The holiday season is a time for joy, festivities, and spending quality time with loved ones. Many people take advantage of this time to travel and visit family or embark on a winter getaway. While planning for your holiday trip, it’s easy to get caught up in packing and making travel arrangements, but one aspect that should not be overlooked is your home’s plumbing. Neglecting your plumbing can lead to costly and stressful issues when you return home. To ensure a worry-free holiday season, here are six essential items to include on your plumbing checklist before leaving town.
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Inspect for Leaks
Before you leave for your holiday adventure, thoroughly inspect your plumbing system for any leaks. Check under sinks, around toilets, and in the basement for signs of water or moisture. Even small leaks can escalate into significant problems if left unattended, potentially causing water damage and increased utility bills. Address any leaks or drips you find before heading out, or consider shutting off the water supply to problematic areas if you won’t be gone for long.
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Turn Off the Main Water Supply
One of the most effective ways to prevent plumbing disasters while you’re away is to shut off the main water supply to your home. This step will prevent water from entering your pipes and appliances, reducing the risk of leaks, burst pipes, and flooding. Make sure you know the location of your main water shutoff valve, typically found in the basement, garage, or near the water meter, and label it for easy identification.
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Drain Your Plumbing System
After turning off the main water supply, it’s a good idea to drain your plumbing system.
Start by opening all the faucets in your home to release any remaining water from the pipes. Flush all toilets to empty the tanks. This will help minimize the risk of frozen pipes in cold climates and reduce the pressure on your plumbing system while you’re away.
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Insulate Exposed Pipes
If you live in an area with freezing temperatures during the holidays, it’s essential to insulate any exposed pipes. Use pipe insulation sleeves or heat tape to wrap around vulnerable pipes in your basement, attic, or crawl spaces. This extra layer of protection can prevent freezing and bursting, ensuring you won’t return home to a plumbing disaster.
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Clean Your Drains
Clogged drains can be a hassle to deal with when you return home from your holiday trip. Avoid this inconvenience by cleaning your drains before you leave. Use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar or a commercial drain cleaner to clear any debris or build-up in sinks, showers, and bathtub drains. This simple maintenance task can help prevent slow drainage or backups.
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Check Your Sump Pump
If your home has a sump pump, ensure it is functioning correctly before you leave. Test it by pouring water into the sump pit and verifying that the pump activates and expels the water. A properly working sump pump can prevent basement flooding, especially during heavy rainfall or snowmelt.
A little preparation can go a long way in ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable holiday season. By including these six essential items on your plumbing checklist before leaving town, you’ll reduce the risk of plumbing problems while you’re away and return to a home that’s in good shape. Taking these preventive measures will provide peace of mind, allowing you to fully relax and enjoy your holiday festivities, knowing that your plumbing is well taken care of.