Hurricane plumbing checklist
Use with current instructions from your utility and local emergency authority. Official alerts always override this checklist.
Stop for immediate hazards. Leave the area and use emergency or utility instructions for water near electricity, a gas odor, structural danger, active floodwater, or sewage exposure.
Before the storm
- Save current water-provider and local emergency-management links.
- Record whether the property uses public sewer or a private septic system.
- Record a known, safely accessible household water shutoff; do not force or dismantle it.
- Photograph visible plumbing, equipment, and pre-existing leaks from a safe location.
- Resolve a stuck or leaking shutoff, persistent leak, backup, or failing pump before conditions worsen.
- Follow the current water and supply guidance for the exact location.
During the storm
- Follow active evacuation, shelter, drinking-water, sewer, and outage instructions.
- Stay out of floodwater and away from water near electricity.
- Do not operate unfamiliar, submerged, stuck, or utility-owned valves.
- Reduce nonessential water use if wastewater or septic service is disrupted.
After the storm
- Return only when the responsible authority says access is safe.
- Check current drinking-water and sewer notices before using fixtures.
- Observe and document visible damage from a dry, safe location.
- Call emergency services for immediate danger, the utility for area-wide service, and a plumber for private plumbing after safe re-entry.
Household plumbing record
Fill this in before storm conditions. Do not enter a hazardous space or operate unfamiliar equipment to complete it.
Call order
Immediate danger: emergency services or responsible utility
Area-wide outage or street-side issue: water or wastewater utility
Private plumbing after safe re-entry: plumber