Virginia homeowner guide

Main water shutoff

At the meter or at the wall entry. Virginia's large stock of pre-1970 homes often has older gate valves. Test operation before an emergency.

Radon test immediately

Virginia has high radon risk statewide, particularly in the Valley and Ridge province (Roanoke, Harrisonburg, Winchester areas). Test for radon within the first 90 days; EPA short-term test kits are available at hardware stores for under $20. If above 4 pCi/L, mitigate.

Crawl space and basement condition

Virginia homes have the full range: slab (coastal), crawl space (Piedmont), and full basement (Valley and mountains). Know what you have and inspect it at move-in.

HVAC maintenance

Virginia's balanced heating/cooling climate means HVAC runs year-round. Replace filters every 1-2 months. Schedule annual service: once in fall for heating prep, once in spring for cooling.

Foundation drainage monitoring

Virginia's clay Piedmont soils expand and contract with moisture changes. Check that downspouts extend 4+ feet from the foundation and that grading slopes away from the house.

Tornado and severe weather season

Virginia averages 20-25 tornadoes per year. Central and Northern Virginia (I-95 corridor) has increasing severe weather frequency. Have a NOAA weather radio and know your shelter location.

Roof and gutter inspection

Post-winter inspection: look for lifted shingles, cracked flashing, and gutter damage from ice. Virginia ice storms can be severe in the Shenandoah Valley and mountain regions.

Tidewater and Northern Neck exposure

Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Hampton Roads, and the Northern Neck face direct hurricane exposure. Tropical Storm Floyd (1999) and Isabel (2003) flooded Norfolk with surge. Know your evacuation zone and have a plan.

Inland flooding

Hurricane remnants bring heavy rain to the James, Rappahannock, Potomac, and Shenandoah river systems. Know your flood zone and have flood insurance if applicable.

Ice storm preparation

Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, Southwest Virginia, and even the DC suburbs receive significant ice storms. Stock 5-7 days of supplies. Insulate exposed pipes; Valley and mountain homes need full pipe insulation on exterior walls and crawl spaces.

Heating system service

Annual furnace service in fall, especially important for older homes with oil or propane heat. Verify carbon monoxide detectors are working on every floor.

Pro recommended: HVAC Technician

Test and mitigate

If radon levels are above 4 pCi/L, install a sub-slab or crawl space depressurization system. Virginia has certified radon mitigators through NRPP. A properly installed system reduces levels by 80-99% and costs $800-2,000.

Pro recommended: Certified Radon Mitigation Contractor

Annual inspection

Virginia has moderate to heavy termite pressure statewide. Maintain an annual inspection and active termite bond. Northern Virginia's newer construction has better protection built in; older homes in Richmond and Southside need ongoing monitoring.

Pro recommended: Licensed Pest Control

Hampton Roads flooding

Norfolk has the fastest rate of sea level rise on the East Coast, 1.5 inches per decade. Nuisance flooding now occurs during normal high tides in some neighborhoods. Know your flood zone and have flood insurance. Zone A evacuation orders require immediate action.

Coastal nor'easters

Virginia Beach and the Eastern Shore face nor'easter flooding. Nor'easters deliver heavy snow and ice in Northern Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley. Stock 5-7 days of supplies for significant snow events.

Shut off and drain

Main water off at the meter. Open all faucets. Photograph damage. Virginia plumbers are overwhelmed 24-48 hours after major ice events. Know your shutoff location before any freeze forecast.

Basement and crawl space flooding

Disconnect power at the main breaker before entering flooded spaces. Call Dominion Energy (1-866-366-4357) or Appalachian Power (1-800-956-4237) to disconnect at the meter if electrical equipment is submerged. Pump out water, dry immediately with fans and dehumidifiers.

Extended outages from ice storms and hurricanes

Virginia ice storms cause tree failures that down power lines, outages lasting 3-7 days. Dominion Energy: 1-866-366-4357. Appalachian Power: 1-800-956-4237. Generators outside only, 20 feet from windows.

Evacuate and call from outside

Rotten egg smell: everyone out. Leave door open. Call 911. Washington Gas: 1-844-927-4427. Atmos Energy: 1-888-286-6700. Columbia Gas of Virginia: 1-800-543-8911. Do not re-enter until cleared.

Two exits, meet outside, never re-enter

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