Tag: vacationing

How to Secure the Home’s Plumbing for Vacations

There’s usually a laundry list of things to do to prepare the house for a trip. Arranging someone to pick up the mail and bring any packages inside is huge. Having someone look after the plants or check on the house occasionally is also a big help. Unfortunately, one task that’s not often on that list is securing the plumbing. There are several reasons why preparing the home’s plumbing is beneficial; this article covers three. So read on to learn three simple ways to prepare the house for vacation this summer. 

Shut off the Water to the Home

Many people associate only cold weather with burst pipes and water leaks, but this is far from the whole story. Plumbing problems can happen at any time. As if in service to Murphy’s Law, plumbing emergencies often occur at the worst possible time — like when the homeowners are on vacation. Fortunately, there’s an easy way to avoid costly damage from a plumbing emergency during vacation. 

The simple act of shutting off the main water shutoff valve can ensure that the home doesn’t become flooded or water-damaged while the homeowners are away. If little or no water is in the plumbing system, any problem that occurs won’t have a chance to do lasting damage. It doesn’t take long to do this because it’s only a matter of finding the main water valve and shutting it off. These are usually located in the basement or inside a utility closet, but they can also be found in the crawlspace or near the street in the yard, often in a small permanent box. 

Adjust the Water Heater

When leaving town for an extended period, it’s a good idea for homeowners to think about their water heater. Since the water heater will continue heating the water inside it while the homeowners are gone, that energy is wasted. Luckily, there are several options homeowners can use to deal with this issue before they go on vacation. 

The first way is to turn the water heater off. If homeowners are turning the water to the house off, turning the water heater off is a good idea to prevent any issues arising from not having an inflow of water into the heater. However, some older models may need help to restart. It’s a good idea to consult the water heater owner’s manual for guidance on turning it on or off. Alternatively, adjusting the water heater's temperature between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit can help save energy while on vacation. Finally, some water heaters may have a vacation mode, which can be used to conserve energy by dropping the temperature for the duration of the vacation. 

Check for Plumbing Problems Before Leaving

One of the best ways to prepare the home’s plumbing for vacation is to check the entire system for potential issues. Since leaks and clogs often happen at the worst possible times, a thorough system check can prevent any issues and give homeowners peace of mind that everything is okay while they enjoy their vacation. However, it can be difficult for the homeowners to do this themselves. 

Fortunately, scheduling plumbing maintenance and inspection with a professional plumbing company is quick and simple. After scheduling, a professional plumber will check the system for potential issues, clear clogs, and fix any leaks before the vacation starts. This is not only good for the plumbing system’s health in general, but it can also assure the homeowners that they will return to the home just the way they left it. 

Choose About Plumbing Inc.

About Plumbing Inc. has been proudly serving Jefferson County, MO, since 2016. With over 20 years of combined experience, the friendly professionals at About Plumbing use the latest technology to provide informed and affordable solutions. Contact them today for plumbing inspection and maintenance in Jefferson County, MO. 

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