Planning a summer trip? Whether you are going on a weekend getaway or a trip abroad, no one wants to come home to water damage. Water damage is one of the most common homeowner insurance claims each year and it is usually caused by leaky pipes, sump pump failures and clogged gutters. In order to make sure that you don’t come home to thousands of dollars in repairs, here are a few simple steps you can take to vacation-proof your plumbing to give you peace of mind.
Step 1: Inspect Water Supply Lines
Check hoses and connections under sinks, behind your washing machine and behind dishwashers. Make sure there are no bulges, cracks or existing leaks. If you are questioning whether or not something is safe, go ahead and replace it. Better to be cautious than to find out there is a problem when you are 1,000 miles away.
Step 2: Test the Sump Pump
Just because you are off enjoying beautiful weather doesn’t mean that the weather won’t turn ugly at home. A heavy storm could cause major troubles for your sump pump. To avoid this, test your sump pump by pouring a bucket of water into the sump pit and monitor that the pump turns on and flushes the water out. Consider using a backup battery if you are expecting heavy storms while you are gone.
Step 3: Check Your Water Heater
Have an experienced plumber check your water heater for cracks or leaks before you leave on vacation. You could also consider turning off your water heater or putting it into vacation mode to save on energy costs and prevent flooding in case it breaks while you are away.
Step 4: Clean Drains and Gutters
Make sure that your drains and gutters are clear of any debris. If clogged, there is no exit route for water, which can leave your house susceptible to flooding or water damage in summer storms.
Step 5: Ask Someone to Check Up on Your House
Let’s face it, no matter how prepared you are for the unexpected, plumbing emergencies can still happen. If you are planning to leave for a long vacation, designate a trusted friend or family member to visit your house on a regular basis to ensure that everything is okay. If something does arise, your designated person will be able to catch it in time. Leave the number of a trusted plumber in case there are any issues.
Real World Example
Meet Lisa and Tony, a couple in Lehigh Valley that are finally going on their dream vacation to Italy. They plan to spend three weeks abroad and travel across the country. Because they will be gone for so long, they worry about their house, especially because they have had more severe storms in their area compared to previous summers. Lisa and Tony used a pre-trip plumbing checklist to make sure they were as prepared as possible to prevent any leakage in their home. Lisa made sure to check the sump pump in the basement, as well as putting their water heater in vacation mode. Tony inspected all of their water supply lines and made sure to clean out the gutters the same week as they left on vacation. And just in case of an emergency, Tony asked his mom to check in on the house every couple of days on her way home from work to make sure there were no issues. Lisa and Tony were able to enjoy their amazing Italian vacation with total peace of mind knowing they did everything possible to protect their house.
Pre-Travel Plumbing Inspection
A relaxing trip starts with knowing that your house is safe. Schuler Service is here to help you avoid the stress and costs of unexpected water damage while you are on vacation. Need help prepping your plumbing for your next trip? Contact us today to schedule a pre-travel plumbing inspection, or to learn more about how Schuler Service can help protect your home year-round.
