After a year or more at home, many Virginians are venturing out on family vacations and trips. The fastest way to ruin a fun vacation is to return home to a plumbing surprise. Follow these few tips to protect your home while you’re traveling.
Check faucets and appliances.
Before you leave home, take one final lap around the house to make sure all the faucets are turned off and no appliances are leaking. Even the smallest drip can cause water damage if it’s left for several days.
Check your water heater.
It’s not recommended to turn your water heater off when you leave town, but you can lower the temperature. This will prevent it from cycling on and off, saving you money in the long run. Some newer models have a vacation mode setting that you can utilize when you go out of town.
Check your drains.
Make sure the drains are free of debris and clogs before you leave the house. When something sits in a drain, it not only prevents the drain from working properly when needed, but it can cause very foul odors in your home. It’s also a good idea to run the garbage disposal before you leave to make sure nothing is stuck.
Have a neighbor check-in.
It never hurts to have a trusted friend or neighbor check on your home while you’re away. If a problem were to arise, catching it early is the best way to prevent extensive damage.
If you’ve noticed something that needs to be repaired before a trip, contact Gilman Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. Our experienced plumbing technicians are available to quickly assess the situation and make the necessary repairs. We also offer 24/7 emergency plumbing service when needed, so you can have peace of mind about your home while you are traveling.