Hurricane Season Prep: The Utility Shutoff Guide Every Homeowner Needs
When a hurricane is on the horizon, most of us think about flashlights, bottled water, and evacuation routes, but one critical area is often overlooked. Let’s break down shut offs that every homeowner should know about before the next big storm.
Know Where Your Main Water Shutoff Valve Is 💧
If a storm damages your plumbing systems your home could flood after the storm has passed. Knowing how/where to turn your water flow off is important this hurricane season. Your water shutoff can likely be found either near your water heater, where the main water line enters your home, or in a ground level utility box near the curb.
Pro Tip: Old or corroded shutoff valves can seize up just when you need them most. If your main valve is hard to turn or looks worn out, it may be time for a replacement. Get help with shutoff valve repairs or upgrades before hurricane season.
Locate and Learn to Use Your Gas Shutoff 🔥
Flooding or wind damage can create hidden leaks that turn into dangerous fire or explosion risks. A shutoff can be located at your gas meter, and it's usually on an exterior wall or at the property edge.
Pro Tip: Keep a wrench or gas shutoff tool near the shut off, and if you don't already know what tool works best for your system find out before the storms arrive.
Find Your Sewer Cleanout Cap 🚽
A cleanout cap is a capped pipe sticking up out of the ground. They are often found near your foundation, property line, or in a landscaped bed. Floodwaters can overwhelm sewer lines, causing backups into your home systems. Knowing where your cleanout cap is lets you or a pro relieve pressure or block flow before disaster strikes.
Evacuating? Shut It All Down. 🚗
If you’re leaving your home due to an incoming storm, take 5 minutes to
✅Turn off the main water.
✅Shut off the gas.
✅Check the sewer cleanout.
While you’re away these simple steps can save you money, and you home from additional damages.
To Conclude
Taking time to understand your home's utility systems, and how to shut them off, could protect your home and wallet from serious post-storm headaches, and you wallet from the cost of fixing these preventable damages.
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