Any time you plan on leaving the home for extended periods, you will need to make sure you are properly setting up your water pipes. Leaving them as is then going away for a month or more could be very harmful and lead to a lot of water damage.
Nobody wants to come home to find leaking pipes! This could raise your water bill or worse. Luckily, we have everything you will need to know in this article. We have been serving Richmond for many years and know exactly what steps you need to take before you travel.
This is what you need to do with your pipes before you leave home.
Know Where the Main Water Valve is
It is important to know where the main water valve is in case of an emergency. You can turn it off to stop water from flowing through damaged pipes. You will also want to shut it off before you go on vacation.
If a utility or pipe were to leak while you were away it would cause very serious amounts of damage. No one would be there to turn off the valve, allowing water to continue flowing in your house until you returned.
Additionally, turning off the main valve will save you money on your water bill while you are away. This is the best step that you can take to prevent water damage. If you are unsure of where your water main is located, we can assist you.
And, if you do return to a flooded home, we can also help you clean up. Our team specializes in water damage restoration and can take care of the entire process for you.
Check for Leaks Before You Leave
If you already know you have a leaky refrigerator, you would not want to leave on vacation without fixing it. We recommend you check your sinks, bathroom, and other pipes for dripping water.
If you find any leaks, you will want to have us check them out before you leave. That way, you know your home is safe from water damage while you are gone.
If you think you have a leak but can not find it, keep an eye on your water meter. Write down the number when you know you will not be using water for a while. If you come home and the water meter’s number is different, you have a hidden leak.
Our team can assist you in finding the leak before you go on your vacation.
Have Someone Check on Your Home
Another great prevention method would be to have a close friend or relative visit your home while you are away. You might have already planned on someone doing this for you. Make sure that they know to check your home for leaking water too.
If you are only going to be gone a week, you might not need to do this. However, if you plan on being away for longer, you will want someone you trust to stop by your home. They can run the water in your home too, which has some benefits.
Running water through your system will prevent gases from entering the pipes, which keeps them working properly.
Finally, it would be a good idea to leave your plumber’s name and number with this person. That way, if there are any water issues, they can be taken care of promptly. Plus, they will not need to contact you before reaching out to a professional. Those few minutes could save you hundreds in water damages.
Check the Water Heater
You will need to visit the water heater before you go. Take a look at the floor surrounding it. If there is water, there may be a leak.
Next, check the dial for a vacation setting. This keeps the water heater running but at a lower level while using less energy. You may also consider turning the water heater off completely if you are going to be gone for a long time
Clean the Toilet
You will want to turn the water off to your toilet. It helps to clean it before you leave, as bacteria can build up otherwise. Toilets can also receive water stains in the bowl when not used for a very long time.
When cleaning, you can use a half cup of chlorine in the bowl. This should prevent bacteria from forming for the duration of your time away from home.
Schedule With a Professional
You may also want to have one of our professionals come to check on your home before you leave. We can help with water restoration processes as well, should something happen to your pipes while you are away.
If we discover any issues, we will take care of them for you.
Think About the Weather
Finally, you will want to consider the Richmond weather while you are away. You will know how to prepare your pipes for cold weather or warm weather. In the winter, you will need to take additional steps to ensure that your pipes do not freeze and burst while you are away.
Why Choose Virginia Restoration Services?
Virginia Restoration always has your health and safety in mind. If you know you will be leaving the house for a long time, we can help ensure that your water pipes are secure. No one wants to come home to a broken water system.
Overall, it is important to plan for these things before you leave on vacation. You will be preventing water damage and issues with mold. If you need to know how to deal with other water problems, be sure to read more of our articles.
However, if you do experience any leaks, we are here to help. Contact us today if there is any flooding or leaks in your home.
