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Prevent Plumbing Problems From Spoiling Your Summer Break: 7 Essential Tips From Plumbers To Get Your Plumbing Vacation-Ready | Conway, SC
Summertime is a good time of year for people to get away and have fun. Ensuring that your home plumbing systems are handled before you leave the house is essential. A home’s plumbing system is important because if something goes wrong, it can cause a lot of damage and create an unwanted mess.
A few simple steps can help you avoid any plumbing issues while away. Even though you may not be using it, there is still a chance that something could go wrong while you are away. This can mean anything from a burst pipe to a backed-up sewer line.
Before taking a vacation this summer, follow these plumbing tips from your local plumber to avoid unnecessary plumbing troubles and dangers.
Shut Off the Water Main
Shutting off the main water supply valve before leaving your home for an extended period saves you money, conserves water, and protects your home. Turning off the main water supply can help prevent leaks or pipe bursts that could cause severe damage while you are away.
If a leak or pipe burst does occur when away, there will be no one home to assess the situation, and the damage can be catastrophic. That’s why plumbers highly recommend this step before heading out of town or being away from your home.
This will help you avoid costly repairs and save you money in the long run. It will also provide peace of mind knowing that your home is safe and secure while away.
Unclog Your Drains
Clogs in drains can be a significant annoyance and cause for concern for homeowners. If ignored, a clogged drain can lead to unpleasant odors and bacteria build-up. If you plan to be away for an extended time, it is best to ensure that your drains are all in order before leaving.
Taking care of any clogs before your departure would be good to avoid coming home to offensive odors or bacteria build-up. If the clog is too much for you to handle, contact your local plumber for help.
This can help to ensure that your drains are functioning well and that there will be no issues when you return. This way, you can have peace of mind while you are away and prevent headaches in the long run.
Shut Off and Empty Your Water Heater
A water heater is a great convenience but can also be a major hazard if it malfunctions while you are away. Shutting it off can eliminate the potential for flooding and help keep your energy bill low.
A licensed plumber can drain your water heater to help avert potential leaks and wasted energy. By doing this, you may not have to pay to have the same tank of water heated over and over while no one is around to use it.
It can also help maintain your water heater, so it can last longer and work more efficiently without needing costly repairs. Shutting off your water heater while you are away is an easy way to save energy and protect your home.
Check the Gutters
Gutters are important for keeping your home’s foundation safe, as they direct rainwater away. Materials, such as leaves, twigs, and nests, can all cause blockages in your gutter system and may lead to water overflowing and, in extreme cases, water damage to your home.
So, it would be wise to talk to a plumber to do a visual check and clear your gutters of any debris blocking them. This will ensure they can adequately handle any summer storms that may appear while you are away.
Check for Leaks
Before setting off on a long journey, it is vital to take the time to inspect your home for any water leakage. Inspect all the faucets in the bathrooms and the kitchen sink for any signs of dripping or slow-moving water.
Even the slightest leak can become a major problem if left unchecked, leading to water damage and higher utility bills. If you spot a leak, contact your plumber to address the issue.
It’s much better to fix the problem before you leave than to wait until after your vacation. This will help ensure that your house is safe and sound while you are away and will save you from dealing with a severe issue when you return.
Test Your Sump Pump
A sump pump is vital in ensuring your basement is safe from flooding. A sump pump collects water from the ground and then pumps it out of the foundation to a safer location. Testing your sump pump regularly is essential to ensure it works well and can adequately protect your basement in case of heavy rains or overflowing gutters.
A licensed plumber can test your sump pump to ensure it is in working order before you go on vacation. This way, you can have peace of mind knowing that your basement is safe from flooding while you are away.
Call in a Neighbor or a Friend
Having a trusted neighbor check in on your home can ensure nothing goes wrong while on vacation. You can ask them to check for signs of plumbing failures, such as water leaks or blocked drains. They can also look for any suspicious activity around the property.
It’s also a good idea to ask your neighbor to turn on lights or open and close curtains to make it seem like the house is occupied. In addition, you can provide them with a list of emergency plumbers they can contact in case of any issues.
Talk to Us!
Don’t let plumbing problems ruin your summer vacation! Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach today for help preparing your plumbing.
Our team of experienced plumbers will ensure your plumbing is working well so you can enjoy your summer getaway without any worries. Get in touch now and let us take care of everything.
Final Thoughts
In a nutshell, preparing your plumbing before leaving for summer vacation is essential to prevent the risk of any plumbing mishaps. Checking for any water leakage and cleaning the drains will ensure you have a safe, worry-free vacation and return to a cozy home.
See our previous blog on this topic here.