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Prepare Plumbing for Vacation: 6 Plumbing Checks Before Leaving

Mom and daughter packing car for vacation

Vacation is a time to relax and unwind from the stresses of everyday life. It’s also a time when many homeowners overlook the importance of preparing their plumbing system before they leave so you do not come home to any leaks or worse surprises!. If you plan on leaving your home for a considerable amount of time, make sure you know how to properly prepare your plumbing for vacation before you depart.

In this blog post, we’ll give you tips on preventing plumbing problems like leaks, clogs, or worse so you can have a worry-free vacation.

How to Prepare Your Plumbing System for Vacation

1. Turn Off The Main Water Valve

Turn off your main water valve before you leave. This will shut off the water supply to your entire home, thus preventing water damage in case of any plumbing emergencies. You will want to go to where the shut off valve is and turn the valve right (clockwise).

Before shutting off your water, flush the farthest toilet from your water shut off valve a few times to clear the main sewer. This will make sure the line is completely flushed, getting all of the water out of your home.

Check to make sure the water is off by running a faucet or shower.

Keep in mind that if your home has a lawn sprinkler system, it will be affected when the main water valve is turned off. Make sure to shut off the sprinkler system separately.

2. Check Your Sump Pump

If you have a sump pump, it’s critical to ensure it works correctly before you leave. The sump pump pumps water out of your basement or crawl space. If it’s not working correctly, your home may flood due to excessive rainwater. So, make sure to check the sump pump’s functioning and battery backup before you head out.

3. Turn Down The Water Heater Thermostat

Consider turning down the thermostat on your water heater. There’s no need to keep it running at full capacity when no one is home to use it. Turning the temperature down saves energy and can help extend your water heater’s life.

If you have a gas-powered water heater, you may turn it off entirely. This can reduce the risk of a gas leak or carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be potentially life-threatening.

Turning off your water heater and taking the extra steps to be sure that your water heater is truly off can save you a lot of stress in the long run. Not only will you not come home to any surprises but you can also save money. A true win-win!

4. Inspect Your Pipes

Inspecting your plumbing system’s pipes before you leave for vacation is advisable. Check for any visible signs of leaks or wear and tear. If you notice anything suspicious, contact a professional plumber before leaving. They can assess the state of your pipes and repair or replace them if necessary, preventing any plumbing mishaps while you are gone.

5. Rust Proof Your Garbage Disposal

Put a teaspoon of vegetable oil down the garbage disposal and run for couple seconds. This will prevent your disposal from rusting and damaging the blades in your disposal while you are away.

6. Enlist The Help of a Trusted Friend

If your vacation will last longer than a week, it’s a good idea to ask someone you trust, like a neighbor or a family member, to check on your home regularly. They can check for any issues and turn the main water valve back on when you’re about to return.

It’s also a good idea to leave their contact information with your plumbing and insurance providers in case of an emergency.

Enjoy a Worry-Free Vacation

Don’t let plumbing problems ruin your vacation. By taking these simple steps before you leave, you can reduce the risk of a plumbing emergency and have peace of mind knowing that your home is safe and sound.

If you notice a plumbing problem before you leave for vacation, contact our experts at Aztec Plumbing & Drains immediately. We can fix the problem and ensure you enjoy your vacation without worrying about your home’s plumbing. 239-932-2959

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