Preparing the Plumbing Before Leaving the House Empty
When people are home every day to spot problems and call for repair to address the issues they find, the damage it can do to the home is limited. However, when no one is home for an extended period, the plumbing can cause vast amounts of damage if a problem occurs.
Instead of taking the risk, homeowners should take steps to avoid plumbing disasters and water damage if the home is empty while people are away on a long trip. Here are some tips that can help limit the consequences if a problem occurs while everyone is away.
Shut off the Water Supply
When the home is empty for a long time, homeowners can shut off the water before leaving to save money and prevent water damage if a problem occurs, like a leak or a burst pipe. They can shut off the water service by locating the main water shutoff valve and tuning it off.
By turning this valve off, homeowners can avoid returning home from a long vacation to find problems like flooding, water damage, mold growth, and high water costs if something goes wrong with the plumbing. The main shutoff valve will be located near where the main water line entrance to the house, such as in a basement, mechanical room, or crawlspace.
Drain and Shut off the Water Heater
Shutting off the water heater and draining it before prolonged absences where the house is empty can also be beneficial. Firstly, it also helps avoid flooding, mold growth, or water damage if a problem like a leak occurs in the water heater.
Secondly, shutting off the water heater can save energy and money. Since the water heater is not in use and nobody is home to use hot water, it does not need to consume energy to heat water. This can result in significant savings, especially if the home is empty for an extended period.
Let Professionals Check for Problems
Plumbing maintenance is an essential part of owning a home because it keeps the plumbing reliable by allowing plumbers to find and repair problems before they get worse. Routine plumbing maintenance is typically scheduled annually, so if the house is empty for a long time, it can help to schedule annual plumbing maintenance before leaving.
During plumbing maintenance, technicians can look for problems like leaks, clogs, pipe damage, or water pressure that is too high to avoid them from causing problems and damage to the house while it’s empty. This gives homeowners confidence that their house will be problem-free when they return.
About Lodder Brothers Limited
Lodder Brothers Limited has been serving the Kitchener area since 1975. They offer upfront pricing, comprehensive solutions, and a 2-year guarantee on plumbing repairs. Call them for plumbing services in Kitchener, ON.
