Vacations are a time for relaxation and enjoyment, an escape from your everyday routine. But nothing ruins the post-vacation bliss faster than returning home to find a plumbing disaster has struck in your absence! *Yikes!*
To prevent an unwelcome surprise, it’s essential to address some plumbing priorities before leaving for your vacation. In this guide, our experienced team at Frank Gay Services will walk you through some key steps to ensure your home’s plumbing system is in top shape before you head out.
Let’s get started!
Thoroughly Inspect for Leaks
Before you ditch town for a relaxing trip, carry out a comprehensive inspection of your home’s plumbing system. Look out for any signs of leaks, such as:
- Damp patches in grass or walls
- Signs of mold growth
- Musty smells
- Discoloration
- An unusually high water bill
Inspect your faucets, showerheads, and the areas around appliances like your washing machine and dishwasher. If you detect any signs of a leak, have it fixed immediately. Even a small drip can escalate into a serious issue if left unattended for an extended period.
Check Your Water Heater
Your water heater works tirelessly to provide hot water for your showers, washing machine, and dishwasher. However, when you’re on vacation, you won’t need this constant supply.
To save energy and prevent potential leaks, it’s advisable to turn your water heater to its lowest setting or even switch it off entirely.
Not only will this step save you money on your energy bills, but it will also reduce wear and tear on your water heater, prolonging its life! Nice!
Shut Off the Water Supply
For total peace of mind while you’re away, consider turning off your home’s main water supply. This step will ensure that, even if a pipe were to burst while you were gone, the amount of water that could flow into your home would be limited, reducing the potential for water damage.
After shutting off the main water valve, open your faucets to drain any remaining water from your pipes.
Clean Your Drains and Garbage Disposal
The last thing you’ll want to come home to is a smelly kitchen! You wouldn’t forget to take out the trash before going on a trip, and your garbage disposal is no different.
Food residue in your drains or garbage disposal rot over time, causing unpleasant odors to greet you upon your return. Before leaving, clean your drains and run your garbage disposal with a half-cup of vinegar and some cold water. This will clean the blades and remove any lingering food scraps.
Schedule a Professional Inspection
While your own inspection might identify potential issues, there’s no substitute for a licensed plumber’s eye and knowledge. Consider scheduling a plumbing inspection before your vacation. A trained plumber will catch any problems you might have missed and provide advice on maintaining your plumbing system.
Stress less by getting routine plumbing inspections from Frank Gay Services!
Consider routine inspections as your plumbing system’s ‘check-ups’. Just like regular doctor visits keep you healthy, these inspections keep your home’s plumbing in peak condition. It’s all about prevention – catching small issues before they become major headaches. Invest in peace of mind and save yourself the stress of unexpected plumbing problems with Frank Gay Services!
Keep Your Plumbing System Flowing with Frank Gay Services!
At Frank Gay Services, our team offers comprehensive plumbing services, from detecting and fixing leaks to maintaining water heaters. But we don’t stop there! We’re also experienced in HVAC and electrical services, meaning we’re your one-stop shop for a well-functioning home.
Whether you need emergency plumbing assistance, HVAC system maintenance, or electrical repairs, we’re here to help. Give us a call today, and have a safe, stress-free trip away from home!
