Ahhh, summer vacation. It’s one of the most anticipated times of the year, but your home’s plumbing can quickly throw a wrench into your plans if you haven’t properly prepared. From flood-worthy summer rainstorms and failed sprinkler systems to nasty sitting drains, leaking valves and more, here are five items to add to your checklist before you take off for vacation.
- Inspect Your Sump Pump. It’s no secret that sump pumps get a real workout in the summer months. With heavy, heat-quenching thunderstorms one day and hurricane-force rain the next, your sump pump needs to be ready to go at a moment’s notice—and when it isn’t, the consequences are messy and expensive. Before you leave for vacation, perform a sump pump check by pouring water into the pit to raise the level. If your sump pump pulls the level back down, you don’t have anything to worry about, but if the pump fails, be sure to get it looked at by a professional ASAP. It’ll save you the headache of possibly coming home to a flooded basement.
- Turn Off Your Water Valves. Prevent costly leaks and burst pipes while you’re away by simply flipping off your main water valve. Don’t forget to turn off the valve to your dishwasher and washing machine, too. If you’re having a friend or neighbor check on your house, be sure to tell them that the water has been turned off, and how they can turn it back on, just in case.
- Prep Your Drains and Toilets. When you come home from vacation, the last thing you want is to step into a house that smells damp, or worse, like a sewer drain. Prevention is fairly straightforward:
- Pour some drain cleaner down your drains;
- Run your garbage disposal;
- Drain your dishwasher and washing machine;
- Flush your monthly septic system treatment before you leave; and
- Leave your toilet lids open to allow for circulation.
- Check Your Gutters and Sprinklers. Clogged or improperly draining gutters and downspouts can cause all sorts of flooding problems while you’re away, so be sure to check that yours are in good working order. Similarly, automatic sprinklers have the potential to lead to big problems—leaks can not only cause flooding but can also rack up your water bill. It’s best to just give any lawn-watering endeavors a rest during your time out of town.
- Have Someone Check In. Whether it’s a friend, family member or neighbor, have someone check your home a couple of times while you’re on vacation, especially if there is a lot of rain. In case something does go amiss, it’ll be far easier to fix if it’s caught early. Be sure to leave your preferred plumber’s contact information in an easy-to-find spot, too, in case someone needs to call in the experts before you make it home.
At Faulstick Plumbing, we specialize in installs, repairs, and inspections for all of your well, water, and plumbing needs. Our family-owned and operated business has built a reputation as the best-doing things the right way with the customer in mind, every time. Give us a call at 570-992-0447 to discuss your needs today!
