Delaware homeowner guide

Main water shutoff

At the meter or at the wall entry into the house. Delaware's older housing stock (Wilmington, Dover historic areas) often has aging gate valves. Test operation before any freeze event.

Basement sump pump

Delaware's high water table (especially in Sussex County's coastal plain) means many basements need active sump pump management. Test the sump pump quarterly: pour water into the pit, confirm it activates, and verify the discharge line is clear. Install a battery backup unit before hurricane season.

Radon awareness

Northern Delaware (New Castle County) has elevated radon risk. Test within 90 days of move-in. EPA testing kits are available at hardware stores.

Gutter and drainage maintenance

Delaware's combination of heavy rainfall and flat coastal plain terrain requires proper drainage. Clean gutters twice yearly. Extend downspouts 4+ feet from the foundation.

HVAC seasonal service

Service in fall for heating prep, spring for cooling. Delaware's humid summers and cold winters mean the system works hard in both directions.

Coastal and bay flooding prep

Delaware's coastal communities (Rehoboth, Dewey Beach, Bethany Beach) and Delaware Bay shores face storm surge risk. Hurricane Sandy (2012) flooded significant areas. Know your evacuation zone, have a 7-day supply kit, and verify sump pump battery backup before June.

Roof inspection

Annual professional roof inspection before hurricane season: check for lifted shingles, damaged flashing, and deteriorated caulking around penetrations.

Pipe insulation and freeze prep

Delaware's winters reach single digits in cold snaps. Insulate exposed pipes in unheated basements, crawl spaces, and exterior walls. Know how to let faucets drip during hard freeze events.

Nor'easter supply stockpile

Nor'easters deliver 12-24 inches of snow and can cause power outages lasting 24-72 hours. Stock 3-5 days of supplies before November.

Interior drainage systems

Delaware's high water table means many basements have intermittent water intrusion. A properly installed interior drainage system (French drain + sump pit) is more reliable than exterior waterproofing on flat terrain. Seal visible cracks in block or poured concrete walls with hydraulic cement.

NFIP coverage for Delaware homes

Delaware's coastal and bay flooding risk makes flood insurance essential for any home in or near FEMA flood zones. Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flooding. Review NFIP maps at msc.fema.gov for your property's flood zone designation.

Evacuation zones and coastal surge

Delaware emergency management publishes evacuation zone maps. Coastal communities (Zone A) must evacuate at mandatory orders. Delaware Bay storm surge from a major hurricane can reach 8-12 feet in the most exposed areas.

Stock supplies before season

Stock 5 days of water, food, medications, and battery power before November. Major nor'easters bring heavy snow, coastal flooding, and extended power outages.

Shut off and drain

Main water off at the meter. Open all faucets. Photograph damage. Call a plumber; after statewide freeze events, wait times are 24-48 hours in Delaware.

Sump pump overflow and groundwater intrusion

When the sump pump can't keep up: do not enter if electrical equipment is submerged. Call Delmarva Power (1-800-375-7117) to disconnect at the meter. Deploy secondary submersible pump. Dry aggressively with fans and dehumidifiers immediately after water is removed.

Nor'easter and hurricane outages

Delaware power outages from major nor'easters last 1-4 days. Delmarva Power: 1-800-375-7117. Generators outside only, 20 feet from windows. Stock 5 days of supplies before November each year.

Evacuate and call from outside

Rotten egg smell: everyone out. Leave door open. Call 911. Chesapeake Utilities: 1-800-291-9597. Delmarva Power Gas: 1-800-375-7117. Do not re-enter until cleared.

Two exits, meet outside, never re-enter

Know two ways out of every room. Designate a meeting place outside. Crawl under smoke. Call 911 from outside. Never re-enter.