Getting ready for a holiday trip with your family can be
overwhelming. Therefore, you can easily forget certain steps you may have to
take to ensure that your house remains safe and secure while you are away.
Unfortunately, most homeowners neglect to secure their
plumbing systems. But a plumbing problem left unattended for days or weeks can
have catastrophic consequences.
To minimize the risks, below are a few things you should do
to protect your plumbing before leaving home for an extended period.
Check Drains
You flush a lot of stuff down your drains, and sometimes it
gets stuck. If left alone for a long time, the stuff down your drain may
develop a distinctive smell that will only grow more unpleasant over time. No
one wants to come home to an unbearable smell.
As you prepare your plumbing for vacation, ensure there are
no clogs in your drains. Clear sink traps and clean drains and garbage
disposals to minimize unpleasant odors.
Test Your Sump Pump
While not all homes have basements, they're becoming
increasingly popular. You can prevent basement flooding when your gutters fail
by installing a sump pump.
To test if the sump pump is working properly, fill the sump
pit with water to raise the water level. The sump pump should be able to eject
the water for the basement to be safe. If the pump doesn't eject water
properly, you should have it inspected before leaving.
Shut Off the Water Valve
Unless you have a house sitter while you are away, turn off
the main water valve in your home. A flooded or water-damaged home is always
possible whenever your water is on. By turning off your water supply, you not
only prevent leaks that could cause serious damage but also conserve water and
save money.
To go one step further, you can shut off individual valves
on your refrigerator, washing machine, and dishwasher.
The location of the main water valve in your home may
differ from another home, so take the time to locate yours. You can also have a
professional plumber locate and shut off the water valve.
Check Your Water Heater
Visually inspect your water heater before you leave. Call a
professional immediately if you see any water on the floor. In some cases,
water on the floor could indicate the need for repair or replacement.
Furthermore, since you won't be using water in your home,
it doesn't require heating. Therefore, consider turning your water heater's
temperature down or putting the system in vacation mode. The energy you save by
not heating water you do not need may help reduce your utility bills.
Check Your Appliances
Make sure you unplug and turn off all appliances before
leaving for vacation. Unplugging appliances can save you money on your utility
bill. Furthermore, you'll prevent any damage that may result from an electric
short.
If necessary, you can also drain the washing machine and
dishwasher. Standing water, even a small amount, can cause mold and unpleasant
odors. You can also leave your dishwasher, washer, and dryer doors open to
allow the machines to air out and keep them fresh and dry.
Now and then, we all need a vacation to clear our minds and
reenergize. The last thing you need to worry about while you're away is your
plumbing. Consider including plumbing checks on your vacation-planning
checklist. The plumbing checks may vary by home, so if you have any questions,
you can consult a professional.
If you have a plumbing problem or need professional help
prepping your home before a trip, feel free to contact us
today.
