Hurricane Season Plumbing Checklist for Marco Island Homes

Marco Island took a direct hit from Hurricane Irma on September 10, 2017 — a Category 3 storm with 115 mph sustained winds and gusts to 130 mph. It's not a hypothetical risk here; it's part of the island's recent history, and it's worth planning your plumbing around it every season.

Before a storm

Know where your main water shut-off valve is and make sure it turns freely — a valve that's seized from salt-air corrosion is a bad thing to discover during an actual storm. If you have a sump pump or any backflow prevention on your sewer line, confirm it's working before storm season starts, not during it.

After a storm

Ground shift and saltwater intrusion from major storm events are real, lasting factors for sewer lines on a barrier island like Marco Island, particularly on older infrastructure. If you notice slow drains, sewer smell, or unusual water pressure changes in the weeks after a storm, it's worth having a camera inspection rather than waiting to see if it resolves on its own.

If you're a seasonal resident

More than half of Marco Island's homes sit vacant part of the year. If a storm hits while you're away, arrange for someone to check the property, or plan on a full plumbing inspection before you return — storm damage and a home closed up for months can compound each other.