Hurricane Ian Recovery: Essential Plumbing System Inspection Checklist for Cocoa Homeowners

Hurricane Ian left a lasting impact on Florida’s Space Coast, and Brevard County experienced flooding, power outages, sewage issues and damage from the storm. For Cocoa homeowners, the recovery process involves more than just clearing debris and repairing roofs—your plumbing system requires immediate attention to prevent costly long-term damage and health hazards.

Why Post-Hurricane Plumbing Inspections Are Critical

Plumbing issues often appear after the storm passes, and many issues remain hidden until days later. The most common side-effect of hurricanes is leakage from pipes due to prolonged heavy rain and strong winds, both of which can cause stress on your pipes. It is important to schedule an inspection for all mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems that might have been compromised during the storm.

Conducting a prompt inspection after a storm will help identify potential issues early, so you can then seek repairs promptly, before these issues cause further damage to your home. Prompt service prevents long-term damage, making professional assessment essential for protecting your investment.

Comprehensive Plumbing System Inspection Checklist

Water Heater Assessment

Check the water and gas connections and the valves for leaks, physical damage, or rust on the water heater. If the water heater was submerged in floodwater, consult a professional for a thorough inspection. Using a damaged water heater can lead to fires or cause the heater to explode. If flooding reached your water heater and water reaches the pilot light, burner, or electrical components, it can create a dangerous situation. It’s best to shut off the breaker for your water heater and have professionals assess it.

Pipe System Evaluation

Look for visible damage by inspecting exposed pipes for cracks, leaks, or bulges. Pay special attention to outdoor pipes, crawl spaces, basements, and other vulnerable areas. Inspect pipe joints and connections to check that all joints and connections are secure, especially after high winds or flooding.

Check to see if your pipes are leaking by checking your water meter while no water is running in your home. If the number on your meter goes up, you probably have a leak and should call a professional ASAP.

Drainage and Sewer System Inspection

The combination of prolonged heavy rain and storm surges will likely back up your underground sewer lines. In addition, flooding can cause the lines to shift, impeding the lines from draining properly. If your system did back up after the hurricane, call a professional.

Inspect the main sewer line, as flooding could damage the main sewer line or septic system. Slow drainage or foul odors could indicate a blockage or damage to the line. Test drains by running water through all drains (sinks, bathtubs, and showers) to check for slow draining or backups, which could signal clogs or damaged pipes.

Fixture and Connection Check

Inspect plumbing fixtures by checking sinks, toilets, and bathtubs for any signs of leaks or damage. Look for water stains by examining walls, ceilings, and floors for water stains or damp spots, which can indicate hidden leaks or burst pipes. Check outdoor faucets and inspect outdoor hose bibs and faucets for damage, leaks, or broken connections.

Basement and Crawlspace Assessment

Basements and crawl spaces are particularly vulnerable to hurricane damage and can be early indicators of serious plumbing problems. Check for standing water by carefully entering these areas and looking for any pooled water. Inspect for signs of flooding by looking for water marks on walls, dampness in insulation, or a musty odor.

Water Quality Testing

After a hurricane, contamination from flooding or damaged pipelines may compromise your water supply. Therefore, ensuring your water is safe for use is paramount after such an event. Stay alert to any discoloration, an odd smell, or an unusual taste in your water supply. If you notice anything off, have the problem evaluated by plumbing professionals.

Professional Assistance in Cocoa

For Cocoa homeowners facing post-hurricane plumbing challenges, working with an experienced local plumber cocoa professional is essential for proper system restoration. Drain Wizard Plumbing & Rooter Service is a family-owned and operated business based in Cocoa, Florida, proudly serving homeowners and businesses throughout Brevard County and the Space Coast since 2007.

With over 40 years of combined plumbing and rooter experience—and backed by 20 years of former military service—they bring a strong foundation of values to every job. Their approach is rooted in honesty, hard work, loyalty, and a deep commitment to quality workmanship, which are the core principles that drive their success.

When to Call for Emergency Service

Look for sewage backups by checking for any signs of sewage backups in toilets or drains. If you notice sewage odors or see sewage in your drains, this could be a serious issue that needs professional attention. It’s vitally important to address sewer backup issues with plumbing professionals as soon as possible, as a backup of sewage water poses a serious health risk to your family.

Broken pipes are a common problem after a hurricane. If you have a broken pipe in your home, the water will continue to flow until it reaches the point where the pipe is broken, then continues to flow into your home and may damage other areas. The best way to stop a broken pipe is to turn off the water at the main shut-off valve in your home. If you do not have a main shut-off valve, contact the utility company to turn off the water.

Prevention and Future Preparedness

Installing preventive measures like a sump pump to manage floodwaters, scheduling annual plumbing and electrical inspections to identify potential issues, and installing a water filtration system can help protect your home from future storm damage.

Securing your outdoor fixtures, installing backflow prevention devices, and performing regular inspections of your sewer lines are all necessary steps toward safeguarding your property. Further protecting your home requires knowledge of emergency shut-off valves’ locations and undergoing thorough post-hurricane inspections.

Moving Forward with Confidence

Hurricane Ian’s impact on Cocoa’s plumbing infrastructure serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough post-storm inspections. Plumbing problems are a common part of hurricane aftermath, so use inspection guides to assess key areas like fixtures, drainage, water heaters, and water quality. Preparation and prevention are the keys to securing your home from potential hurricane damage. By implementing expert recommendations, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with Florida’s hurricane season.

Don’t wait for small issues to become major problems. Schedule a comprehensive plumbing inspection today to ensure your Cocoa home’s plumbing system is fully restored and ready for whatever the next hurricane season may bring.