Knowing how to shut off your water before a hurricane is one of the most practical things a Brevard County homeowner can do, and most people never find out where the shutoff is until they need it in an emergency. That is the wrong moment to learn. A main water shutoff valve that has never been tested in years may be stuck, corroded, or simply impossible to turn under storm conditions when you are rushing to secure the house before mandatory evacuation.
This guide walks through exactly what to do before a storm hits and gives you a clear decision framework for when to call a licensed plumber after the storm has passed.
Want to locate and test your shutoff valves before storm season? Contact Certified Plumbing of Brevard or call today to schedule a pre-hurricane plumbing inspection.
Before the Storm: How to Shut Off Your Water
Find Your Main Water Shutoff Valve Before You Need It
In most Brevard County homes, the main water shutoff valve is located in one of two places: near the water meter at the front of the property, typically in a small underground box at the curb or property line, or at the point where the main water line enters the home, often near the garage, utility room, or exterior wall. The meter box shutoff requires a water meter key or a flathead screwdriver in some configurations. The interior shutoff, if your home has one, is usually a ball valve or gate valve that turns by hand.
Test It Now, Not During a Storm Warning
A shutoff valve that has not been operated in years may be corroded, stuck, or weakened to the point of breaking if forced. Testing your main shutoff valve annually, specifically before hurricane season, confirms it works when you need it and gives you time to have it repaired or replaced if it does not. Our residential plumbing team can test and replace a seized shutoff valve as part of a pre-hurricane inspection.
Know Your Individual Fixture Shutoffs Too
Every toilet, sink, and major appliance has its own supply shutoff valve. Knowing where these are matters if you need to isolate a single fixture rather than cutting water to the whole house. Walk through your home and locate the shut-off under each sink, behind each toilet, and at the washing machine connections before storm season begins. If any are seized or corroded, a faucet and fixture service can address them before it’s too late.
Shut Off Your Water Heater
If you are shutting off the main water supply before a hurricane, you should also shut off your water heater. For electric units, turn off the breaker. For gas units, turn the gas supply valve to the off position. This prevents the heating element from running dry if the supply pressure drops and protects the unit from damage. Our water heater service team can also flush and inspect your unit before hurricane season to make sure it is in good condition heading into.
Shut Off and Secure Outdoor Connections
Turn off your irrigation system at the controller and close the irrigation supply valve. Disconnect garden hoses from all hose bibs to reduce the risk of damage to hose bibs from wind-driven debris. For homes with outdoor showers or kitchen connections, shut those supply valves off as well. Our sprinkler system plumbing service can walk through any outdoor connections you are uncertain about during a pre-season inspection.
After the Storm: When to Call a Plumber
Call Immediately If You See These Signs
Some post-storm plumbing situations are emergencies that require a licensed plumber immediately, not the next available appointment. Call our team right away if you experience any of the following: sewage or wastewater backing up through floor drains, toilets, or showers; a sudden and unexplained drop in water pressure when service is restored; visible water damage appearing on walls or ceilings after you have turned the water back on; the smell of gas near a water heater or gas line; or water that looks discolored, smells unusual, or contains visible sediment after the storm. All of these warrant an emergency plumbing response, not a wait-and-see approach.
Do Not Turn Your Water Back On Without a Basic Inspection First
Before restoring your main water supply after a storm, do a brief visual check of the areas most likely to show damage. Look under sinks for any shifted or disconnected connections. Check the area around your water heater for flooding or debris. Look at exposed pipe runs for visible damage or displacement. If anything looks wrong, call a plumber before turning the water on. A burst pipe that runs for hours before being discovered multiplies the repair cost dramatically.
Schedule a Post-Storm Assessment Even If Nothing Looks Wrong
Not all hurricane plumbing damage is visible from the surface. Underground pipe damage from soil shifting, hairline cracks in supply lines, and early-stage sewer line issues can go undetected until they cause larger problems weeks or months after the storm. A post-storm camera inspection provides a definitive look at your underground lines and gives you the information you need to make a fully informed repair decision rather than discovering a problem after it has already caused secondary damage.
Do Not Restart a Flooded Water Heater Without an Inspection
If floodwater reached your water heater during the storm, do not attempt to restart it without a professional assessment. This applies to both gas and electric units. Our water heater repair and replacement services include post-flood inspection as a standard part of our hurricane response service.
Save our number before storm season starts. Certified Plumbing of Brevard is available 24/7, including during and after storm events, for emergency plumbing response throughout Brevard County. Contact us to schedule a pre-hurricane inspection while there is still time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the main water shutoff valve in a Florida home?
In most Brevard County homes, it is located near the water meter at the front of the property, in a small underground box at the curb or property line, or at the point where the main water line enters the home, near the garage or utility room. If you cannot locate it, a licensed plumber can walk through your home and identify every shutoff valve during a pre-hurricane inspection.
What if my main shutoff valve is stuck or will not turn?
A stuck shutoff valve should be repaired before hurricane season, not during it. Forcing a seized valve can break it entirely, leaving you with no way to shut off the water supply. Our residential plumbing team can quickly replace a seized valve at a significantly lower cost than an emergency repair after a storm.
Should I shut off my water if I am evacuating for a hurricane?
Yes. Turning off your main water supply before evacuating prevents a storm-damaged pipe from releasing pressurized water into your home while you are away, potentially for days. Also, shut off your water heater at the breaker or gas supply, and consider shutting off the gas supply to the home if evacuating for an extended period.
How long should I wait before turning the water back on after a hurricane?
Wait until floodwaters have fully receded, you have done a basic visual inspection of your plumbing, and your local utility has confirmed that water service has been restored and is safe. Do not turn the water back on until you are confident the system is intact. If in doubt, call a plumber to assess before restoring the supply.
How do I know if my pipes were damaged during the storm?
Visible signs include wet spots on walls or ceilings after water is restored, unexplained drops in pressure, unusual discoloration or odor in the water, and the sound of running water with all fixtures off. A camera inspection can identify underground damage that is not visible from the surface.
Is sewage backup after a hurricane dangerous?
Yes. Sewage backup presents a serious health hazard. Do not use any drains or toilets in an affected home, avoid contact with the wastewater, and call a plumber immediately. This is an emergency that cannot wait. Call Certified Plumbing of Brevard at 321-676-0812 for immediate response.
Do I need to have my irrigation system checked after a hurricane?
If your irrigation system was exposed to hurricane winds and debris, a quick check for broken pipe connections and damaged heads is a good idea before resuming normal operation. Our sprinkler system plumbing service handles post-storm assessment and repair of irrigation pipe damage throughout Brevard County.
Save Our Number Before Storm Season
The steps that protect your plumbing during a hurricane take less than an hour to complete, but only if you know where your shutoffs are and have confirmed they work before storm warnings are issued. Certified Plumbing of Brevard can walk through your entire home’s shutoff system as part of a pre-hurricane inspection, and we are available 24/7 for emergency response when a storm has already passed. Call today or contact us to schedule your pre-season inspection.
