Taking extended vacations is one of the perks of the summer season that many of us look forward to and plan all year long. Whether it’s a week of camping or, traveling to another Country vacation is what we work for. But, coming home to a plumbing disaster is the perfect way to ruin all of the benefits of taking the vacation in the first place.
Here are some simple things that you can do before you leave to make sure that your home and your belongings are just as you left them:
While you are making your vacation plans, include a plumbing check-up with a professional and licensed plumber. These check-ups include an inspection of all of your pipes and fixtures to make sure there aren’t any leaks, corrosion, or other damage that you might not be aware of. This simple and quick appointment will give you information and peace of mind so that while you are on vacation you can rest easy that there aren’t any looming problems ready to show themselves in your absence.
The standard tank water heater works 27 hours a day 7 days a week to heat approximately 50 gallons of water – whether you use it or not. This means that while you are away on vacation your water heater is working for absolutely no reason. Not only is this not a good use of your electricity, it is also causing wear and tear on your water heater that is not necessary. Instead, turn your water heater off when you leave for vacation. While you may have to wait a bit to have hot water when you get home, it will be worth the wait.
Whether you are connected to a well or to a City water supply, your home has a main water valve that turns off all water at the source. This means that none of the plumbing fixtures in your home will have water when the water valve is turned to off. When you go on vacation this is just how it should be. After all, if no one is home to use the plumbing fixtures then there is no need to have water getting to them. Before you leave for your trip, go to the main water valve and turn your water off. This will eliminate the chance of water continuing to pump through your pipes and spraying all over or flooding in the case of a burst pipe while you are out.
Enjoy your summer vacation by following these simple steps to protect your plumbing while you are away.