When a storm is on the way, you have a small window of time to prepare. Last-minute grocery runs and searching for flashlights are important, but your home needs a more thorough approach to storm preparation. Swift Brothers works with homeowners to make properties safer, stronger, and ready for anything on the weather radar.
Getting Ahead of Plumbing Problems
When the forecast starts to look daunting, think about sandbags or flashlights first. However, water moves fast and finds the weakest points in your home easily. That’s why your plumbing system needs attention before a storm arrives. This includes areas most people never check until something backs up or overflows.
Start with your sump pump. Test this unit by pouring a few gallons of water into the pit. The float should rise, the pump should turn on, and water should move through the discharge pipe smoothly. If the pump hums but water doesn’t drain, or it fails to activate, this is a problem to address quickly. Power outages can render your sump pump useless, so if yours doesn’t have a battery backup, you risk flooding even with the right equipment in place. Consider having a backup battery installed.
Also, think about your sewer lines. A sewer clog during a storm can turn into a backflow nightmare. Heavy rain overwhelms local systems, and water pressure forces everything to move in reverse. If your line already has a buildup, even a moderate storm can push sewage back through drains. Schedule a camera inspection if it’s been years since your last one or you’ve never had one performed. You’ll know exactly what condition your line is in before you’re dealing with contaminated water on your floor.
For homes with well water, storm preparation includes several unique considerations. Losing power can impact your access to water unless your system is wired to a generator. Check your pressure tank, inspect the well cap for tight seals, and test water quality ahead of time. If heavy rain is expected to flood low-lying areas, cover exposed pipes and seal around the wellhead to avoid contamination. This is a simple step that keeps drinking water safe during and after a storm.
Preparing HVAC Systems to Handle Bad Weather
Your heating and cooling system keeps your home livable year-round, but during a storm, it needs a little help to stay protected. The outdoor condenser unit can become damaged during a storm. High winds, flying debris, and flooded yards all put this unit at risk for damage that impacts comfort when you need it most.
Before the storm, clear away anything that could strike the unit, like patio chairs, toys, or debris. If you have a tarp or condenser cover, use it, but only if it allows for proper airflow. Never run the system with a cover in place. If flooding is expected, cut the power at the breaker and wait for the water to recede before restarting the system. Water inside the electronics can damage circuit boards or trip breakers and leave you without AC when the sun returns.
Inside, check that your filters are clean and vents are open and unobstructed. Power fluctuations during a storm can impact thermostats, so if your HVAC doesn’t turn back on after an outage, reset the thermostat before assuming the system failed. It helps to have a simple checklist taped near the unit to remind you to check filter status, breaker location, thermostat reset steps, and the name of the service company you trust if something doesn’t come back online.
Surge protection is also important. HVAC systems draw substantial amounts of power, and without protection, voltage spikes from lightning or grid instability can damage the control board. A surge protector at the main panel or a dedicated HVAC surge device gives your system a buffer that could save you thousands in repair costs.
Electrical Systems Considerations
Before severe weather rolls in, inspect your panel for rust, corrosion, or loose breakers. If any part of your system is producing a buzzing sound or a burning smell, don’t wait for a storm to make matters worse. Have a professional perform an inspection and any necessary repairs.
Think about what you will do if you lose power. A portable generator keeps key appliances running, like your refrigerator. A whole-home generator changes how you weather the storm entirely. When installed properly, it starts automatically when the power goes out and supplies electricity to critical systems like HVAC, medical devices, sump pumps, and lighting.
This is another reason why surge protection is imperative. One lightning strike can damage appliances, HVAC systems, or electronics. Even a quick surge from a downed line or sudden restart can render sensitive devices destroyed. Whole-home surge protection at the main panel reduces that risk across every circuit. It won’t block a direct strike, but it gives you reliable protection.
Be aware of water risks around your panel or outlets. If any area of the home floods, cut power to those zones until a professional inspects them. Shut off circuits if you suspect water intrusion, especially in basements, crawl spaces, or garages that slope downhill.
Storm Preparation for Comfort
If you’ve ever spent a power outage with no AC or tried to boil water on a camp stove, you already know how quickly comfort is impacted. A generator isn’t just about running a few lights. It keeps the refrigerator cold and the sump pump active, and it lets your HVAC system fight against heat or cold.
Make a list of what matters most during an outage. Think about how long your home can stay comfortable without power. Can your HVAC system run from a generator? Is your plumbing electric-dependent, like with a well pump or tankless water heater? Do you have enough surge protection to reset after a blackout without replacing your microwave or losing your router?
Once you understand what gaps need to be addressed, preparation becomes more about strategy than panic. If your systems are ready, you can stay in place instead of scrambling to find a hotel room.
What Happens After the Storm Passes?
Once the weather clears, your home will still require attention. Water that found its way inside will need to be cleaned out. Things like your HVAC filters may be damp. Plumbing vents may have shifted. Sump pump outlets may be buried in yard debris. Electrical panels that took on moisture need inspection before turning anything back on.
Walk your property carefully and look for things like downed wires, blocked vents, loose equipment, and pooling water. Check for standing water in your basement or crawl space. If your generator runs for a substantial amount of time, change the oil and inspect the fuel.
Get Your Storm Plan Ready Now
Storm preparation doesn’t have to feel overwhelming if you consider manageable steps. A little effort protects your home, saves you money, and keeps your family comfortable when inclement weather passes through the area. At Swift Brothers in the areas of North and South Carolina, the greater Atlanta metro area, and northeastern Florida, we offer sump pump support, HVAC services, plumbing, and emergency repairs to help keep your property protected. Schedule a service visit with Swift Brothers today.