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Storm-Ready Plumbing for Fall and Winter: How to Prepare for Nor’easters and Hurricanes
As summer winds down, storm season ramps up. Fall and winter bring Nor’easters, hurricanes, and heavy coastal rains to the Jersey Shore—often with little warning. These storms can quickly overwhelm plumbing systems, especially in homes that haven’t been inspected since spring.
If you own a home in Cape May or Atlantic County, use this storm-readiness checklist to prepare for the months ahead. These simple steps can protect your property from flooding, sewer backups, and costly water damage.
Each section includes how Budd’s Plumbing can help before the first storm arrives.
1. Inspect and Clear Floor Drains
- Make sure all interior and exterior floor drains are clear of debris
- Pour water into drains in basements, garages, and laundry rooms to ensure they flow quickly
- Remove sand, pet hair, or leaves that may have built up during the summer
How Budd’s Can Help:
We offer professional drain cleaning and camera inspections to identify blockages in key areas before stormwater finds its way in.
2. Test and Service Your Sump Pump
- Cycle your sump pump to confirm it activates and drains correctly
- Listen for strange noises, long cycles, or lack of activity
- Check your discharge line to ensure it’s not frozen, buried, or too close to your foundation
- If you have a backup system, test the battery or generator connection
How Budd’s Can Help:
We inspect, maintain, and replace sump pumps, and install battery backups for continuous protection during power outages.
3. Evaluate Exterior Drainage and Runoff
- Make sure water from downspouts flows away from your foundation
- Extend downspouts if needed and redirect water from roof runoff
- Look for soggy soil or pooling near walkways or low points around your home
How Budd’s Can Help:
While we don’t clean gutters, we evaluate exterior drainage conditions and provide sump pump and French drain solutions for areas with poor runoff control.
4. Install or Inspect Backwater Valves
- Determine whether your home is at risk of sewer backup during floods
- Check existing backwater valves to ensure they are functioning properly
- If your home has a finished basement or plumbing below street level, this is essential
How Budd’s Can Help:
We install, inspect, and maintain backwater valves to prevent sewage from backing into your home during storm surges and heavy rain events.
5. Winterize and Shut Down Outdoor Fixtures
- Disconnect hoses and shut off water to outdoor spigots and showers
- Drain lines to prevent freezing and cracking
- Secure fixtures against high winds and flying debris
How Budd’s Can Help:
We install shut-off valves, insulate exposed piping, and help winterize your outdoor plumbing systems before the first frost or hurricane winds arrive.
6. Schedule a Pre-Storm Plumbing Inspection
- Identify potential weak spots in your plumbing system
- Confirm water pressure levels and drainage flow throughout the home
- Review shut-off valve locations and sump pump condition
How Budd’s Can Help:
We offer pre-storm and seasonal home inspections tailored for shore properties. We look at your full system and recommend upgrades or service to help prevent storm-related damage.
Prepare Before the Forecast
Coastal homes need more than good luck to get through storm season. Whether it’s a Nor’easter, late-season hurricane, or just heavy coastal flooding, your plumbing system plays a major role in protecting your property.
Budd’s Plumbing helps homeowners throughout Cape May and Atlantic Counties get ready before the weather turns. Our seasonal inspections and upgrades give you peace of mind that your home is ready—no matter what rolls in off the water.
Call 609-465-3759 or request your storm-readiness appointment at buddsplumbing.com
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