen Service Pros, especially if your sump pump failed or your home experienced flooding. Hidden pipe cracks, root infiltration, or pressure surges can lead to bigger problems later.

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How Kinsmen Service Pros Can Help After a Storm

Hurricanes are unpredictable, but your plumbing service shouldn’t be. The team at Kinsmen Service Pros provide fast, expert help for all your plumbing needs before and after a storm.

We offer:

• 24/7 emergency plumbing service in Summerville, SC and the Lowcountry area
• Post-storm plumbing inspections and sump pump diagnostics
• Sump pump repairs and battery backup installations
• Drain cleaning and sewer line clearing
• Leak detection and pipe repair using modern diagnostic tools

We’re a licensed, insured, and family-owned company trusted by local homeowners to deliver dependable, long-term plumbing solutions.

Call Us for All Your Hurricane-Season Plumbing Needs

Hurricane season can put your entire home, including your plumbing system, in a vulnerable position. Don’t wait for a backup, leak, or contaminated water to make the situation worse.

Call the licensed plumbers at Kinsmen Service Pros today to schedule a pre-storm plumbing inspection or get emergency help after the storm with flooding, broken pipes, or sump pump failures. We’re always here to help! Schedule your appointment today!

Call Now (843) 343-1651