Before leaving on vacation there are some plumbing issues you may want to consider addressing ahead of time... so you can enjoy time away from your home without worrying that you may have a problem while you're gone.
Addressing Plumbing Issues Before Vacation
Prepare the bathrooms and kitchens for your holiday by following these steps:
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Unplug the main water line from your home
The simple act of turning off your home's main water supply before you leave is a simple technique to avoid any plumbing problems while you're on vacation. It is unlikely that your home will flood or suffer major water damage in case of an unplanned incident such as a burst pipe or a clogged drainage system.
However, you will be unable to turn off the main water supply if some plumbing components require continuous water flow to function properly. For instance, sprinklers should be left on their normal schedule to eliminate the chance of your lawn wilting over a lengthy vacation.
Turn off the water to each appliance individually by looking for their shutoff valves. In most circumstances, these valves are located near the appliance or in the basement if the appliance is underground, depending on the situation.
To prevent water from running through the system while away, make sure all valves are shut off before you leave. It can be very easy. All you have to do is to look for the off switch. You can also install shutdown valves if you are gone for a few days.
When it comes to turning off the water in your home, numerous factors are to consider. Everything from the toilet to the ice maker to the pool pump to the dishwasher to the water heater is included in this category. Because none of them will require water while you are away, you can keep them turned off and not worry about water damage while you are away.
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Close the Faucets
Before leaving for a vacation for an extended period of time, make sure that all of your faucets are completely closed. This method is cost-effective since it prevents minor leaks. Otherwise, the seemingly minor leaks can cause water damage and result in more expensive repairs down the road.
It is especially important for those with separate hot and cold water handles. You need to pay close attention to all the faucets because major problems can occur when the hot water is shut down.
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Turn Off the Water Heater
Remember that leaving the water heater turned on while you are gone puts your home at risk of water damage and other problems. It also increases your energy usage unnecessarily while you are away.
Make sure that the water heater is turned off before you leave the house so that you don't waste any money. Turning it off completely before you leave on vacation is the quickest and most effective way to avoid this problem. However, ensure the thermostat controlling the gadget is not set too high or too low to avoid energy waste.
Instead of the standard setting, you can use water heaters with an integrated vacation mode. Moreover, make sure to check your water heater for leaks or cracks and get them repaired before you leave if any are discovered.
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Ask for Your Neighbors' Assistance
If you are planning to go on a long trip, you should check in with a trusted neighbor and see if they can assist you with maintaining your plumbing system while you are away. Sewage gases can build up in your pipes if you don't flush them frequently enough. If these gases make it up to your pipes and into the air you breathe, you and your family could be at risk of health problems.
This shouldn't be a problem if your neighbor is willing to come over once or twice a week. They can inspect for leaks and water damage by turning on a few faucets or other crucial pipe places and letting the water run through them. They can also look around common equipment such as toilets, sinks, and water heaters for problems. It is a great way to keep your system running well while away. Just make sure you can trust the person you're working with.
Moreover, you can consult a professional plumber. They can advise you about the plumbing fixtures that are most important to address to avoid gas buildup.
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Check for Any Issues with the Sump Pump
The best defense against flooding in the basement is a sump pump kept in good working order. Make sure your sump pump is working well before you depart for vacation. If you can't do it on your own, have a professional plumber inspect it one to two weeks before leaving. Install a smart sump pump to provide an extra layer of protection.
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Install a Water Security System
Install a water security system throughout the property. In case of a water leak, this is your best line of defense all year long, whether you are on vacation, asleep, or away from your home for a few hours.
Final Word
Plumbing services are available at Mesa Plumbing Company, including 24-hour emergency plumbing inspections if something goes wrong with your system while you and your family are on vacation. You can also rely on them for some general guidance on avoiding getting into these kinds of problems in the first place.