The best part about going on vacation is not being at home.
As appealing as that sounds, plumbers find that homes left unattended can be the scene of unfortunate plumbing accidents when nobody is around.
To avoid coming home to a surprise, plumbing companies recommend that anyone leaving their home unsupervised for a week or two go through this checklist.
Avoid unexpected problems and the need for costly plumbing services by readying a residence when nobody will be home for a little while.
- Turn Off The Water Main Into The House - If nobody will be at home, plumbers recommend turning off the water main to the house is the easiest way to prevent damage due to an unexpected burst water pipe.
- Drain All Appliances - Prevent mold, mildew, odors, and rust by draining out the dishwasher, washing machine, and any other appliances that use water.
- Turn Off the Water Heater - Along with the water main, plumbing services recommend turning off the water heater as well so it does not have to be completely drained. Turning it off when no one is home reduces energy bills and also the possibility that one of the lines could burst and cause water damage.
- Clean All Drains and Toilets - Freshen up sink drains and clean all toilets before leaving, as these are additional areas where stagnant water could create bad odors throughout the house by the time people come home.
- Make Sure Gutters Are Clean - Clogged gutters are a common cause of foundation damage and home flooding when they are unable to divert roof drainage away from the house or into the sewer line.
- Do A Leak Check Before Leaving - Before leaving a home unattended for a week or two, plumbing services recommend doing a thorough check for leaks a day or two ahead of time. If anything is noticed, get it repaired before leaving to avoid coming home to a wet surprise.
- Keep Pool Pumps Running - Put pool pumps on a timer so they run at the minimum setting, but still keep the pool water clean.
- Handle The Sprinkler System - Since many Texas homeowners have sprinkler systems that will still need to run in summer even while they are away from home, plumbers recommend asking a neighbor to check in every day or so to make sure there are no obvious leaks. If it is off-season and the sprinklers are not in regular use, drain them and turn them off instead.
Coming home to a water emergency that requires calling a plumbing company is the wrong way to end a fun vacation.
Prevent the chances of a plumbing disaster with these easy tips recommended by local plumbers!