Tips to Prevent Plumbing Issues While You're Out of Town for Prolonged Absences
Having a plumbing system malfunction is never ideal. However, it can be even more of an issue if homeowners are away on a long summer vacation when the plumbing system experiences problems. A burst pipe or a water leak occurring when nobody is home to identify it and call for repair can cause massive water damage, leaving homeowners with even more expensive repairs. However, homeowners can help avoid coming home from a long vacation to costly plumbing problems by taking some simple precautions before they leave.
Turn off the Main Water Shutoff Valve
If a plumbing issue, such as a water leak or pipe burst, occurs while households are away on vacation, it can result in an unhappy homecoming for the family when they return. Fortunately, homeowners can help avoid major water damage and high water costs if these problems occur by turning off their main water shutoff valve before leaving for an extended vacation.
Shutting off the water before leaving home is beneficial because it will help avoid flooding, high water costs, and massive water damage if a problem occurs while the home is empty. When this step is not taken, water will be waiting to be used inside the pipes, and if a leak or burst occurs, the water will continue flooding out.
Turn off the Water Heater
When homeowners prepare to leave for a long summer vacation, they can also turn off the water heater. Shutting off the water heater during prolonged absences can have pros and cons. On the one hand, it can help avoid water damage or other consequences if an issue occurs and save energy and money by reducing unnecessary energy use to keep the water hot when it’s not needed.
On the other hand, it can be inconvenient to wait for the water to heat up when returning home, and there's a potential risk of bacteria growth if the water heater is turned off for an extended period. In order to mitigate these issues, many newer water heaters have a vacation mode that can save energy and money.
Have a Plumber Inspect the System
When families go on vacation, the last thing they want to think about is coming home to a plumbing issue and the damage they can cause. To prevent this and enjoy a stress-free trip, homeowners should look for plumbing problems and have them fixed before leaving. An effective way to do this is to schedule a plumbing inspection and maintenance before leaving.
During a plumbing inspection, plumbers will check the system for defects and ensure the plumbing is working correctly and efficiently. If any issues are found, they can be fixed before they cause massive damage to the home when it is empty. Homeowners can also keep an eye out for signs of water leaks, clogs, and other problems. If they spot an issue, a plumbing repair should be scheduled quickly before leaving on vacation.
About Schuelke Plumbing & Construction
Schuelke Plumbing & Construction is a family-owned and operated company serving the Beaumont area. They provide same-day service, emergency service, and the latest technology. Call them for plumbing services in Beaumont, CA.
