Things You Can Do to Prep Your Plumbing for Vacation

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.