How To Avoid Plumbing Issues on Family Vacation
Summer means family road trips and relaxing vacations. But before Augusta, GA, families pack their bags and hit the road, a little preventative plumbing care can ensure a worry-free trip. Local plumbers recommend taking simple steps to protect their homes against water damage while away, including turning off the main water supply, shutting off the water heater, and scheduling a professional plumbing inspection.
Turn off the Main Water Valve Before Vacation
When homeowners go on vacation, the last thing they should be worried about is if their plumbing system is malfunctioning or if they will come home to a flooded house from a water leak or pipe burst. To avoid these problems, homeowners should turn off their main water shutoff valve before leaving on vacation.
Performing this simple step allows homeowners to:
- Property owners can relax and enjoy their well-deserved vacations with peace of mind, knowing their homes are protected from potential leaks and floods.
- Protect their homes from a burst pipe or hidden leak. If these issues occur, they can cause major water damage and can lead to expensive repairs.
- Save money on water bills by preventing wasted water if a leak occurs. Turning off the water prevents additional water from flowing into the house, resulting in higher water bills.
Turn off the Water Heater To Prevent Damage
When homeowners leave on vacation, they often overlook the importance of turning off their water heaters. This might seem like a minor task, but it’s an essential precaution for homeowners.
If a water heater develops a leak or other defect while the household is away, it can lead to numerous issues for the homeowner upon their return from vacation, including water damage from a malfunctioning water heater. If the system leaks or bursts, it can cause major wreckage to the house. Water heater problems can also cause energy bills and water bills to rise, as more water and energy than is necessary will be used.
Instead, homeowners can prevent these issues by simply turning off the water heater. This will give homeowners peace of mind that their home is protected from potential water damage and prevent excess water and energy from being used.
Schedule Plumbing Inspections To Identify Defects
To allow homeowners to fully relax on their vacation, they should schedule a pre-vacation plumbing maintenance with a professional. This allows plumbers to fully inspect the system and look for key defects that can cause damage later.
In addition to having a professional check out their system, homeowners can also perform tasks on their own, including:
- Look for leaks, cracks, dripping faucets, and other defects.
- Listen for unusual sounds like gurgling or odd sounds that can indicate clogs or blockages.
- Check the water heater tank for leaks, corrosion, and other defects. Homeowners should also inspect the pilot light to ensure it’s lit.
By taking these simple steps, homeowners can rest assured that they’ll avoid major plumbing issues while on vacation.
About Universal Plumbing
The experienced plumbers at Universal Plumbing perform quality services in the Augusta area. They have over 100 years of combined experience, hire trustworthy technicians, and offer after-hours emergency services. Call them today for plumbing services in Augusta, GA.