When planning a vacation, it is equally important to ensure your home is prepared for your absence, especially your plumbing. Returning to a plumbing issue turns a relaxing trip into a very stressful situation. A few acts of prevention help you avoid these common problems with leaks, burst pipes, or water damage.
Start with some basic checks around the house for obvious leaks: under sinks, around toilets, and behind the washing machine or dishwasher. Even small damp spots or slight drips can be warning signals for a greater issue. In these instances, one may call in a licensed plumber for inspections and repairs. All these problems have the tendency to blow up when you are not there and lead to very costly damage.
In addition to a visual inspection, listen for unusual sounds. With all faucets and appliances off, check for dripping or the sound of running water. These could be indicators that leaks are happening behind your walls or in your floors. If you suspect something, it’s best to get it checked before you leave by a professional.
Simple yet very effective is to shut off the water supply at the main valve. It will prevent the leaks, burst pipes, or water damages that may be further caused by changes in pressure. If you are leaving during winter, you may want to drain your water system totally. Because at freezing temperatures, pipes can burst, causing great water damage. And when the pipes are drained, the risk is taken out altogether.
Take time to clean off your gutters and downspouts. Congested gutters will cause rainwater to overflow and pool on the ground around your home’s foundation, creating the potential for flooding or structural damage. Be sure your sump pump is in order. A good, working sump pump will prevent basement flooding and protect your property from water damage in case heavy rains come.
Consider setting up a water alarm. Most of them detect either leaks or the flooding of water and are capable of sending notifications, even to your phone. Therefore, it would be easy to take quick action, even if you are away from home. For more advanced protection, invest in a smart home water monitoring setup. With the ability to monitor plumbing for abnormalities, these turn off the water supply themselves when a problem is detected.
These precautions taken will not only protect your home but will also provide a peace of mind while you’re away. Nobody wants to come back from vacation to find water damage or costly repairs waiting for them. With just a little planning, these steps will greatly reduce the chances of a plumbing problem happening while you’re away.
It is always better to be prepared rather than face the aftermath of a disaster. A little effort now can save you from a lot of stress and expenses later.
The information provided is for general information purposes only and not intended to replace professional service. Please consult a licensed plumber for advice and diagnosis so you can receive the correct service for your specific situation.