By the time you get the house ready for summer vacation, you probably feel like you need two vacations. Between packing, finding a dog sitter, and whatever else comes up, there are seemingly a million things to do before you start relaxing. But don’t slide into those fuzzy hotel slippers quite yet. Our plumbers in Ocala have an extra step for the to-do list: prepping the pipes. Doing so won’t take long, and you’ll thank us for it later when you avoid a plumbing emergency.
Plumbing Checklist For Summer Vacation
Plumbing accidents may happen at any time. But they’re at their worst when you’re on vacation or not at home to call a plumber. Just imagine the water damage created by a burst pipe or ruptured water heater that’s left alone for days.
Not all mishaps are so extreme, though. A clogged drain plus a leaking faucet may just cause a sink basin to overflow a little bit. Even if the damages aren’t extensive, restorations, faucet repairs, and drain cleaners can seem like exorbitant costs when you consider that they could have been avoided.
Regular plumbing maintenance is something you should schedule every year. But plumbing repairs? Those can often be prevented — avoid plumbing emergencies during your vacation with this checklist!
Shut Off The Main Water Valve
Examine your plumbing closely, and you’ll observe there are knobs underneath the sinks and in various other locations. These are valves that control the flow of water through pipes. One of them, usually the one beside the water heater, is the main water shut-off valve. This can stop the flow of water throughout your home, which is a wise plan just before you leave for an extended period. By turning the water off before you go, you won’t have to worry about leaks, drips, or ruptures.
Turn Off The Water Heater
Most water heaters outlive their usefulness after 10 years or 15 years of service. Corrosion makes older water heaters susceptible to ruptures, which depending on the size of the tank, could flood your home. Turn off water heaters to prevent plumbing accidents but also limit wasted energy while you’re away.
If you notice the water heater corroding, you may want to consider a new water heater installation before you leave for vacation. The latest water heaters are highly energy efficient, while some tankless systems heat almost instantly to deliver warm, luxurious showers that will help you transition to regular life after your vacation high.
Set The Sprinkler System
In-ground sprinkler systems are common around neighborhoods in Ocala and Gainesville. But if you shut off the water supply before leaving on vacation, what happens to your lawn without sprinklers?
The safest bet is to turn off the sprinkler system while you’re away. North Central Florida has enough summer humidity and rainfall to supply lawns with plenty of moisture for a week or two without sprinklers.
If you’re going to be gone longer than a few weeks, you have at least two options for lawn care: leave the main water valve open, have the sprinklers set on auto, and hire a house sitter to watch your place and call the local plumbers if a problem arises; or keep the water valve closed, but have a trusted neighbor come over every so often to turn on the water and the sprinklers.
Clean Plumbing Fixtures
Rust, mineral deposits, and grime can cling to plumbing fixtures, but the consequences aren’t merely cosmetic. These ugly, toxic substances also can break loose to penetrate drains, block pipes, and even contaminate drinking water. In the summer, high levels of indoor humidity also worsen the problem. But a little cleaning can go a long way.
Spend an hour or two deep cleaning the faucets, drains, and showerheads around the house. Beware of harsh chemical-based cleaners, though, as these can corrode pipes from the inside as well as upset the digestive process in septic tanks and sewer systems. A smarter choice is non-toxic green cleaners, which are safe for kids, pets, and the environment.
Clean Out The Gutters
Though it’s not a part of a residential plumbing system, per se, the gutters and downspouts direct wastewater from your home, and in doing so perform a similar function as indoor plumbing systems.
If it’s summertime, you can expect a torrential downpour or two. But gutters that are broken, separated or clogged will cause water to leak onto the side of the house or pool on the roof, where the water can bypass shingles and damage the underlying wood.
Water pouring from a downspout into a blocked irrigation channel would similarly pool near the base of the house and from there seep into the home’s foundation risking structural damage. Hence, it’s a good idea to attend to any downspout and gutter repairs before your vacation.
Don’t have time to prep the plumbing yourself? Call Sunshine Plumbing & Gas for help! Since we’re one of the most highly rated plumbing companies in Ocala based on customer testimonials, you can expect friendly customer service and fair prices for plumbing services. Before your next vacation starts, let us inspect your home’s pipes and handle any plumbing repairs, leaving you free to focus on what truly matters — your relaxation and personal happiness!