How to Help Prevent Plumbing Issues While Away From Home for a Prolonged Period
When families plan a summer vacation, they typically focus on what to pack, their transportation, hotel reservations, attractions to visit, and other things relating to their trip. However, homeowners should also consider securing their plumbing before they leave to ensure they don’t come home to flood damage or other issues from a plumbing mishap.
To avoid messy and expensive plumbing problems while away from home for prolonged absences, plumbers recommend that homeowners take some steps before leaving on vacation, including shutting off the main water supply, turning off the water heater, and inspecting for issues with the plumbing.
Turn off the Main Water Valve
A burst pipe and water leak are plumbing issues that can cause significant problems for a home, including water damage, mold growth, and high water bills. However, if they happen while the family is away, they won’t be able to be caught and fixed quickly. Water entering the home from a pipe burst or water leak that is allowed to continue without intervention can cause major wreckage and damage to the flooring, walls, ceiling, or foundation.
Fortunately, homeowners can help avoid these risks by shutting off their main water valve before leaving on vacation. If the water supply is not turned off before leaving, water will continue sitting in the pipes, which can present a problem if a pipe leaks or bursts. Turning off the water before leaving can help give homeowners some peace of mind while they’re away.
Shut off the Water Heater
When putting together their pre-trip checklist, homeowners should also consider adding turning off the water heater to their list if they will be gone for a long time. If a water heater leaks when the household is away on vacation, it can also lead to water damage, mold growth, and other problems.
Not only will shutting off the water heater during prolonged absences help prevent water damage, but it can also help reduce the water heater’s energy use and water heating costs since unnecessary energy use for keeping the tank of water hot and ready for use can be avoided.
Find and Fix Any Existing Plumbing Problems
To truly have a stress-free vacation, homeowners should check that their plumbing system is operating correctly and safely and that any issues are found and fixed before leaving. Plumbing problems can worsen or lead to additional problems if neglected, so any issues should be repaired before leaving the home empty for an extended period.
There are signs homeowners can watch for indicating the home has a leaking or clogged sewer line or water leak. However, the best way for property owners to ensure any problems are found and fixed before long vacations is by scheduling a plumbing inspection and plumbing maintenance with a professional. Doing this will allow plumbers to identify and repair potential defects in the plumbing system before the family leaves to ensure the plumbing operates safely and is unlikely to break down or experience problems while the household is away.
About Honey Go Fix It
Honey Go Fix It is a woman-owned and operated plumbing business serving the Dayton area. They provide same-day service, no dispatch fee, and the latest technology. Call them for plumbing services in Dayton, OH.
