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Is it time for spring break? Maybe it is mid-summer and you want to get away for a week. After the passing of winter, it is not uncommon for people to want to get out and get away from the home to refresh the mind and spirit. This winter, the weather was harsh and it could have been harsh on your plumbing system. Plumbing problems can happen when you are not expecting them and the last thing you want is for plumbing issues to crop up during your get away! Here is a checklist you can use to protect your downtime from plumbing problem invasion:
Vacation Tip #1 – Check out the water heater via a visual inspection
Take a look at your water heater and check out the floor area around it. It should be dry and free of water. If you notice water or you see any dripping coming from the unit, get a hold of a professional to repair or replace the unit.
Vacation Tip #2 – Compile Your Emergency Contact List
When you make up a list of contacts during an emergency, list the plumber on there too: This way, if something happens while you are gone, the person you have left in charge of the home will know who to call.
Vacation Tip #3 – Odor Prevention
Keep those drains smelling super fresh. You do not want to return from your vacation and have to deal with nasty odors the minute you walk in the door. Pour a bit of product down the drain that helps you in managing odors and keeping the drain clean just before you set out on your vacation. Make sure you clear out the drains and garbage disposal by running water through them before you leave.
Vacation Tip #4 – Continue Heating the Home
In the spring, make sure you keep the heat going so you maintain a consistent 60 degrees inside: This will help in keeping the pipes from bursting due to exposure to cold temperatures.
Vacation Tip #5 – Check the Sump Pump
Do You Have Your Backup System in Place? When the potential for flooding increases during the rainy months of the year check your sump pump to make sure it is operational. Better yet, invest in a backup system if you do not have one: Better safe than dealing with unnecessary water damage.
Vacation Tip #6 – Shut off the main valve if you are going away for several weeks
Stop all water from entering the home quickly by simply shutting off the main water valve, but if you do, get all the water out of your faucets too. Once you have examined your pipes for leaks and have found the system free of any issues, put the water heater on vacation mode or turn it off entirely.
Vacation Tip #7 – Do visual inspections of your laundry hose
If you have not changed the hose on your laundry machine in the last three years, you are overdue for doing so. Make sure the hose is in good condition, absent of calcium deposits, and crack free.
If you are unsure about something or want professional assistance with your check, call the professionals at Dr. Pipe Drain and Plumbing to help make your home vacation ready!
Give us a call today: 416 663 4777 for a free upfront estimate!