Be Proactive to Avoid Returning Home to a Disaster
You’ve been planning it forever. Now, finally, your summer vacation is just around the corner. Your tickets are purchased. Your itinerary is set. You’ve pulled those suitcases out of storage and they’re ready to be filled.
That’s it, right? Well, not exactly. At Ricky Heath, we’re always thinking about your plumbing. And it’s even more important to focus on your plumbing when you’ll be away from home for a while. After all, you don’t want to arrive home after a relaxing trip to discover your basement filled with water or your yard sunken in by a collapsed sewer line. So, with that in mind, we’re sharing 10 tips to prepare your plumbing for your absence.
- Turn off your water. Turning off the main shut-off valve will prevent any water from entering your home, eliminating the risk of an unexpected leak or other disaster. Make sure to turn on your faucets to drain out any remaining water in the pipes, too. As an extra precaution, you can also shut off the water supply to your washing machine, toilets, dishwasher and ice maker.
- Carefully inspect your yard. Look for any evidence of tree roots that could invade or strangle your sewer line. If you find anything concerning, call us to check it out. If you have a sprinkler system, drain it and turn it off.
- Check the hoses on your washing machine. Make sure there are no calcium deposits or cracks that can cause leaks, ruptures or other problems.
- Examine your water heater. Turn the temperature down, off or put the system in “vacation mode” if your unit includes that setting. If you notice any water near your unit, call us to make sure your water heater is not leaking.
- Be proactive about odors. You don’t want to be greeted by an overpowering stench when you get home, either. To avoid this, run your garbage disposal using cold water or ice cubes. This should wash away any food particles or debris.
- Be proactive about odors—Part II. Empty your washing machine and dishwasher to prevent mold or mildew growth. Leave lids and doors open to help keep them fresh and clean.
- Clean out your gutters. Clean out any leaves, twigs and debris.
- Test your sump pump. To make sure your sump pump is operating properly and will protect your basement while you’re gone, pour water into the sump pit to raise the water level. If the sump pump eliminates the water, you’re in great shape!
- Keep your pool pump running. While we recommend turning off the water to your home and appliances, we highly recommend keeping your pool pump running if you have a pool. Without the pump operating, algae could form in your pool.
- Ask someone you trust to check on your home. Knowing you have an extra set of eyes watching out for your property will allow you to fully relax while you’re away. Share important phone numbers with your trusted person, including ours in case there’s a plumbing emergency!
The team at Ricky Heath hopes you and your family have the opportunity to enjoy a memorable vacation this summer. Should you need us at any point, we’re just a phone call away. To schedule service for your Georgia home, call us at 478.298.6553 or reach out through our website.