It’s summer and everyone is planning to go on a vacation far from home. However, to have a worry-free vacation, there are a few key steps you must take before leaving your home. Nearly everyone will remember to turn off all the lights and appliances, close the windows and blinds, and lock the doors, but plumbing is something often forgotten. Leaving your house for a long time without checking the plumbing may surprise you when you get back. Here’s a list of a few things which need to be checked regarding your house’s plumbing before you head off to enjoy your holiday.
Check Your Plumbing For Leaks
If you suspect a leak in your house pipes, don’t forget to have them fixed before you leave. You wouldn’t want to come back to a flooded house. Make sure to check the valves of your water supply. Older valves are more likely to leak. Lastly, don’t forget to check for leaky faucets. Dripping water may not seem like a big deal, but over time, they can run up your water bill. You can help minimize your water expenses by stopping these leaks early.
Test Your Lawn Sprinklers
A sudden spike in your water bill can indicate a water leak. Check your water meters to determine where the leakage might exist. If you suspect outdoor leakage, chances are your sprinkler system might be the culprit. Replace broken sprinkler heads if there are any and check for leaks or cuts along the pipes.
Turn Off The Main Water Valve
If you are planning to stay away from your house for a long time, turning off the main water valve is a good idea. If the main valve is not shut off, the water will continue to run throughout all the pipes around your house. Cutting the main water source off could save you from pipe bursts and leaks if you have any faulty pipes around the house.
Make Sure To Check Your Pool
Pool owners have a few extra tasks they may need to undertake before going on a vacation. Besides making sure the pool is free of any debris, there are also pump motors and filters that need to be maintained. Before going to your destination, check your pump manual and perform the required maintenance.
Clean Your Drains and Toilet
Leaving your drains and toilet dirty can cause a bad odor to spread through your house. If you are planning to go on a long vacation, make sure to be mindful of this. No one wants to come back home to a house with an unwelcoming stench. Clean your bathroom and commode before leaving and spray some air freshener in there while you are at it.
Check The Setting of Your Water Heater
Before you leave for vacation, make sure to switch your water heater’s setting to “vacation mode.” Most water heaters have this option and while it can help you save energy and money, it is also a safety issue. You can also turn it off entirely as it will reduce the chance of flooding your home in case of a plumbing emergency.
Have Someone Check In While You’re Away
Lastly, you may want to ask a friend or a trusted neighbor to check on your house while you are away. If there’s any emergency while you are gone, it can be handled quickly before it gets out of hand.
Summertime is the perfect season to treat yourself to a vacation. Whether it’s a week or a whole month, taking precautionary steps before leaving your house is essential for a stress-free vacation. If you need a quick plumbing check or have any plumbing issues that need fixing, we at Flamingo Plumbing and Backflow would be more than happy to help.