Take Care of Your Home With These Pre-Vacation Plumbing Tips
Do you have a vacation planned away from the Red Oak area, or at least away from your home? If so, Combat has a few plumbing tips to help you to avoid coming home to an unpleasant surprise.
Tend to Your Water Heater
Did you know that if you have a traditional tank water heater, it is one of the top spenders of energy in your home? If you don’t do anything with it, it continues to use electricity to keep the water inside heated, ready to keep your shower warm or clean your dishes. But if you aren’t going to use this water, that is a large waste of energy. The only reason to keep it running is if there is a risk of freeze.
Before you leave for vacation, make sure to:
- Use the main shutoff handle.
OR
- Shut it off on the main circuit panel.
OR
- Use the vacation setting, if applicable.
OR
- Turn the temperature dial to the lowest setting.
As you can see, there are multiple ways to accomplish these energy savings.
Consider Shutting Off the Entire Water Supply
If you have a sprinkler system or anything that needs to stay on that is attached to your plumbing, this isn’t the best option. But if you don’t, it is a good idea to locate your main shut-off valve and turn it off.
Your main shut-off valve will be located:
- In the lowest part of your house, the basement or crawlspace if applicable.
- In the outside perimeter of the house.
- Directly from the water main where your property ends.
If you still have your inspection report, it will show you where the valve is.
Keep Your Drains From Smelling
If you’re going to be gone for a while, the water in your pipes might dry up and let odors through. The best way to combat this is by pouring a drain-safe product meant to combat bacteria buildup and bad smells. You can try natural products advertised as:
- Drain Cleaners
- Clog Preventers
- Drain Openers
- Deodorizers
- Drain Care
Other Pre-Vacation Plumbing Tips
Here are a few other things that will make your arrival back home after vacation more enjoyable:
- Drain and empty dishwasher and washing machine.
- Ask a friend or neighbor to check on your home while you’re away.
- If you have a sump pump, check its operation.
We hope you enjoy your vacation, and we hope you’ll be able to enjoy it even more with these plumbing tips! If you have anything you need looked at or taken care of before you leave, feel free to call Combat at (773) 724-9272.
