Before you go on vacation, there are a few things to do in order to ensure that your home avoids being damaged by a burst or leaking pipe while you are away. Doing these simple tips from MTP Plumbing will help you enjoy your vacation with more peace of mind.
Check For Pipe Cracks
Look at the pipes underneath all of your sinks. This will only take a minute and it is worth taking the time to do. You might want to run the water a bit as you do this so you can see if there are any leaks or cracks in the pipes. If there are get them fixed.
Check the Roof
It only takes a few more minutes to eye your roof and make sure there are no loose shingles. If there are, take the time to get them sealed. You do not want a bad storm while you are on vacation to cause a serious leak in your roof. Then you will return home to a flood in the home as well as a damaged roof.
Double Check Appliance Hoses
Be sure that the hoses to ice makers, dishwashers and washers are also intact. If you have a sump pump, make sure there is no debris clogging it. Test it for a minute or two to make sure it is running properly. Double check that you have a fresh battery in the backup source.
Have a Neighbor Check In
Your neighbors can be helpful when you are away by noticing if anything looks strange outside your home. If a big storm hits, you will also want to have a neighbor to check in and make sure no leaks have occurred in your home, too. Be sure to show the neighbor where the main valve shut off is in your home before you leave.
If you do not have a neighbor that will be home while you are away, you could also get a leak detector. These special systems will set off an alarm when there is a leak in the home. If you get a sophisticated system, the unit can shut the water supply off for you.
Water damage from floods, even small ones due to plumbing leaks, can be substantial and costly to remediate. Take the time to check your pipes, roof and appliances before you leave to prevent a flood in the home.
