How to Prepare Plumbing for Vacation in Schererville, IN and beyond. Print Our Free PDF Checklist!
Summer has finally arrived in all of its glory! The pools are open; kids are out of school; and vacation season is finally in gear. Before you leave your home for a few weeks or a couple of months, be sure to follow a few guidelines. Reichelt Plumbing wants to remind you that vacations are the perfect opportunity for plumbing disasters. In order to avoid returning to a water logged nightmare, inspect these items before leaving.
Water Heater
o Your water heater does not need to heat the water as hot when no one is home. Turning down the temperature (though you shouldn’t turn it off) will reduce your energy bill by conserving power. You should not turn the unit off because that could cause significant damage to the heater. Instead, simply reduce the temperature of the heater before leaving. Be sure to set a reminder to turn it back up as soon as you return home, though.
Water Lines and Pipes
o Appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines all have hoses that provide them with access to water. All of these hoses should be inspected thoroughly before you leave. If you are unsure what to look for, be sure to give our technicians a call. You should also inspect the pipes connected to the toilet and all sinks and drains. Be sure to look for leaks or drips that could worsen.
Drains
o Take a moment to ensure all drains in your home are clear and draining properly before you leave. You can freshen the drains by pouring a mixture of vinegar and lemon water down the drain. It will freshen the pipes and get rid of any foul odors that might linger while you are away.
Toilets
o Depending on how long you are gone, your toilet can actually build up bacteria. To prevent this, pour a half of a cup of chlorine into the bowl (not the tank). This will prevent bacteria from developing.
Final Walkthrough
o Just to be safe, do a final walk through of your home. Double check all faucets, fixtures, and appliances. Be sure you lowered the water heater temperature and that there are no leaks from any pipes. Finally, you should inspect the main water valve and ensure it is turned off. This will reduce chances of water damage if a pipe happens to burst while you are on vacation.
If you want more information about other helpful tips, be sure to contact our licensed technicians. At Reichelt Plumbing, we offer both residential plumbing services and commercial plumbing services.Locally owned and operated, we have been in business for over 25 years, and owe our longevity and success as a business to our unwavering commitment to satisfy all our customer demands in a timely fashion. Feel free to contact one of our friendly representatives with any questions or to schedule a plumbing maintenance inspection today!