Vacations are back, and we’re all raring to get out of the house again and scratch that travel itch in this post-pandemic summer. But before you hit the road or board your plane, it’s best to think about prepping your plumbing for vacation. And our Arroyo Grande plumbers have a simple checklist for you to follow so you don’t return home to a soggy mess.
Here’s how you can prep your plumbing for vacation:
1. Do a Leak Check
Even a small leak can result in a skyrocketing utility bill, but it can also do a significant amount of water damage. It’s a good idea to do regular leak checks around your house regardless, but it’s especially important to do so before you head out of town. And don’t think a small little dribble will stay that way; it could get worse, and with nobody around to monitor it, that could mean a big problem.
2. Shut Off the Water Valve
This is a simple and easy way to avoid most any plumbing problem while you’re off on vacation. Shutting off the main water valve cuts off the supply to your house at the source, and since you don’t need water when nobody’s in the house anyway, it’s a good solution. Just make sure you don’t have any automatic irrigation systems in place, or you’ll come back to some dried-up landscaping. If you do have a sprinkler system, make sure it’s set properly and even consider having a neighbor check in periodically to make sure it’s functioning properly.
3. Inspect/Turn Down Your Water Heater
Newer water heaters have a “vacation mode” that will put the system in a kind of hibernation while you’re away. But it’s also a good idea to make sure your water heater is flushed out and working properly so no issues arise when nobody is around to handle them. For older tank water heaters, you’ll want to manually turn down the temperature so it’s not keeping a tank full of hot water for no reason. You can also drain it and turn it off altogether for ultimate energy savings.
4. Check Drains
It’s not like we’re getting many summer rainstorms in California, but you never know when one might hit. So make sure all your exterior drains and downspouts are clear to prevent any unexpected flooding.
Inside the house, make sure nothing is clogging your drains—especially in the kitchen sink—so you don’t arrive home to nasty odors emanating from your pipes. It’s a good idea anyway to regularly clean out your home’s drains.
5. Have a Neighbor Check In
Lastly, there’s no harm in having someone check your house periodically—even if you’ve taken all the proper plumbing precautions—just for peace of mind. Like we said before, checking to make sure your sprinkler system is working and drains draining is a smart move, and leave the phone number for Griffin Plumbing in case of emergency. Just be sure to buy your friend a nice souvenir from your trip!
For more vacation plumbing prep, our friendly Arroyo Grande plumbers are always a simple call or click away. Contact us online or call (805) 934-1949.
