South Carolina is one of the nation’s most hurricane-vulnerable states. In fact, 44 hurricanes hit South Carolina between 1851 and 2023. Of these, four have been Category 3 or higher. Therefore, residents of the Greenville, SC area should prepare for whenever a hurricane is predicted. By putting the following tips into action, you can help prevent your HVAC and plumbing systems from suffering catastrophic damage during a hurricane or tropical storm.
1. Raise Your Outdoor HVAC System
Typically, your outdoor HVAC system rests at ground level because it can withstand moisture, like from typical storms. A hurricane can bring unprecedented floods, though, which puts you at risk of costly repairs. Additionally, floodwaters can breed infectious bacteria, and your unit might even start on fire.
The best way to prevent these things from occurring is by raising your outdoor HVAC unit. While it’s still okay to leave your unit outside, you’ll want to have a platform built for it to rest on.
2. Turn Your Thermostat Down
If a hurricane hits Greenville, you’ll likely have to deal with power outages. Prepare for this by turning your thermostat down before the storm hits. That way, you’ll have more of a buffer before your house becomes overly warm. Hopefully, it’ll be enough to get you through a grid failure. Either way, it’ll keep you comfortable for a longer period.
3. Cover Your Outdoor Unit
Greenville residents should cover their outdoor HVAC unit shortly before a hurricane hits. Make sure your unit is turned off, then secure a tarp onto it. This will help prevent damage from flying debris, along with potential dirt buildup.
4. Remove Any Window Units
If you happen to have a window AC unit in place, be sure to remove it and bring it indoors when a hurricane is imminent. Don’t forget to properly close the window and seal it if necessary. Failure to do so could provide an entry point for heavy rain from storm surges to enter your home.
5. Secure Your Water Heater
The last thing your plumbing system needs during a hurricane is to maintain heated water. Our team can teach you the proper way to turn off the electricity or gas that connects to your water heater. As a bonus, this will provide you with gallons of usable cool water, as hurricanes can sometimes contaminate municipal water supplies.
6. Get Your Septic Tank and Drains Cleared
Whenever you’re expecting extremely heavy rain, it’s a wise idea to make sure a plumber pumps and cleans your septic tank. This will help remove pressure from your underground pipes. It’ll also help make sure that your system is prepared to handle all the runoff from a downpour.
7. Secure Your Outside Filtration System and Irrigation Pump
If you have an irrigation pump or a well, you’ll need to ensure it is properly anchored. Strapping it down to a concrete slab can help keep it safe. Furthermore, if you’re aware of any leaky PVC pipes or corroded pipes, make sure a professional repairs them before a hurricane hits. Otherwise, they’re likely to break if any storm debris gets into the system.
8. Turn Your Water Off
Some Greenville residents aren’t aware of where their main water valve is located. Have our plumbing team help you locate it and ensure that you’re able to turn it off and on. That way, you’ll be able to turn it off quickly right before a hurricane hits. Do not leave your water turned on, as this provides an access point for contaminated water.
After the Storm
Once the storm has passed, you’ll want to call our professional HVAC and plumbing experts to inspect your systems. Doing this verifies that neither system was damaged in the storm and that it’s safe to resume using them. Even if your system works post-storm, you can head off major issues by taking care of any minor ones.
Greenville’s Proven HVAC and Plumbing Experts
Tuck & Howell, Inc. is Greenville’s full-service heating and air conditioning, plumbing, indoor air quality, ductwork, sheet metal and crawlspace encapsulation provider. We pride ourselves on delivering excellence and have been in business since 1969. We also have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and employ NATE-certified technicians.
Is it time to prepare your Greenville home for hurricane season? Contact Tuck & Howell, Inc. today!
