An emergency like a burst pipe or backed-up sewer line can disrupt your vacation plans. Use these common-sense tips to prepare the plumbing system in your home in Denver before you travel.
Shut Off the Main Water Supply
Before you depart for a getaway, turn off the main water supply to your home. You will find the main water supply valve in places like your basement, utility room or on an exterior wall. Shutting it off mitigates the risk of plumbing leaks or burst pipes while you are away.
Drain the Hoses and Faucets
Drain all of the water out of the faucets in your home and your washing machine and your garden hoses. Draining the water prevents water leaks and minimizes water waste.
It also protects your home from water damage. If you plan on traveling during cold weather, draining water in the hoses and faucets prevents frozen and cracked pipes.
Turn Off or Lower the Temperature on Your Water Heater
Remember to include your water heater as you prepare your plumbing for your upcoming travels. Turn it off or lower the temperature on it. This tip saves you money on energy costs.
It also prevents the water heater from overheating or malfunctioning while you are away and lowers the risk of water leaks. It can additionally help extend the lifespan of your water heater.
Check the Toilet Seals and Flappers
Inspect and service your toilets before you leave home. Specifically, check parts like the seals and flappers.
If they are worn out or do not work properly, they could cause water leaks while you are away. Hire one of our plumbers to inspect and replace these parts for you before your vacation.
Run Vinegar and Ice Down the Garbage Disposal
Run ice and vinegar down the garbage disposal as part of preparing your plumbing system. Vinegar helps break down and flush out food. It also kills germs inside the garbage disposal that will cause odors. Ice keeps the blades in the disposal sharp and also helps flush out particles.
Clear Slow-Moving Drains
For your peace of mind, clear out slow-moving drains. If a faucet leaks or bursts, you need the drain to work normally.
Remove debris like hair and food in it. Hire one of our plumbers to clean out slow-moving drains before your upcoming travels.
Test Your Sump Pump
During your getaway, you may also want the peace of mind of knowing your sump pump works. Test it to make sure it functions reliably before you leave. It will prevent your basement and house from flooding if your neighborhood experiences heavy rainfall while you are away.
Disconnect Your Washing Machine Hoses
Disconnect the hoses from your washing machine. Disconnecting them eliminates the risk of pressure buildup that causes damage like cracks and holes. This simple tip also prevents flooding from a burst or loose hose and expensive damage to your washing machine.
Clean Your Gutters and Downspout
As you prepare for your upcoming travels, clean out the gutters and downspout. Water that cannot drain will back up onto your roof and into your home. It will also pool around your foundation, causing damage to it. Runoff from the roof will likewise clog your septic system and could cause sewage to back up inside your home.
Turn Off and Drain the Outdoor Sprinkler System
Turn off your outdoor sprinkler system and drain the water from it. This measure protects this system from leaking water and damaging your landscaping and your home’s foundation. It also prevents water waste.
Shut Off the Water to the Appliances
Turn off the water to appliances like your dishwasher, refrigerator and water dispenser. The hoses and pipes leading to them could leak or burst while you are away. Rather than come home to standing water in your kitchen, shut off the water to them until you return.
Turn Off Your Ice Maker
Likewise, turn off the ice maker. The hoses that run to it from your plumbing system could come loose, leak or burst while you are away. Turning off this appliance prevents this risk.
Prepare Your Water Softener
Before you leave, prepare your water softener by turning on its bypass valve. This mode ensures that water will not flow through the water softener while you are gone. Check and refill the salt in it if needed. Check for and hire a plumber to repair leaks in it.
Drain the Expansion Tank
If your water heating system has an expansion tank, inspect and drain it before traveling. Turn off the water heater and close the water supply valve.
Attach a hose to the drain valve before opening it. Check the air pressure and close the drain valve before restoring the water supply and restarting the water heater.
Seal Exposed Pipes
If the day or night temperatures drop below freezing, seal any exposed pipes before you head out on your getaway. Sealing them prevents them from freezing. Use insulating materials like foam, rubber and fiberglass to keep exposed pipes warm and prevent them from freezing, cracking or bursting.
Test and Clean the Backflow Valve
Test and clean the backflow valve to prepare your home’s plumbing system. This valve prevents contaminated water from flowing back into your home.
Testing it ensures it works normally and prevents your home’s water supply from contamination. It also ensures your plumbing system meets local regulations and protects your plumbing from expensive damage.
Check for Leaks Under the Sinks
As you inspect your plumbing system, look for any leaks under your bathroom and kitchen sinks. If you find drips or standing water, hire one of our plumbers to look for and repair the leak. This precaution protects your home from water damage and also prevents the risk of fungal growth.
Open the Cabinet Doors
Before you head out for your travels, open the cabinet doors under your sinks. This tip allows warm air to circulate around the pipes, lowering the risk of water freezing in them. Likewise, keep the doors to your bathroom and utility room open to ensure warm air circulates around exposed pipes in these areas.
Install a Leak Detector
Consider installing a leak detector for your plumbing system. This detector uses sensors to detect moisture levels, water flow and pressure in your plumbing. It will also send you alerts about plumbing leaks and burst pipes, allowing you to act quickly to protect your home from extensive water damage.
Ask a Trusted Neighbor to Monitor Your Home
If you have a neighbor you can trust, consider having them check your home at least once a day while you are away. Give your neighbor the number to our plumbing company and have that person call us if they see potential plumbing problems like water leaks or standing water.
Have Your Plumbing Professionally Inspected
In the days leading up to your departure, hire one of our plumbers to inspect your plumbing system professionally. This inspection lets you repair minor issues that could become bigger problems later. It also gives you the assurance that your plumbing system is functional and has a lower risk of problems while you are gone.
Learn About Our Plumbing Services
At Summit Heating, A/C, Plumbing & Electrical, we have more than 25 years of experience helping homeowners in Denver protect their homes’ plumbing systems. Our plumbing team also offers leak detection and drain and pipe repair services. We provide products for leading brands like Lennox and Mitsubishi Electric. Contact Summit Heating, A/C, Plumbing & Electrical to learn more about our plumbing preparation services.
