When you leave your home for an extended vacation, the plumbing system in your home will typically be inactive. But even though the plumbing is not being used, that does not mean that you will not return to find that you now have unexpected plumbing issues.
There are several things that can go wrong with a home’s plumbing even if the system is not in use. Several homeowners have returned from vacation to discover a plumbing leak has caused flooding and widespread water damage, reports TJC Management.
That is why you should do all you can to prevent plumbing problems before you leave home to go on a vacation. What do you do to protect your plumbing while you are away from home? Find the answers in this article.
Turn off the water supply
Turning off the water supply is the best way to prevent water damage and other issues in the plumbing. Turning off the water supply will help you avoid these common problems:
Leakages
Undetected leaks are a major cause of water damage in homes. Damage from leaky pipes can be minimized when people are at home. But when you are on vacation, one small leak from a broken pipe can cause extensive damage.
High water pressure
High water pressure can exploit weak spots in the piping to cause leaks and fractures, or it can expand existing leaks into massive ruptures. This problem can cause severe flooding inside your home.
Tree root damage
Leaks in underground water pipes draw tree roots to buried pipes. If tree roots penetrate the pipes, they can clog them or cut the water supply to your home. The longer you are away from your home, the more damage tree roots can do to your plumbing.
Dipping faucets
Even if it is dripping at one drop a minute, a leaky faucet can run up a huge water bill before you return from vacation. Wasted water will be in the hundreds of gallons, and you pay for all that water.
Other leaks
A running toilet is easy to fix, but there could be other leaking fixtures in your home. To ensure hidden leaks don’t leave a sour taste in your mouth when you return from your trip, turn off your home’s water supply.
Water hammers
This is a momentary increase in water pressure inside the plumbing. It can cause massive damage to water pipes and connected appliances. You can protect your plumbing from water hammers by turning off the water supply.
Turn off the home’s water supply at the main shut-off valve. You can find it in the basement, crawlspace or attic. It may be located under a slab or in a utility box near the front sidewalk. If you have a problem locating or shutting the valve, you may want to talk to your local plumber.
Drain fixtures to protect plumbing from freeze damage
After you’ve shut off your water supply, you must drain water out of your pipes, hoses and fixtures. The idea is to prevent your plumbing from being destroyed by freezing water. Water in a pipe, when frozen, has enough pressure to burst the pipe.
Disconnect outdoor hoses
Do not leave hoses connected to outdoor faucets. Remove the hose and drain it and then store it. Open all outdoor faucets until all water has drained from them.
Drain indoor plumbing fixtures
Open all of the faucets in your home to drain them. Also, flush your toilet before you leave your home. Frozen water in the toilet tank will very easily damage it.
Turn off your water heater
Depending on the type of water heater you own, you will either need to leave it on or turn if off.
Electric water heaters
With an electric water heater, the best option is to turn it off. If you do, remember to turn off the cold and hot water supply. When you return from your vacation, remember to open the water supply before you turn the water heater back on.
Gas water heaters
Most gas water heaters have a vacation mode that you can activate instead of turning off the water heater. However, if you are concerned about gas leaks while you are away from home, turn the water heater off.
The most suitable option will be what the water heater’s manufacturer says. Check the user manual for what you should do with your water heater when going on holiday. If you need help to make the right decision or turn off the water heater, please contact a local plumber.
Finally, before going away on vacation, inspect your plumbing generally. That’s because small issues can become massive problems before you return. Talk to a competent residential plumber in your area and have them do a thorough inspection of the system.