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You have planned your vacation to the minutest detail, checked every item on your list, and now everything is packed and you’re ready to go. Before heading out and taking that breather, did you also check off the items in your plumbing checklist? If your house is going to have a sitter while you’re away, then you can be on your way; but if your house is going to be sitting empty for several days, you will have to consider some other things that may not have crossed your mind.
Plumbing Priorities Before You Leave For Vacation
Here is a checklist to ensure that the plumbing in your home stays in top shape when you return from vacation.
Priority #1: Shut off the water supply
With water not being used for a considerable time while you are away, it is best to shut off the water supply in your home. The best way to do that is to turn off the main shut-off valve near your water meter. If necessary, use a wrench to turn that valve off. This preventive action ensures that a flooding emergency will not occur and prevents water theft if that is a concern. Some homeowners have automatic sprinklers on, and the alternative to shutting off the main valve itself is to shut off the water supply to the individual fixtures
Priority #2: Drain water heater and pipes
Water heaters must be drained to help prevent damage from being unattended, especially if you have a classic water heater. This will clear mineral accumulation and possible rust formation. It also conserves water in case the pipes burst during wintertime and prevents flooding from happening. Here are the steps to drain all your pipes:
- Shut off the main water supply valve.
- Turn on all sink faucets, starting at the highest level of your house and moving to the basement.
- Turn on the faucets of your bathtubs and showers.
- Flush the toilets.
- Leave the faucets open after all of the previous steps have been done.
If you can call a licensed plumber to help you drain and check for leaks, then so much the better. Otherwise, turning off these fixtures is the best preventive measure against flooding and energy waste that could increase your bills tremendously.
Priority #3: Clean out the garbage disposal and drains
To prevent having your garbage disposal from being a breeding ground for bacteria, which causes foul smells, make sure to clean it before leaving. Run cold water and turn on the switch to the garbage disposal to get rid of food waste. As an extra step, pour some baking soda and vinegar into the drain. These help eliminate odors and clean at the same time
Priority #4: Clean your gutters
Because of debris and dirt that build up over time, cleaning out your gutters is a smart preventive move before you leave for vacation, especially if you haven’t done so in a while. This will prevent clogs from forming, ensuring that rainwater is not impeded. Structural damage may occur if rainwater gets into your walls and foundation or if it finds its way into cracks and holes. Moisture seeping into these areas may lead to water damage and mold growth or mildew formation.
Priority #5: Adjust the temperature
If you are going away during the summer, set the thermostat higher than your usual setting, or turn it off completely. Unnecessarily heating your home will incur huge energy bills. In the winter, however, setting the temperature lower rather than completely turning it off will prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. A safe range is 55-60 degrees Fahrenheit (12-15 degrees Celsius), and definitely above 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degree Celsius), since pipes can freeze at this temperature.
Priority #6: Have someone check your home
A trusted person, friend, or family member would be helpful to call on to check your house from time to time while you are away, so that he can alert you of possible problems. Give him a list of your contact numbers, especially how to contact your plumbing expert!
Priority #7: Schedule a plumbing inspection
For greater peace of mind, have a licensed plumber check your house from top to bottom for any plumbing issues. You can schedule an annual inspection or maintenance check weeks ahead of your departure time. Any minor problem can be caught before it escalates, providing you sufficient time to address them, especially if they are urgent.
Call Five Star, Sit Back, and Relax!
Make yourself truly enjoy your vacation or time away from home by going over these preventive measures. As they say, a stitch in time saves nine. Catch any problem before it becomes a big issue for you. Let the trained expert plumbers at Five Star Home Services handle your plumbing maintenance and inspection so that you can take some weight off your shoulders. Do not hesitate to call Five Star Home Services for all your plumbing needs. We are available and on call every day. Call us now at (833) 405-8009.