Military Family Resource
Military Housing Plumbing Guide for Fort Walton Beach
Essential plumbing information for Eglin AFB and Hurlburt Field families
January 18, 2025•10 min read•Military Discount Available
Whether you're stationed at Eglin Air Force Base, Hurlburt Field, or living off-base in Fort Walton Beach, understanding local plumbing systems and maintenance is crucial. This guide covers everything from base housing regulations to PCS move preparations.
On-Base Housing Plumbing Protocol
Eglin AFB Housing
- Managed by Hunt Military Communities
- 24/7 maintenance hotline: (850) 862-5555
- Online work orders via Resident Portal
- Emergency repairs within 4 hours
Hurlburt Field Housing
- Commando Village & Sound Side Manor
- Maintenance: (850) 884-6256
- Newer construction (post-2010)
- Low-flow fixtures standard
Important: Always report plumbing issues to base housing first. Unauthorized repairs may result in charges during move-out inspection.
Off-Base Housing: Popular Military Areas
Common Plumbing Issues by Neighborhood:
Mary Esther (32569)
Popular with Hurlburt families • 5 minutes to base
- • Older homes (1970s-1980s) may have polybutylene pipes
- • Well water common - iron staining issues
- • Septic systems in rural areas require pumping every 3-5 years
Niceville (32578)
Family-friendly • Excellent schools • 15 min to Eglin
- • City water and sewer - fewer septic issues
- • Newer subdivisions with PVC plumbing
- • Hard water requires softener systems
Shalimar (32579)
Close to both bases • Established neighborhoods
- • Mix of older and newer homes
- • Slab leaks common in 1960s-1970s homes
- • Hurricane-prone area - shutoff valve location critical
Crestview (32536)
Affordable housing • 30 min to Eglin • Growing area
- • New construction opportunities
- • Rural properties often on well and septic
- • Lower BAH goes further here
PCS Move Plumbing Checklist
✅ Moving In:
- □ Locate main water shutoff valve
- □ Test all faucets and toilets
- □ Check water heater temperature (120°F)
- □ Document existing issues with photos
- □ Get septic pumping records (if applicable)
- □ Find trusted local plumber (military discount)
- □ Change HVAC filters
- □ Test garbage disposal
📦 Moving Out:
- □ Schedule final inspection 30 days out
- □ Fix dripping faucets ($50-100 charge)
- □ Clear all drains ($75 charge if clogged)
- □ Replace missing toilet parts
- □ Clean aerators and showerheads
- □ Repair any toilet running issues
- □ Document final condition
- □ Leave plumbing documentation
BAH-Friendly Plumbing Services
2025 Fort Walton Beach BAH Rates:
E-5
$1,644/month
E-7
$1,830/month
O-3
$2,124/month
Average Plumbing Costs to Budget:
Annual plumbing maintenance$200-300
Typical service call$75-125
Water heater replacement$1,200-1,800
Septic pumping (every 3-5 years)$350-450
Military Discount: Most local plumbers offer 10-15% military discount. Always ask and have your ID ready!
Military Family Resources
Base Resources:
- • Eglin Housing Office: (850) 882-5766
- • Hurlburt Housing: (850) 884-6256
- • Legal Office (leases): (850) 882-8529
- • Eglin Thrift Shop: Used home supplies
Community Support:
- • Fort Walton Beach Spouses Facebook Group
- • Eglin Yard Sales (home improvement items)
- • Home Depot Military Discount (10%)
- • Lowe's Military Discount (10%)
Military Family Owned & Operated
Trusted by Military Families Since 2010
Veteran-owned • Security clearance friendly • Deployment support
15% Military Discount with Valid ID