Preparing Your Plumbing When You Go on Vacation Monday, July 08, 2019

When you go on vacation, you have many things on your mind whether it be packing, travel arrangements, finding boarding for your pets, and others.

One thing that you should add to your list is ensuring that your plumbing will be okay while you’re gone. Coming home after a vacation is enough without walking into a home with a burst pipe or leaking toilet.

Here are some ways you can prepare your central Florida plumbing in areas such as Plant City, Lakeland, Winter Haven, and more when you are getting ready to go on vacation.

Examine Sinks, Showers, Tubs, & More for Potential Leaks

The best way to avoid coming home to a leak is to be proactive and examine appliances to see if they have started to leak. Common places you can find leaks include sinks, faucets, showers, tubs, washing machines, dishwashers, and more.

Look under counters at the pipes there as well. If you feel any moisture or spy any dripping or stains, then those should be checked out by True Plumbers & AC before you leave.

A leak can cost you a hefty water bill and if it happens while you’re on vacation and unable to monitor your home, it could cause even more extensive damage. If a toilet on the second floor overflows while you’re gone, then that water will be leaking down into the ceiling and walls of the first floor.

Check for Issues with Your Water Heater Before Leaving

Many water heaters come with a vacation setting on the dial that you can activate before leaving. This will help save on your energy bill but keeps the water heater operating while you’re gone.

Also, examine the water connections for any signs of potential rust or corrosion. If you see those, it can mean there is a leak somewhere. If you see water anywhere on the floor underneath the heater or around it, you’ll want to contact a plumber to come to take a look before you leave.

Ensure Your Garbage Disposal & Drains Are Clear of Food Debris

Leaving any food debris in your garbage disposal or drains isn’t recommended when you go on vacation. Not only will you come back to a smelly home, but you’ll also be leaving behind potential attractors for roaches and other pests.

Before leaving, clean your garbage disposal and sink with a baking soda and vinegar mixture as this will break down any food debris without being abrasive to your sink or pipes.

Find & Turn off the Main Water Valve to Your Home

The best way to make sure you don’t come home to a leak or burst pipe is to find the main water valve to your home and turn it off before you go on your vacation. If you can’t find the water valve or it’s not accessible, then you can turn off water valves to individual appliances such as toilets, sinks, water heater, and more.

Do you need help making sure your plumbing is ready for your vacation?

At True Plumbers & AC, we can provide leak detection services as well as other plumbing repairs if you want to make sure your home and plumbing is prepared for you to go on vacation. If you do come home to find a leak, then make us your first call. Give us a call at (863) 667-6364 to talk about your plumbing needs.