Hurricanes are a fact of life for homeowners in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, and the surrounding Hampton Roads area. These powerful storms don’t just threaten your roof or windows—they can also put serious stress on your plumbing system.

Flooded crawlspaces, backed-up sewer lines, and water outages are all common challenges following hurricanes, which can turn into costly damage if your home isn’t prepared.

Preparing your plumbing before a hurricane strikes can save you money, protect your home, and ensure your family has access to clean water during and after the storm.

At Atomic Plumbing, we want to help you feel confident that your pipes, drains, and water systems are ready for anything. This guide offers practical, easy-to-follow steps that homeowners can take to safeguard their plumbing, plus advice on when to call a plumber for professional help.

Root Inspection: Protect Your Sewer Lines From Root Intrusion

Tree Roots are silent invaders that can wreak havoc on your plumbing system. Hurricanes can worsen the problem by saturating soil and forcing roots into vulnerable pipes. This can create blockages that lead to slow drains, sewer backups, and even flooding. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent these costly problems.

Before the Storm

Look for early warning signs. Slow-draining sinks, tubs, or toilets, gurgling noises from drains, and wet spots or unusually lush patches in your yard are all possible signs of damage caused by root intrusion.

Here’s a helpful checklist to follow to prevent issues caused by tree root intrusion:

• Schedule a professional sewer line camera inspection to identify any hidden root problems.
• Trim or remove trees with roots close to plumbing lines when safe to do so.
• Clear debris around sewer cleanouts so they remain accessible in case of an emergency

Avoid using harsh chemical root removers— they can damage your pipes, harm the environment, and may not fully solve the problem.

When to Call a Pro

Even if you take DIY precautions, some issues require professional attention. Persistent backups, foul odors, and slow drains that don’t respond to standard cleaning are all signs that you should call a pro. Our drain cleaning and root removal services can help clear your blocked sewer line safely and effectively.

During the Storm

Only flush toilet paper. Avoid wipes, paper towels, and other materials that can worsen blockages in already stressed sewer lines.

After the Storm

Check for standing water or any signs of sewer backup around your property. Call Atomic Plumbing immediately if you notice issues. Early intervention can prevent long-term damage to your plumbing system.

Proactive sewer line inspections and maintenance can help ensure that your sewer line repair needs are minimized, even in extreme weather conditions.

Bottled Water: Secure Safe Water for Drinking & Sanitation

Hurricanes can compromise public water systems, leaving families without safe water for drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene. Hurricane plumbing preparedness ensures that you and your household stay healthy and hydrated.

Before the Storm

To prepare for a hurricane, make sure you store at least 1 gallon of bottled water per person per day, for a minimum of 3 days. This ensures you have a sufficient supply on hand. Fill clean bathtubs and buckets with water that can be used for flushing toilets and cleaning surfaces to limit the stress put on your plumbing system and prevent health issues.

Keep water purification tablets or portable water filters on hand as a backup in case you run into an unexpected issue or are without potable water for longer than expected.

Here’s a helpful checklist to ensure you’re prepared:

• Purchase bottled water from a reliable source
• Sanitize containers if using them to store tap water
• Place your storage in a cool, dark place to prevent bacterial growth

Don’t rely on tap water during/after a hurricane until local officials have given it an “all-clear,” even after the storm passes. Flooding can contaminate pipes and water mains, causing serious health risks.

When to Call a Pro

If you notice unusual water pressure drops, odd smells, or discoloration, it may indicate damage to your water lines. Atomic Plumbing can provide water line inspection and repair service, as well as emergency plumbing, to ensure your water lines are safe and functional.

During the Storm

Use stored bottled water for drinking, cooking, and brushing your teeth. Avoid using tap water until it is tested and deemed safe by local authorities.

After the Storm

Inspect your home’s plumbing system and water supply before returning to normal use. A licensed plumber can help ensure your pipes, faucets, and fixtures are in top shape and ready to use. Schedule a professional check if you notice any signs of damage or contamination, such as discoloration, foul odors, or low pressure.

Generator & Backup Systems: Keep Your Plumbing Running

Power outages during hurricanes can disable sump pumps, water heaters, and other essential plumbing systems. Backup power solutions help maintain water flow and prevent flooding or sewage backup.

Before the Storm

If you don’t already have one, install a sump pump in your crawlspace if the area is prone to flooding. Ensure your water heaters are securely anchored to avoid tipping or damage. You may consider installing a backflow prevention device.

These devices prevent sewage from backing up into your home during heavy rainfall. You’ll also want to test your home generator to confirm that it’s functional. Check that you have fuel safely stored and that it is properly ventilated to avoid running into issues when you need it.

Here’s a quick checklist to ensure your plumbing stays running during a storm:

• Test your sump pump and battery backup
• Inspect your generator to make sure it’s properly ventilated and installed away from any water sources.
• Check the condition of your water heater anchoring, confirming it is secure.
• If installed, check your backflow preventers.

Never operate a generator indoors or in enclosed spaces. Generator exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which is invisible, odorless, and extremely deadly.

When to Call a Pro

If you’re unsure about installation or safe setup, it’s best to call a professional to ensure the job is done safely and correctly. At Atomic Plumbing, we offer expert sump pump installation and repair and backflow prevention services to make sure you’re ready. We can also assist with generator hookup and provide a plumbing system check before or after the hurricane.

During the Storm

Use your generator to power only the most essential plumbing systems, such as your sump pump. This prevents your generator from being overloaded. Keep a close watch on your home for signs of flooding or plumbing leaks, and be prepared to shut down any damaged equipment immediately.

After the Storm

When conditions are safe, inspect your sump pump, water heater, and any other plumbing systems that were used during the storm. Look for signs of visible damage, unusual noises, or reduced performance.

Even if everything appears to be functioning, scheduling a professional plumbing inspection service ensures that any hidden damage is caught early and all your systems are functioning properly.

Protect Your Home and Family Before the First Drop Falls

Being proactive about your plumbing this hurricane season can save you time, money, and stress. From sewer line inspections to securing the necessary water supply and backup systems, taking the proper steps can help protect your home and your family.

By scheduling a pre-hurricane plumbing inspection with Atomic Plumbing, you can catch hidden issues and ensure your system is ready for whatever the storm brings. Our team proudly serves homeowners in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, and the surrounding Hampton Roads area, offering professional, friendly service for all your plumbing needs. From drain cleaning to tankless water heat installation and pipe repair, we handle it all.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Call the experts at Atomic Plumbing for all your questions and emergency plumbing needs. We’re here to help Virginia Beach and Norfolk families stay safe this hurricane season.