When you’re on vacation, the last thing you should have to worry about is what will happen back home. You should always prepare your plumbing before going away. This is for the safety of your system and home; you never know what could happen. Water leaks, frozen pipes, and floods are just a few of the problems that can arise. The best way to prevent these problems is to make sure your system is up to par before setting off for a sunny destination.
Here are 5 plumbing to-dos before leaving for vacation:
Clean your water drains
It’s important to check your drains before heading out of town on an extended stay. While you’re gone, food can often build up in the kitchen sink. The backup of food particles can cause the drain to clog, or even overflow. It is easy to fall into a routine of leaving the kitchen sink drip for future clean-up, but this is never a good idea. Food particles can grow bacteria which can develop into mold if left for too long, causing foul odors and unsanitary conditions.
Inspect the water heater
If you are going on a vacation, it is a good idea to check the water heater. If there is a problem, you need to get it fixed or replaced before leaving for your trip. You do not want to come back and find that your water heater went out and flooded your home while you were gone. Not only does this waste money and time and cause undue stress and worry, but it is also very bad for the environment because water heaters use large amounts of energy. It is best if the water heater is working properly when you leave so that it can be used efficiently when you return.
Check for leaks
Just as it is essential to check the lock before leaving the house, it may be important to check for water leaks before leaving your home for a vacation or a long weekend. Water can sometimes burst pipes without warning. It is very important to check for water leaks as often as possible so as to avoid such unfortunate occurrences, such as burst pipes that could cause a lot of damage to your home and property.
Turn off the main water supply
That water leak in your basement could have been an expensive disaster if you had been away on a three-week vacation. In order to avoid such problems when you go on a trip, it is a good idea to turn off your main water supply. This will prevent the pipes from freezing and bursting in your absence.
Insulate your pipes
Most people don’t think about the pipes in their homes until a problem arises. With proper insulation, you can knock temperatures down in your pipes, conserve water and money, and prevent your pipes from freezing.
Have a professional plumber Chicago check your plumbing system
If you are thinking of taking a vacation soon, you may want to have your plumbing system checked by a professional before you leave. Before you pack your luggage, make sure your plumbing system is in working order to avoid unpleasant surprises when you get to your destination.
It’s easy to have a specialist come out and check your pipes before you go. Plus, if something does go wrong while you are away, professional help will be there for you at whatever hour. Make sure to schedule your plumbing inspection and repair today. Call your trusted local plumber Chicago now!
