Summer is in full swing. For many Minnesotans, it’s vacation time! Whether you’re planning a trip “up north”, headed south, or some destination across the states, you may have a checklist of things to take care of at home before you embark on your journey. You may have covered putting mail delivery on hold, setting light timers, and making sure the family pet is well taken care of. Do you have a plumbing checklist to double-check before your vacation? If not, we’ve taken care of that list for you! Enjoy your vacation worry-free!
Turn Off Water Main When Away
When you go on vacation, or anytime you’re away from home for more than a few days, it’s wise to turn off the main water shut-off valve to your home. If the water main stays on and a pipe bursts, an appliance fails, or a valve malfunctions, you may return to a water-soaked house. Just before you leave for vacation, turn off the water main shut-off valve. Next, open a cold-water kitchen faucet to relieve any pressure in the pipes.
Check the Sump Pump
Sump pumps are great workhorse appliances. Sump pumps help protect your home from flooding, whether from a failed water heater, broken water pipe, or flooding from torrential rain. Be sure to test your sump pump before leaving on vacation to make sure it is working properly. To test your sump pump, fill a bucket with water and pour the water into the sump pit. The sump pump should power on and pump the water out. If the sump pump doesn’t work properly, call your pro plumber before leaving on vacation. If you don’t have a sump pump, buying and installing one is a smart and practical investment.
Check for Leaky Pipes
One quick and easy plumbing concern on the checklist is looking for any leaky pipes and water stains on walls, floors, and ceilings. Take a look all around your home at accessible pipes and valves. This includes under sinks, behind toilets, washing machine hose, water heater, and looking for water stains on all drywall. Any pipe leaks should be repaired before you go on vacation. If you see water stains, there is likely a hidden pipe leak that needs attention.
Turn Off Water Heater
Your water heater is an essential appliance that provides hot water for bathing, cooking, and cleaning. Go without hot water for a day, and it’s quite noticeable. If your water heater fails while you’re away on vacation, it could be disastrous to your home and wallet. If your water heater has a “vacation setting”, use that. If there is no vacation setting, then turn off your water heater. Just keep in mind that when you return from vacation and turn the water heater to its normal setting, it will take several hours before hot water is ready to use.
Fix Running Toilets
Running toilets are not only annoying, but they waste a lot of water. If any of your toilets are leaky or running, be sure to have the toilet repaired before you go on vacation. Toilet repairs may be simple, such as replacing the flapper valve, or repairs may be more involved, such as replacing the water shut-off valve. If you’re not sure what to do, call MN Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup for help!
Ask Family or Friend to Check In
Asking a neighbor or family member to check on your home while you’re away is a good idea that many people do. So, if someone is checking on your home, mail, plants, or beloved pet, ask the person to walk around the home and make sure there is no trouble with the plumbing fixtures, such as a broken valve or faucet or leaky pipe.
If you have any questions about this plumbing checklist before you go on vacation, or if you need plumbing services, call on the plumbing pros at MN Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup at (320) 207-1079!
