Going on Vacation? Don’t Forget to Prep Your Plumbing

Summer is just around the corner! With things finally opening again, many are planning a much-awaited vacation time away from home. Whenever leaving your home for a longer period, it’s important to include a pre-vacation checklist for your plumbing.  We have some tips to help you avoid returning to an unexpected plumbing disaster.

Shut off your water supply
Shutting off your water supply before your vacation is a simple, quick step to avoiding damage at the hands of faulty pipes or plumbing. When your home is out of sight for an extended period, shutting off your water supply will prevent flooding and ensure you won’t be coming home to a newly developed water feature in your living space.

Water Heater Maintenance
Annual maintenance of your water heater is important for detecting leaks and discovering early warning signs of potential problems. If you have not had a professional inspection of your water heater within the past year, we recommend hiring a professional plumber. A plumber can also help you drain the water heater before you leave for vacation. Turning your water heater off for the duration of your vacation is another option to avoid leaks and save energy.

Test your Sump Pump
Sump pumps prevent basement flooding by redistributing water from your basement or crawlspace out of your home. If your sump pump isn’t operating properly, a summer storm could cause major damage to your basement via flooding. Test your sump pump by pouring water over it. If you fill the sump pit but the sump pump does not activate to pump the water away, you will likely need to repair or replace your sump pump.

Disconnect Outside Water Sources
Even with your water supply shut off, it’s important to inspect outside water sources. Prior to leaving, disconnect hoses and open out any outdoor faucets to clear the pipes. This will prevent leaking pipes from causing damage.

Clear Your Drains
When left unattended, drains with food residue in the garbage disposal and/or pipes will undoubtedly illicit unwelcome odors in your home. Imagine the stench if you are gone for an extended period! By clearing your drains, you will prevent any unwanted odors upon your return. You can do this by running hot water through your drains with the garbage disposal on. This helps wash away any lingering residue that might be stuck.

Plumbing Inspection
Regular inspections and maintenance are recommended for any property owner to avoid potential plumbing problems and keep your plumbing system healthy. If you have not had your home inspected by a professional plumber in a while, no time is a better time than before heading off to vacation.

The Waterworks technicians are available 24/7 to maintain the safety, health and comfort of your home’s plumbing and drain systems.