Most homeowners know that frozen pipes and leaks can lead to costly plumbing accidents, but winter is the only time to be cautious with residential plumbing. A plumbing accident could occur during any season, especially with Frederick’s unpredictable weather. Before you hop on a plane or take a road trip to summer vacation, go through Warner Service’s checklist:
- Turn off the water. While you’re away on summer vacation, turn off the main water valve to avoid a potential accident. If you want to go the extra mile, shut off the individual water valves to the washing machine, dishwasher, and icemaker.
- Drain the sprinkler system. Unless you’re watering the 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.
- Check the gutters. Gutters are responsible for draining rainwater from the roof down to at least 6 feet from the foundation. It’s important to make sure that they can handle the summer rain while you’re away. Remove debris, leaves, and sticks in the inlet, and reattach downspout extensions to avoid a flooded foundation.
- Do the landscaping. Before you leave for summer vacation, make sure any tree roots aren’t encroaching on the sewer line. This could cause some serious problems if you don’t take care of it.
- Test the sump pump. A sump pump is the best way to prevent basement flooding if your gutters fail. Test the sump pump by dumping water into the sump pit to raise the water level. If the sump pump ejects the water properly then your basement is safe. If it doesn’t eject water properly, see if it’s one of these common problems or schedule a professional maintenance check before you leave.
- Drain and empty the dishwasher and washing machine. Draining these appliances will help prevent mold, mildew, and unpleasant odors upon your return home, especially if you leave the doors open to air out.
- Ask someone to check on your home. Call a neighbor or friend to check on your home while you’re on vacation. It’ll give you some peace of mind while you’re away, and they can contact a local plumber in case of emergency.
- Adjust the water heater. To keep your energy bill low while you’re on summer vacation, set your water heater to the lowest setting possible. You can also opt to completely shut it off to prevent the possibility of flooding.
- Take care of the drains. From the kitchen to the bathroom, use one of these eco-friendly drainage products to combat unpleasant odors and bacteria build-up while you’re on vacation.
- Keep it dry. Check every appliance for dampness and corrosion. If you spot something, contact a professional before you leave for vacation.
- Run the pool pump. Turning off the pool pump can cause algae build-up. If you plan to be gone for more than a few days, keep the pool pump on at optimal setting to make sure it’s operating properly while you’re away.
With Warner Service’s checklist of tips, your vacation will be spent enjoying summer, not worrying about your home. If you need our assistance in prepping your home before you leave, contact us by clicking below. We’d be happy to help.
