Are you planning a vacation for your loved ones? Well, don’t let the hype divert your attention from vital systems that require care and maintenance. The last thing you want is to come home after a relaxing holiday only to find devastating surprises. As you prepare to go on vacation, take time to ensure your plumbing is in top shape. Mr. Rooter Plumbing can send a licensed plumber to your location to inspect, diagnose, and recommend effective strategies to keep your system in top shape while you are away. Let’s delve into the plumbing preparation checklist to keep your plumbing safe before leaving.
The best way to prevent flooding indoors is to turn off the main supply valve to your home. If you leave the valve on, plumbing fixtures and faulty piping can leak, causing significant water damage and costly restorations. In addition, leaky pipes and fixtures can waste nearly 200 gallons of water daily, increasing your monthly utility bills. By ensuring there’s no water flowing to your fixtures and appliances, you can rest assured there won’t be a nasty surprise waiting when you return.
Once you turn off the main water supply, run your outdoor faucets and disconnect the hoses to remove all the water from your pipes. Nothing is more frustrating than going through the trouble of locating and turning off the main supply only to come home to a flood caused by leaky pipes. If you are unsure of the main valve’s location on your property, consult a plumbing repair service to help.
If you live in an area that experiences frequent floods or has a higher water table, you probably have a sump pump in the basement to prevent floods. This innovative plumbing device pumps out water automatically once it reaches a certain level, giving you peace of mind while on vacation. With that in mind, testing your system before leaving is vital to ensure everything is working properly. If your system is electric-powered, ask a reputable plumber in Lordstown, OH to recommend backup power sources to keep your home safe during outages.
When was your last water heater maintenance? If your system has not been inspected within the past year, don’t go on vacation until you schedule a maintenance check. A professional plumbing repair service can flush the tank, detect and repair underlying signs of damage, and ensure every component is in top shape. This is a crucial step before turning off your system, as it prevents malfunctions and costly repairs when you get back from vacation.
Homeowners rarely think about their drainage systems until issues arise. If you plan to be away for some time, clean the drains to clear buildup and prevent wastewater backup into your living spaces. Since DIY solutions like plunging, snaking, or chemical cleaners provide temporary solutions, hire a professional plumbing repair service for hydro-jetting and maintenance.
Plumbing emergencies can happen at any time, causing devastating damage if left unattended. The best way to avoid such scenarios is to have a friend stop by regularly and check for plumbing problems. This is an effective solution if you plan to be away for an extended period. Also, inspecting fixtures and appliances prevents problems from getting out of hand.
These helpful tips can protect your plumbing system from damage and ensure the safety of your home. Contact us at Mr. Rooter Plumbing and schedule a consultation with our experts to learn more effective preventive measures you can implement while on vacation.