There are already so many things to plan ahead of time when you decide to go on vacation – transportation, accommodations, your itinerary. Adding to the stress is worrying that your home is okay while you’re away – and accidents do happen. According to the Insurance Information Institute, water damage is the second most common insurance claim for homeowners. This can happen due to leaky pipes, malfunctioning appliances, and damage from storms, among other things. The result could be ruined carpeting, destroyed furniture, and even damage to the walls and foundation of your home.
If you want to avoid coming back to a messy disaster, there are a few things you can do to ensure your pipes and plumbing stay in tip top shape in your absence.
1. Check for Any Issues Before You Leave
This means inspecting the pipes under the sinks, checking the water heater for cracks or rust, and examining the hoses that connect to major appliances for damage or kinks.
2. Drain Your Appliances
This might include things like the washing machine, ice maker, and water heater. (Be sure to call a professional Las Vegas plumber for help with this, or check out our DIY video on flushing your tankless water heater to see how you can drain yours.) Even a small amount of water can cause mold and mildew, and even lead to a leak.
3. Drain Your Pipes
In addition to draining the water from your appliances, you should turn off the main water supply and then let the faucets in the house run to remove water from the pipes. The same goes for any spigots outside – let those run dry. Unless you need your sprinklers to run while you’re away, drain those too. If there’s no water in your pipes, leaks won’t be an issue!
4. Clean Out Your Garbage Disposal and Drains
When you regularly run faucets, they help to keep your drains clear. When you stop doing this, however, leftover clogs and moisture in the drains and pipes can lead to the most unpleasant odors in your pipes that’ll prove difficult to remedy.
While damage to your home due to inadequate plumbing can be quite costly, these are some simple ways to steer clear of any issues in the first place. To be extra cautious, contact Pure Plumbing – the Las Vegas plumbing business locals trust – today at (702) 710-7388.
