Vacation time is the best part of summer, but with vacation comes a lot of preparation. Between getting everything packed and getting your house ready and locked up, there is a lot to get done before you head out of town. One item of preparation is often overlooked: your home’s plumbing. So, here are the four things you should check off your vacation plumbing checklist to protect your home while you’re gone.
Shut Off Your Main Water Supply
Having to come back home after vacation is already sad enough; imagine coming home to a burst pipe that has flooded your home. A burst pipe is always a stressful thing to happen, but when you’re home, you’re able to catch it before it causes any major damage.
To prevent major flooding while you’re enjoying your vacation, shut off your main water supply before leaving. Taking this precaution could help you save thousands of dollars in major flooding repairs.
If you have someone house-sitting and are unable to turn off the main water supply, simply mention expectations. Make sure that your house-sitter knows how to turn off the main water supply if an issue arises, and how to get ahold of you to handle any damage that has occurred as a result of the burst pipe. By marking, shutting off your main water supply, off your vacation plumbing checklist you can ensure your house will be just as you left it.
Check for Leaks Before You Go
Over the course of a vacation, issues that were small or even non-existent when you left can become bigger issues while you’re gone. With no one in your home to catch those issues before they get too big, major damage can be caused to your home.
By doing a quick check of your toilets, sinks, under-the-cabinet plumbing, and your water heater, you may be able to catch something while it’s still small and manageable. Catching a leak while it’s early and getting it fixed doesn’t have to disrupt your travel plans either. Ask neighbors or other family members nearby if they’re able to let a professional plumber in while you’re gone.
Ensuring there are no leaks in your home, is an important step in completing the vacation plumbing checklist and keeping your home protected from water damage.
Inspect and Turn Off Outdoor Water Sources
Outdoor water sources are also something that is very overlooked when it comes to vacation to-dos. However, they can be one of the most common sources of leaks, especially during the summer when usage is the highest.
Before heading out on your vacation, take a quick walk around your home and inspect each outdoor faucet. You’re going to want to look for dripping water even when the faucet is off, cracks or corrosion around the faucet, or loose hose connections. You can even take extra precautions and disconnect any attached hoses completely prior to your departure.
If you happen to catch a leak, get it fixed and check it off your vacation plumbing checklist before you go. Even a slow drip that seems harmless right now could waste gallons of water a day while you’re away.
If you have an automatic sprinkler or irrigation system, you’ll want to inspect sprinkler heads for leaks, clogs, or misdirection. Check for soggy parts in your yard, which could be a sign of an underground leak. Lastly, make sure your timer is set correctly or turned off completely if needed.
A malfunctioning sprinkler system can run excessively while you’re away, leading to high water bills or even issues with your home’s foundation. A quick walk through your yard could end up saving you money and a massive headache, post-vacation.
Clean Out Drains & Garbage Disposal
One of the easiest things you can do before your vacation is take a few minutes to clean your drains and garbage disposal. Food scraps, grease, and buildup can sit while you’re away, leading to terrible odors, stubborn clogs, and bacterial growth.
Start this process by running hot water down your kitchen sink for a few minutes. Doing this will help break down grease and soap scum, push any lingering debris through the pipes, and reduce the chance of buildup hardening while you’re on vacation.
After flushing your kitchen sink, clean your garbage disposal properly so you don’t return to a bad smell plaguing your kitchen. To freshen and clear your garbage disposal, drop in a few ice cubes, then add citrus peels like a lemon or an orange to eliminate odors, and finally run cold water while the disposal is on. Ensure you don’t come back to a smelly kitchen by marking this task off your vacation plumbing checklist.
Why Choose Us?
At S&B Plumbing, we understand how stressful plumbing issues can be, especially when you already have a lot on your plate preparing for vacation. Though this vacation plumbing checklist can help you spot problems, you may not always be able to fix them yourself. Get one thing off your plate and contact us today to get your appointment scheduled.
