Have you ever been headed to vacation, and turn around to make sure you turned the stove off? Or wondered if you left the sprinkler running for days? I think we've all been there! Vacation is supposed to be a stress-reducing experience. So follow these tips before you head out, so you come home to a dry space.
Shut of your water supply
Performing this one straightforward task is the most effective method to avoid a significant flood in your home. By shutting off the main water supply, you can prevent any additional water from seeping into your home in the event of a burst or leak in a faulty pipe or plumbing fixture while you are away. If you have a sprinkler system or pool pump that makes turning off the entire supply inconvenient, you can still minimize flooding by shutting off the water at each individual fixture during an emergency.
2. Remember to Drain Your Outside Faucets and Disconnect Hoses
After shutting off the water, be sure to run your outside faucets and disconnect the hoses to eliminate any water remaining in your pipes. Avoid the inconvenience of a potential flood caused by leaking pipes after taking the time to turn off the water.
3. Drain or Turn off Your Water Heater
Before heading off on vacation, consider scheduling maintenance for your water heater to have it checked for leaks and drained by a professional plumber. If time is tight, you can opt to turn off the water heater or switch it to "vacation" mode. Traditional water heaters running on electricity or natural gas are typically among the highest energy consumers in a home, so turning it off while you're away can reduce the risk of flooding and lead to significant savings on your utility bill.
4. Clean Your Drains
With no water flowing through, minor clogs or build-up in drains may start producing odors. Take this opportunity to give your drains a thorough cleaning.
5. Avoid Sink Stinkiness
There's nothing worse than walking back into a stinky house! Before leaving, run ice cubes and cold water through the garbage disposal to clear out any food particles. Empty your dishwasher and washing machine to prevent mold, mildew, and odors, especially if you leave the doors open to air them out.
These tips are here to make sure you have a stress-free vacation without worrying about your home. If you need a hand getting your home ready before you leave or sorting out any problems when you get back, just give us a shout at (979) 324-7611.
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