Preparing Your Delaware County Home for Hurricane Season

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If you live in Delaware County, the Main Line, or anywhere in the greater Philadelphia region, you might not think of yourself as living in "hurricane country." But the reality is that the remnants of Atlantic hurricanes and tropical storms regularly impact our area — and when they do, the combination of heavy rain, high winds, and power outages can cause serious damage to your home's plumbing, HVAC, and structural systems. Hurricane Ida in 2021 is still fresh in many homeowners' minds, with catastrophic flooding throughout Delaware and Chester Counties that caused millions in damage.

Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30, and April is the ideal time to prepare. Here's a comprehensive guide to getting your Delaware County home storm-ready from the inside out.

Protect Your Plumbing from Flooding and Backups

The single biggest threat to Philadelphia-area homes during tropical storms isn't wind — it's water. Heavy rainfall overwhelms storm drains, saturates the ground, and pushes water into basements through foundation cracks, floor drains, and sewer lines. If you experienced any basement moisture last season, now is the time to address it.

• Install or inspect your sump pump. If you have a sump pump, test it by pouring a bucket of water into the pit. The pump should activate, discharge the water, and shut off automatically. If it hesitates, runs continuously, or makes grinding noises, it needs service or replacement.
• Add a battery backup sump pump. Power outages during storms are common — and that's exactly when you need your sump pump most. A battery backup system keeps the pump running when the grid goes down.
• Consider a backwater valve. When municipal sewer systems overflow during heavy rain, sewage can back up into your home through basement drains and toilets. A backwater valve prevents this by allowing water to flow out but not back in. For homes in flood-prone areas of Media, Springfield, or Ridley Township, this is one of the best investments you can make.
• Clear your drains and sewer line. A partially clogged drain that works fine on a dry day can become a full backup during a heavy storm. Professional drain cleaning before hurricane season ensures maximum flow capacity when you need it.

Secure Your HVAC System Against Storm Damage

Your outdoor AC condenser, heat pump, or generator is exposed to the elements year-round — and during a severe storm, it's vulnerable to wind-blown debris, flooding, and power surges. A few preventive steps can save you thousands in emergency repairs.

• Elevate the condenser unit. If your outdoor unit sits at ground level in a low-lying area, consider having it raised on a platform or concrete risers. Even 12–18 inches of elevation can prevent flood damage to the compressor and electrical components.
• Trim trees and remove dead branches. Falling limbs are the number one cause of HVAC damage during storms. Walk your property and identify any dead, hanging, or overextended branches within striking distance of your condenser, refrigerant lines, or ductwork.
• Install a whole-house surge protector. Power surges during and after storms can destroy HVAC control boards, compressors, and other sensitive electronics. A whole-house surge protector installed at your electrical panel provides a critical layer of defense — and it protects every appliance in your home, not just the HVAC.
• Know how to shut off your system. If flooding is imminent, you need to shut off your HVAC system and disconnect it from power before water reaches the unit. Locate your outdoor disconnect switch and your breaker panel now, and make sure everyone in the household knows where they are.

Inspect Your Roof, Gutters, and Exterior Drainage

Water follows the path of least resistance, and that path usually starts at your roof. A well-maintained exterior drainage system is your first line of defense against storm damage.

• Clean gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters cause water to overflow and pool against your foundation. Clean them out in spring and again in late summer before peak hurricane season.
• Extend downspouts away from the foundation. Downspouts should discharge water at least 4–6 feet from your foundation walls. Extensions and splash blocks are inexpensive and effective.
• Inspect the roof for damaged shingles. Missing, curled, or cracked shingles are entry points for wind-driven rain. A small roof repair now prevents a major interior water damage claim later.
• Check window wells and basement egress windows. Make sure window well covers are in place and drains are clear. A flooded window well can crack or break the glass and flood your basement in minutes.

Create an Emergency Preparedness Kit

Every Delaware County household should have a basic emergency kit ready before hurricane season. Beyond the standard supplies — flashlights, batteries, bottled water, first aid kit — include items specific to your home systems:

• A list of emergency contacts including your plumber, HVAC technician, and electrician
• Photos and documentation of your HVAC equipment (model numbers, serial numbers, warranty info)
• Shut-off locations for your water main, gas line, and electrical panel
• A portable phone charger or power bank
• Sandbags or water-activated flood barriers if you're in a flood-prone area

Consider a Backup Generator

Extended power outages are common during severe storms, and in the Philadelphia area, outages lasting 24–72 hours aren't unusual after major events. A standby generator keeps your sump pump, refrigerator, HVAC system, and essential circuits running when the grid goes down. Whole-home standby generators connect directly to your electrical panel and start automatically during an outage — no extension cords, no fumbling with a portable unit in the dark and rain.

If a whole-home generator isn't in the budget, even a portable generator rated to power your sump pump and refrigerator can prevent the worst outcomes. Just remember: never operate a portable generator indoors or in an attached garage. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious risk during every major storm event.

Schedule a Pre-Season Inspection

The best time to discover a problem with your plumbing or HVAC system is before a storm — not during one. A professional pre-season inspection covers your sump pump, backwater valve, drainage systems, outdoor HVAC equipment, and electrical connections. It's an hour or two of preventive maintenance that can save you thousands in emergency repairs and insurance deductibles.

At GenServ Pro, we serve homeowners throughout Delaware County — from Media and Springfield to Havertown, Drexel Hill, Broomall, and beyond. We know the specific vulnerabilities of homes in this area because we live and work here too.