As summer winds down and families plan those last-minute getaways before school starts, it’s important not to overlook a crucial part of your home – your plumbing. At Magee Plumbing, we’ve seen the costly aftermath of burst pipes, leaking faucets, and sump pump failures that occurred while homeowners were out of town. That’s why our August plumbing tip is all about preparing your plumbing system for your vacation.
Here are our top vacation plumbing tips to protect your home while you’re away.
1. Shut Off the Main Water Valve
One of the simplest and most effective things you can do before heading out on vacation is to shut off your main water supply. If a pipe bursts or a fixture starts leaking while you’re gone, it can lead to thousands of dollars in water damage. Shutting off the main valve cuts off water to the entire house and ensures that no water is flowing when no one’s there to monitor it.
Not sure where your shut-off valve is? It’s usually located in the basement, crawlspace, or near the water meter. If you’re unsure how to turn it off, Magee Plumbing can show you during a quick service call.
2. Check Your Sump Pump
August thunderstorms in Janesville and the surrounding areas are no joke. A working sump pump is your home’s first line of defense against basement flooding. Before leaving, pour a bucket of water into the sump pit to make sure the pump turns on and drains the water away as expected. If it doesn’t respond, call us immediately – don’t risk coming home to a flooded basement.
You may also want to consider a battery backup sump pump if you don’t already have one. Power outages during storms can disable your primary sump pump, leaving your home vulnerable.
3. Inspect for Leaks
Before you leave, take a few minutes to inspect visible plumbing lines, faucets, hoses, and toilets. Look for any signs of leaks, drips, or corrosion. Even a small leak left unchecked can cause water damage over several days.
Also, disconnect hoses from outdoor spigots and check for any signs of wear. This is a good time to schedule any needed repairs so you can leave with peace of mind.
4. Set Your Water Heater to Vacation Mode
If you have a traditional tank water heater, switch it to “vacation mode” or turn the thermostat down. This saves energy while you’re gone and prevents unnecessary heating. Just don’t turn it off entirely, as that can increase the risk of bacterial growth inside the tank.
Tankless water heaters should be unplugged or turned off at the breaker to prevent standby energy use..
5. Let Someone You Trust Know
Ask a neighbor or friend to check on your home while you’re away. If you’ve left the water on, let them know where the shut-off is in case of emergency. It’s always good to have someone keeping an eye out for any issues.
Peace of Mind from Magee Plumbing
A little prevention goes a long way – especially when it comes to your home’s plumbing system. If you’d like a quick pre-vacation inspection or need help locating your shut-off valve or testing your sump pump, call Matt at Magee Plumbing today at 608-921-2553. We’re here to help you protect your home before small problems become big ones.
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