Winter Vacation Plumbing Tips
If you’re planning on being away for part or all of the winter holidays, there are some preventative maintenance measures to take to ensure there isn’t a plumbing disaster upon your return. Here we walk through the basics of vacation plumbing tips:
Shut off the water main
If the primary water source is off, a flood can be averted beyond whatever water is left in the water heater and lines. This prevention is not without some additional preparations. An electric water heater will have to be shut off, as, in the event of a flood, the water will fall below the element and burn it up. Turning off the water heater is easy to do by shutting off the (usually 30 amp) circuit breaker at the circuit breaker box. Specialized management of tankless water heater is not necessary when you shut the water off. If you have a gas or propane tank, put it on vacation or pilot mode. Shutting it off will only force you to have to relight it when you return.
While the contents of the water heater may be part of a leak, it’s quite a bit different than a flood with an unlimited source.
Sprinkler system and pool fill
Your sprinkler system and swimming pool should be on a separate line from the house.
Water sensors
There are a variety of water sensors on the market today. A Phyn Water assistant will monitor your water usage and, for a monthly fee, send reports about water alerts in real-time. This is one of the most effective ways to find and stop a leak before it causes thousands of dollars in damage. Also, it will teach the homeowner about their water habits. There is also the SmartThings Water Sensor for a specific area, which is handy for a water heater or other high-risk area. The Proteus water detector uses the customer’s wifi to send a leak alert.
Reciprocal house minding
A friend in the area or a neighbor might be persuaded to keep an eye out for irrigation leaks and other mishaps in exchange for watching out for their place while they are away.
Final notes
A walk through before leaving will offer the homeowner an opportunity to make sure that all appliances are prepared. Cleaning the dishwasher and the garbage disposal before leaving will keep odors down. The washing machine should be left open, so it doesn’t have an opportunity to grow mildew.
It’s much better to make a small effort before a trip to prevent a disastrous mishap while you’re away. If you find a leak or have another concern, give us a call! We can help.
MNS Plumbing provides prompt, efficient, and reliable drain cleaning, repiping, drain inspection, and video sewer line inspection services. Call 602-362-4524 to learn more.
