Introduction
The last thing you want after a relaxing vacation is a stressful return home. Plumbing issues can be one of the most common causes for stress when returning from a trip, so it’s important to take the necessary steps to prepare your plumbing system before you leave. At Lutes Property Services, we understand how important it is to have peace of mind while away from home, and that’s why we’re here to help. We offer comprehensive maintenance, emergency services, construction, repairs, renovations and much more – no matter how big or small your project may be. In this blog post, we will discuss how to prepare your plumbing for vacation in order to avoid any unnecessary stress upon your return.
Definition of Stressful Return Home
Returning home after a vacation should be an exciting experience; however, if you don’t make sure your plumbing is ready for vacation ahead of time, then you could be met with some unwelcome surprises upon your return. From clogged drains and broken appliances to flooding and sewage backups, any number of plumbing issues can cause serious headaches and added expenses once you arrive back home.
Overview of Plumbing Issues
Common plumbing problems that can arise while away from home include clogged drains and pipes, leaking faucets or toilets, malfunctioning water heaters or appliances, sprinkler system malfunctions or flooding due to heavy rains or broken pipes. All of these issues can cause damage to your property as well as added stress and expense upon your return home.
Thesis Statement
To prevent any unexpected surprises upon returning from vacation, it’s important to properly prepare your plumbing system before leaving on your trip. With the right preparation and care taken ahead of time, you can ensure that everything runs smoothly while you’re away and avoid any unnecessary stress when you get back home.
Preparing Your Plumbing for Vacation
When you’re getting ready to go on vacation, it’s important to make sure your plumbing is prepared for the time you’ll be away. Taking a few precautionary steps before you leave can help prevent plumbing problems while you’re gone, and save you from dealing with a stressful return home. Here are some tips for preparing your plumbing system before taking a trip:
Clean Out Drains and Pipes
Before leaving for an extended period of time, it’s important to clean out any drains and pipes throughout your home. This will help ensure that there are no clogs or blockages that could cause water damage while you’re away. You can use a plunger or chemical drain cleaner to clear out any debris in the pipes. For slow-running drains, you may need to call in a professional plumber to assess the situation and clear out any stubborn clogs.
Inspect Water Heater and Appliances
Another important step is to inspect your water heater and other appliances that use water, such as washing machines and dishwashers. Make sure they are in good working order so they don’t break down while you’re away. Check the temperature setting on your water heater to make sure it is set at a safe level so it won’t overheat while you’re gone. If you have an older model, consider having a professional inspect it before leaving for vacation just to be safe.
Check for Leaks and Clogs
It is also important to check all of your plumbing fixtures for leaks or clogs before going on vacation so you don’t come back to find any surprises waiting for you when you return home. Look underneath sinks, around toilets, showers, and bathtubs, as well as outside faucets and hoses for any signs of leaking or clogged pipes. If you find any issues, it is best to have them addressed by a plumber before leaving town in order to avoid potential flooding or other damage while you’re away.
Install a Timer on Your Sprinkler System
If you have an automatic sprinkler system installed in your yard, consider installing a timer so that the system will only run at certain times while you’re away from home. This will help conserve water usage and prevent potential flooding if there is ever an issue with the system while no one is around to monitor it closely.
Shut Off Water Supply to Unused Areas
If there are areas of your home that won’t be used during your absence such as guest bedrooms or bathrooms, make sure the water supply is shut off completely before leaving town in case of any unexpected leaks or flooding while no one is around to address them right away. This can help minimize potential damage caused by plumbing issues while no one is around to monitor them closely during your absence.
Have a Plumber Inspect Your System Before You Leave
Having a professional plumber inspect your entire plumbing system before leaving on vacation can help identify potential problems that could arise while no one is around to address them right away if they do occur during your absence from home. A licensed plumber can detect small leaks or blockages that may not be visible until they become bigger issues if left unchecked for too long – which could end up costing more money than necessary if not addressed beforehand!
Have a Neighbor or Friend Check on Your Home While You’re Away
Having someone check on your home periodically while you’re away can provide peace of mind knowing that someone has eyes on things should anything happen with the plumbing system while no one else is there to address it right away if necessary! Ask friends or family members who live nearby if they would mind taking care of this task for you – even if it’s just checking outdoor faucets or inspecting the inside of the house every couple days – this can go a long way towards preventing costly repairs due to unseen issues arising during your absence from home!
Consider Installing Smart Home Technology To Monitor Your System Remotely
Smart home technology has made monitoring our homes remotely easier than ever before! Installing sensors throughout the house (especially near areas prone to plumbing issues) can alert homeowners when something goes wrong – allowing them take action even when they aren’t physically present at their property! Depending on what type of smart home technology products are available in their area, homeowners may also be able install cameras inside their homes so they can keep an eye on things from afar!
Dealing with Plumbing Emergencies While Away
When it comes to plumbing, it’s important to be prepared for any potential emergencies that may arise while you are away on vacation. To ensure a stress-free return home after your trip, it’s essential to have contact information for an emergency plumber readily available and know what to do in case of a sewage backup or flooding. Additionally, understanding the difference between a minor and major issue can help you decide if you should call a plumber or attempt to fix it yourself.
Have Contact Information for an Emergency Plumber Ready to Go
The first step in preparing for plumbing issues while away is having the contact information of an emergency plumber on hand. It’s important to research and choose a reliable company before you leave so that you can reach out quickly in case of an emergency. Make sure the company offers 24/7 service, as plumbing problems don’t always happen during normal business hours.
Know What to Do in Case of Sewage Backup or Flooding
In the event of a sewage backup or flooding, it’s important to know what steps to take immediately. First, turn off the water supply at the main shutoff valve located near your water meter or near the street outside your house. Then, mop up any standing water and use fans and dehumidifiers to dry out any wet areas and prevent mold growth. Finally, contact an emergency plumber right away if the problem persists or worsens.
Understand the Difference Between a Minor and Major Issue
Knowing when you need professional help is key when dealing with plumbing issues while away from home. Minor issues such as clogged toilets or slow drains can usually be fixed with some basic DIY methods like plunging or snaking the pipes with a drain auger. However, major issues such as burst pipes require professional repair services as soon as possible in order to prevent further damage and costly repairs down the line.
Tips for Minimizing Stress When You Return Home
After a long vacation, the last thing you want to worry about is plumbing issues. To ensure a stress-free return home, there are several tips you should follow.
Make Sure Appliances are Turned Off Properly and Unplugged
Before leaving your home for an extended period of time, it’s important to make sure all appliances are turned off properly and unplugged. This includes dishwashers, washing machines, refrigerators, and other large appliances. If these items remain plugged in while you’re away, they can cause electrical issues or even start a fire if they malfunction. It’s also important to turn off any valves that control water supply to these appliances so that water doesn’t continue to run into them while you’re away.
Check for Any Damage Caused by Leaks or Floods While You Were Away
It’s possible that a leak or flood occurred while you were away from your home. To minimize stress when you return home, it’s important to check for any damage caused by leaks or floods before turning on any appliances or faucets. Look around all areas of your home for signs of water damage such as discolored walls or floors, mold growth, or musty smells. If you do find signs of damage, contact a plumber immediately so they can repair the issue before it gets worse.
Test All Faucets and Appliances Before Use After Returning Home
Once you have checked for any damage caused by leaks or floods while you were away, it’s important to test all faucets and appliances before use after returning home. This will help ensure that everything is working properly and that no further plumbing problems have occurred while you were gone. Test each faucet individually to make sure there is adequate water pressure and no strange noises coming from the pipes when the water is running. Also be sure to check the temperature on each appliance before using them so that they don’t overheat or cause any electrical issues.
By following these tips when returning home from vacation, you can help ensure that your plumbing system is functioning properly and minimize stress upon your return home!
At Lutes Property Services, we understand how stressful it can be to return home from a vacation and find plumbing issues waiting for you. That’s why we want to help you get your plumbing ready for vacation and minimize the stress of returning home. With our comprehensive services and experienced team, we can handle anything from minor repairs to major Capital Projects. We’ll make sure your plumbing is ready for vacation so that you can enjoy your time away without worrying about what may be waiting for you when you get home.
