How to prep your plumbing for vacay.
If you’ve been a regular reader of our Badger Blog, you’re probably a little surprised to come across a topic that isn’t about air conditioning, A/C filters or our award-winning HVAC services, but here we are. So, let’s talk plumbing, leaky pipes, clogged drains and more!
Now that it’s August, the school bells in our area are getting ready to ring, giving you just a bit more time to hit the road and take that last summer vacation. Taking a break is great… but failing to prep your plumbing can have you returning home to a water line break and a flooded home.
Yikes.
No worries, though. We’re here to make sure your summer break doesn’t end in disaster. Our plumbing experts have piped in with some plumbing tips to help you avoid a messy situation. Remember, just a few moments of preparation can mean the difference between a dream vacation and a nightmare return.
Shut off the main vein.
One of our best summer plumbing tips when preparing your home’s plumbing for summer vacation be sure to turn off the main water valve before you head out. This simple step can help you avoid a potential in-house disaster. If you want to go the extra mile, also shut off the individual water valves to the washing machine, dishwasher and ice maker.
Look for leaks.
A pinhole can be a problem. Check your faucets, shower heads, water heater and the pipes underneath your sinks for any signs of leakage prior to leaving for any period of time.
Stop the sprinkle.
Unless you’re planning to water your yard while you’re on vacation, it’s best to drain the sprinkler system and shut it off completely. Even a small drip or leak can add up to a big water bill waiting for you when you get back.
Drain your appliances.
Earlier, we said to shut off the plumbing to your dishwasher and washing machine. We also recommend you drain them. Draining these appliances will help prevent mold, mildew and unpleasant odors upon your return home.
Hold off on the heater.
You don’t need hot water to sit while you’re not at home. Consider adjusting your water heater so that your water bill can stay low while you’re away. Most new water heaters have dials on them that allow you to set them in “vacation” mode, meaning they can be essentially turned off. If your water heater is more than 15 years old, consider getting a new water heater installed that has this helpful feature. If you shut off the main water line and your tank leaks, the unit will continue to run and become a fire hazard. For this reason, we recommend turning your system off.
The Badger Bottom Line
School is going to be back in session soon, giving you one last opportunity to take a vacation. The last thing you want is for your summer break to end with a plumbing break. By taking these preventive measures, you can rest easy on vacation and know that things will be A-OK when you get back home. If you have any questions or need plumbing service, visit us at www.badgerbobs.com to learn more!