Southern Utah Storm-Season Home Checklist: Plumbing, HVAC and Power

In St. George and nearby communities, storm preparation means thinking beyond sandbags. Plumbing leaks, cooling equipment, power interruptions and flash-flood safety all deserve a place on the homeowner checklist. Use this guide before, during and after severe weather.

Before storms: know where your water shutoff is

Find the home’s main water shutoff and confirm that responsible adults know its location. Do not force a stuck valve. If you have a smart leak-detection system, check its status and alerts. Remember that a water shutoff only addresses certain plumbing leaks; it cannot block storm runoff or a sewer backup.

If you are considering a monitoring system, review Moen Flo smart water shutoff options and ask about your installation’s power and connectivity needs. If water appears after rain, our guide to storm damage versus a plumbing leak explains observations you can record without opening equipment or entering unsafe areas.

Review drains and signs of existing leaks

Check for persistent drips beneath sinks, running toilets and unexplained water use. Address recurring slow drains before a storm; drain-cleaning services may help with a household drain obstruction. Keep exterior drainage paths clear where safe and permitted; grading, gutters and stormwater management may require a different contractor.

If sewage comes up through fixtures, stop using sinks, toilets, showers and laundry equipment, and keep people and pets away from the affected area. See what to do about a sewer backup after heavy rain for the distinction between a plumbing assessment and contamination cleanup. Do not try to solve a backup by adding or mixing chemical cleaners.

Give HVAC equipment a visual check

Check an accessible filter and replace it when appropriate using the size, type and procedure your equipment manufacturer specifies. Clear loose debris around outdoor equipment while maintaining the manufacturer’s required clearances. Note unusual noises and secure loose yard objects that could strike the condenser in high wind. Do not open electrical or equipment panels, pressure-wash coils, apply coil chemicals or move heavy equipment yourself. Do not force a tripped breaker back on to make the system run.

For a safe visual-check routine, read how to check your AC after a Southern Utah dust storm. Questions about routine maintenance belong with a qualified provider of HVAC services; flood exposure is a separate safety concern, not a routine cleaning task.

Prepare for an outage safely

Keep flashlights, charged phones, essential medications and a plan for temperature-sensitive needs. If a household member depends on powered medical equipment, arrange an emergency plan with their healthcare or device provider rather than relying on a generator alone. If considering a standby generator, ask a qualified installer about sizing, starting loads, transfer equipment, fuel and permits.

For portable generators, CDC guidance calls for outdoor operation at least 20 feet from doors, windows and vents. Never run one indoors, in a garage or in an enclosed or partially enclosed space, even with doors open. Point exhaust away from buildings and openings, and use battery-operated or battery-backup carbon monoxide alarms according to their instructions. Alarms do not make unsafe placement safe.

Never plug a generator into a wall outlet to power house wiring. CPSC’s portable-generator safety alert warns that this backfeeding can electrocute utility workers and neighbors. A building connection needs approved transfer equipment installed by a qualified electrician.

Permanently installed standby generators have model-specific siting requirements, not a universal portable-generator setback. Generac’s standby clearance guidance directs installers to the equipment manual and applicable local codes, with attention to exhaust entry points and water intrusion. Discuss your property through our backup generator services page, or read more about planning standby power before storm season.

During flooding: prioritize people over property

Follow National Weather Service alerts and local emergency instructions. Ready.gov’s flood-safety guidance says not to walk, swim or drive through floodwater and to evacuate immediately when told to do so. Stay away from downed lines and flooded electrical equipment. Never operate switches or touch equipment while standing in water. Do not delay evacuation to troubleshoot plumbing or HVAC.

If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak, leave immediately. Do not operate switches, use flames or try to restart an appliance. Contact emergency services or the gas utility from a safe location, and do not return until cleared to do so.

After the storm: inspect, document and call the right specialist

When authorities say it is safe, photograph damage from a safe location, look for unexpected water use and note changes in drains or HVAC performance. Record the approximate water height and which equipment was exposed. Do not restart submerged equipment, including a generator, HVAC system or water heater. Looking dry does not establish that equipment is safe.

The CDC’s flooded-home reentry guidance calls for an electrician to check the electrical system before power is restored and appropriate professional attention before starting flood- or mold-contaminated HVAC. A plumber can assess supply or drain problems, an HVAC professional can assess cooling equipment, and utilities or emergency services handle public infrastructure hazards. Sewage cleanup or mold remediation may require a separate specialist; do not assume a routine plumbing or HVAC visit includes those services.

For appliance-specific next steps, see water heater safety after flooding and what to do when floodwater reaches HVAC equipment. Follow the equipment manufacturer’s requirements and get qualified assessment before any return to service.

When to contact Local Services Inc.

For questions about plumbing, HVAC or appropriately installed backup-power options, contact Local Services Inc. at (435) 567-7777. We serve the St. George area; review our service areas and confirm availability for your address. The Local Services Inc. home page introduces our home-service options. If there is an immediate flood, gas, electrical or sewage hazard, prioritize emergency and utility guidance rather than waiting for a routine appointment.

For local plumbing information, visit our pages for Hurricane, Washington City and Santa Clara. For HVAC or generator questions at those locations, ask our team about the specific service and address.

A practical next step

Take a few photos from a safe location, write down the symptoms and the time they started, and avoid disturbing potentially unsafe equipment. For a service-related concern, contact Local Services Inc. and describe the equipment and any water exposure before requesting an appointment.