Going on a vacation can be an exciting and refreshing experience. However, leaving your home unattended for several days or weeks can put your plumbing system at risk. Plumbing issues can arise at any time and can turn into a major inconvenience if ignored. Taking certain precautions before leaving for your vacation is essential to ensuring the safety of your home’s plumbing system.
Whether you’re going away for a weekend or a month, these tips will help you prevent risky plumbing situations and minimize your worries.
1. Check for Leaks
The first thing you should do before leaving for your vacation is check for leaks. Leaks can occur anywhere in your home’s plumbing system and could go unnoticed for several weeks until they turn into a significant problem. Therefore, it’s essential to check for leaks in all the critical areas of your plumbing system, including faucets, pipes, and toilets.
To check for leaks, start with your faucets. Turn off all your appliances and ensure no one uses water. Then, check the faucets for any drips or leaks. Even a small leak can waste several gallons of water daily, leading to high water bills.
Next, check your pipes for any small cracks or leaks. Look for signs of water stains or mold growth around the pipes and joints. If you spot any leaks, call a professional plumber to fix them immediately before they lead to a bigger problem.
2. Turn Off Your Main Water Supply
Turning off your main water supply is another critical plumbing priority before leaving for your vacation. Turning off the main water supply will cut off the water flow to your entire home. This reduces the risk of any sudden water damage caused by plumbing problems.
To turn off the main water supply, locate the main shut-off valve in your home. The valve should be in the basement.
3. Shut Off Gas Appliances
Take the time to shut off gas appliances. Leaving these appliances on while you’re away can be dangerous and potentially disastrous. Gas leaks can occur due to malfunctioning appliances or damaged pipes, posing a significant safety risk to your home.
To avoid any unexpected emergencies, take a few moments before you leave to ensure that all gas appliances, such as stoves and water heaters, are turned off. This small action can give you peace of mind while you’re away, knowing you’ve taken the necessary steps to protect your home and neighbors.
4. Clear Your Gutters and Drains
Gutters and drains are essential to your home’s plumbing system and should be addressed before leaving for vacation. Gutters and drains are responsible for directing water away from your home’s foundation and preventing water damage.
Gutters and drains can get clogged due to leaves, debris, and other objects, preventing water from flowing properly. Clogged gutters can cause water backups and lead to water damage in your home.
5. Check Your Water Heater
Another plumbing priority you should pay attention to before vacation is checking your water heater. A malfunctioning water heater can have disastrous consequences, including damage and potential health hazards. It’s important to ensure your water heater is functioning properly before leaving, so you can rest easy knowing your home is safe and secure.
Schedule a professional inspection or take a few minutes to inspect it yourself, and address any issues promptly to avoid unwanted surprises upon your return. That’s where R.J. Groner Inc. can help. As the go-to source for heating, air conditioning, and plumbing services in Stroudsburg and throughout Monroe County, our professionals can check connections, remove mineral deposits, and drain your tank.
Taking the necessary precautions before leaving for a vacation can help prevent plumbing problems and minimize your worries. Checking for leaks, turning off your main water supply, setting your water heater in vacation mode, clearing your gutters and drains, and asking a trusted friend or neighbor to check on your home are essential plumbing priorities you should address before leaving. By doing so, you can ensure the safety of your home’s plumbing system and enjoy a stress-free vacation.
At R.J. Groner Inc., we offer heating repair, installation, and maintenance of heat pumps in Monroe County, PA. We also provide AC repair, installation, and maintenance. Our plumbing services include drain cleaning, leak detection, and water filtration systems. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
