Living in Florida means knowing how to prepare for and recover from hurricane season. After two major hurricanes—Milton and Helene—swept through recently, many homeowners are facing the daunting task of repairing their homes. While roof and structural damage are typically top of mind, it’s essential to pay attention to your HVAC and plumbing systems, which often sustain damage from high winds, flooding, and power outages.
If you’re wondering what repairs are necessary to restore comfort, safety, and efficiency to your home, here are the top must-do HVAC and plumbing repairs after a hurricane.
Safety First: Before You Start
After a hurricane, it’s critical to prioritize safety. Before you inspect or attempt to repair any damage to your home, follow these essential steps:
- Turn off the power: If there’s water intrusion or electrical damage, turn off the main power supply to your home to prevent the risk of electrocution.
- Avoid standing water: Do not wade through standing water in your home, as it may be contaminated or hide electrical hazards.
- Check for gas leaks: If you smell gas or hear hissing sounds, evacuate the area immediately and call your gas company.
These precautions can help prevent accidents while you wait for professional assistance.
Begin Your Cleanup Process
Once you’ve ensured your home is safe, it’s time to begin the initial cleanup:
- Remove excess water: Use a wet/dry vacuum to remove any standing water in affected areas. If flooding is extensive, it’s best to wait for professional water removal services.
- Ventilate the area: Open windows and doors to improve airflow and help dry out damp areas.
- Use dehumidifiers: Running dehumidifiers can speed up the drying process and reduce the risk of microbrial growth.
- Wear protective gear: Wear gloves, boots, and masks to protect yourself from contaminants, microbrial, and debris.
1. Check and Clean HVAC Units Affected by Flooding
If floodwaters reached your outdoor HVAC unit, it’s crucial to assess the damage. Water can infiltrate the electrical components, causing the system to malfunction or pose safety hazards. In some cases, the unit may need to be replaced if it’s been submerged. At J&W Heating and Air + Plumbing, we recommend turning off the power to the unit and scheduling a professional inspection to prevent further damage.
Repair Tip:
Flooded units should be thoroughly dried and cleaned before testing. In some cases, components like the compressor or fan motors may need replacement.
2. Inspect and Clean Air Ducts
Hurricanes often bring debris, dust, and excess moisture into your home, leading to potential contamination in your ductwork. Wet ducts can harbor microbial growth, which affects indoor air quality and can exacerbate health issues. Post-hurricane, it’s important to have your ducts inspected and professionally cleaned to ensure safe, breathable air in your home.
Repair Tip:
In cases of severe flooding, ductwork may need to be replaced to eliminate microbrial growth fully.
3. Clear Blocked Drains and Sewer Lines
Heavy rainfall during hurricanes can overwhelm drainage systems, causing blockages and backups in your plumbing. Blocked drains can lead to standing water in your home or yard, and in severe cases, sewage backups. If you’re noticing slow drains or unpleasant odors, it’s a clear sign that your plumbing needs attention.
Repair Tip:
Our team offers professional drain cleaning services to clear debris from your pipes and sewer lines. A post-hurricane camera inspection can help identify any issues caused by flooding.
4. Inspect Your Water Heater
Water heaters are vulnerable to flood damage. After a hurricane, check for signs of water intrusion, such as water around the base, rust, or an unusual lack of hot water. If the burner or electrical components have been submerged, you may need to replace the unit for safety reasons.
Repair Tip:
Consider installing a tankless water heater, which can be mounted higher on the wall to avoid future flood risks.
5. Check the AC Compressor
The outdoor AC compressor is particularly vulnerable to wind and water damage during hurricanes. Flying debris or fallen branches can dent or damage the unit, while flooding can affect the internal components. If your AC isn’t working after a storm, the compressor could be the culprit.
Repair Tip:
Always have a professional inspect the compressor after a hurricane. If it’s severely damaged, it may be more cost-effective to replace it rather than attempt repairs.
6. Examine Plumbing for Leaks and Pipe Damage
Shifting ground during hurricanes can cause cracks in pipes or dislodge plumbing joints. If you notice water stains, damp spots, or a sudden drop in water pressure, you may have hidden leaks. Left unchecked, these leaks can lead to structural damage or microbrial growth, making prompt repair critical.
Repair Tip:
Our team at J&W Heating and Air + Plumbing can perform a detailed inspection of your plumbing system using advanced leak detection technology, ensuring any hidden leaks are quickly identified and repaired.
7. Check for Gas Line Leaks
If your home uses natural gas, it’s vital to check for gas line leaks after a hurricane. High winds and shifting ground can damage gas lines, posing serious safety risks. If you smell gas or notice any hissing sounds near your gas appliances, evacuate immediately and call a professional to inspect your gas lines.
Repair Tip:
Our team can inspect, repair, or replace damaged gas lines, ensuring your home is safe and secure post-hurricane.
8. Restore Power to Your HVAC System Safely
Power outages are common during hurricanes, and restoring power to your HVAC system without ensuring everything is in working order can cause serious damage. If your system was exposed to water or debris, turning it on too soon can lead to electrical fires, blown circuits, or further system damage.
Repair Tip:
Have an HVAC technician perform a thorough inspection of your system before restoring power to ensure it’s safe to operate. Installing surge protectors can also help prevent damage from future storms.
9. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Power outages and gas leaks increase the risk of fire or carbon monoxide poisoning after a hurricane. Ensure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly once power is restored.
Repair Tip:
Replace any batteries or detectors that are no longer functioning, and consider upgrading to a monitored system that alerts emergency services directly.
Don’t Delay in Repairing Your HVAC and Plumbing Systems
The aftermath of a hurricane can be overwhelming, and it’s easy to overlook the less visible damage to your home’s critical systems. But neglecting these repairs can lead to more severe problems down the road, from microbial growth to complete HVAC or plumbing failures. By addressing these issues quickly, you can ensure your home remains safe, comfortable, and efficient in the months and years following the storm.
At J&W Heating and Air + Plumbing, we specialize in helping Florida homeowners recover from hurricane damage. Whether you need an HVAC inspection, plumbing repair, or both, our expert team is here to provide fast, reliable service. We offer emergency service as well!
Contact us today to schedule your post-hurricane HVAC and plumbing inspection in the Jacksonville, FL area. We’ll work with you to restore your home’s comfort and safety as quickly as possible.
