3 Tips to Avoid Plumbing Problems During an Extended Absence From the Home

When a household goes on a well-deserved summer vacation and leaves their home for a long time, there is no way to predict what will happen while they are gone. While no one can prepare for every eventuality, people can take some steps to ensure their homes are secured in their absence. Security systems are a common way to increase peace of mind while away. But how often do people consider securing their plumbing?

If a plumbing emergency, such as a burst pipe or leak, happens when the house is empty, nobody is there to call a plumber and stop the flooding or water damage. Here are some suggestions for ways that homeowners can help avoid plumbing problems and damages before leaving their homes empty for a prolonged period.

Shut off the Main Water Valve

The first tip is to stop the water flow into the home by using the main water shutoff valve. This may seem excessive, considering no one will be in the house to use the water, but it is a preventative measure against the possibility of flooding, water damage, high water costs, and mold growth due to a water leak or pipe burst.

If a pipe bursts or leaks while no one is home to catch it and call for water leak detection and repair, the damage and costs could be catastrophic. So, by turning off the home’s water just before leaving using the main water shutoff valve, homeowners can prevent the consequences of plumbing problems. 

Turn off the Water Heater

Turning off the water heater and draining it can also be beneficial when no one will be in the house to use hot water. If the home has a traditional storage water heater, the water will be heated to remain at the set temperature even if no one is using it. So shutting off the water heater has several benefits, including the following:

• Energy Savings: When the water heater is off, no energy is wasted keeping the water at a consistent temperature, which leads to savings on utility bills.
• Preventing Water Damage: If a problem occurs, such as a leak from the water heater, it can cause problems like costly water damage and mold growth. 

Get a Plumbing Inspection

Homeowners should schedule regular plumbing maintenance with a plumber, typically about once a year.  Scheduling this annual maintenance and inspection visit before leaving on a long vacation can be beneficial since it allows plumbers to inspect the plumbing and find and fix any existing issues. It also includes tasks that can help prevent problems from occurring.

When any plumbing issues are taken care of and repaired before leaving on an extended trip and the plumbing is in good condition, homeowners can have more peace of mind on their vacations that they won’t be returning home to a plumbing disaster and damages.

About Plumb Perfect Plumbing

Owned by a master plumber with decades of experience, Plumb Perfect Plumbing offers flat-rate pricing and service seven days a week to residents of the Fredericksburg area. Call them for plumbing services in Fredericksburg, VA.

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