How to Prevent Plumbing Problems While on Vacation

Deciding to go on a last minute vacation to get away from the cold this winter? We don't blame you! However, there are some things you might want to add to the to-do list to ensure you come back to a problem-free home. Red Beacon suggests considering these 8 things before flying off to paradise:

1. Turn Off Main Valve: With this valve turned off, water shouldn't be coming into your home. This means that any leaks or bursts shouldn't pour uncountable gallons of water into your home while you’re gone.
2. Check water lines: Look at all the water lines connecting appliances, sinks and toilets to make sure you don’t find leaks and cracks. If you find signs of problems, try to replace water lines before you leave.
3. Sump Pump: Use a bucket to pour water down the sump pit to make the water level higher. Watch to see what happens as the sump pump deals with the extra water. It should pump it out of the basement. If your sump pump doesn't get rid of the water, you have a potential problem on your hands. 
4. Exterior Faucets: Turn off the water supply to all outdoor faucets. Open the faucets after you turn off the water to make sure there’s no water remaining in the pipes that could expand and cause a crack.
5. Water Heater: Check the floor around your water heater to make sure you don’t see any evidence of leaks. Also, it’s a good idea to set the thermostat to a “vacation” setting so it won’t use energy to heat water while you’re gone.
6. Drains: Add a little water and a special drain maintenance product to every sink, shower and bathtub drain in your house. This will maintain a moist environment in the drains and stop undesired odors from starting.
7. Final Check: Check every appliance with a water supply  (washing machine, refrigerator, dishwasher and hot water heater) to make sure these appliances are dry and there’s no corrosion on the water lines or connections.
8. Checking In: Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to keep an eye on your house while you’re gone. Just walking around the house and looking carefully at the foundation will probably be enough to detect problems going on inside your house.

Now go on vacation with a piece of mind! For problems you find that need to be fixed fast, call NY Plumbing and Sewer Rooter at 212-235-1436.

Thanks Red Beacon!