As you plan an exciting upcoming summer vacation, take some time to finish a few things around your Las Vegas, NV home before you leave. Scheduling a routine plumbing inspection is a great idea.
This provides the peace of mind, knowing you won’t return to a major plumbing disaster. Certain areas of your plumbing system will benefit from inspection and routine maintenance before your departure, and we’ll cover those in this checklist.
Address All Aspects of Plumbing
While your faucets and fixtures are important, other areas of a plumbing system also require attention, including drainage systems, tanks, pipes, and appliances that use water. Make sure all these things are inspected before your vacation.
Fixtures and faucets should be inspected for signs of leaks. Even a very slow drip can waste water or indicate something serious. A leak of one drip per second can lead to more than 3,000 gallons of wasted water. Don’t forget about inspecting your outdoor fixtures and spigots as well.
Under your sink is a series of pipes that feed water to your fixtures and allow wastewater to be removed. These areas should be inspected for leaks, signs of corrosion, or damage. Rust, cracks, or surface damage can indicate that you’re at risk of a major plumbing disaster.
Make sure all your toilets flush properly and shut off once the cycle is complete. Check around toilets for leaks or pooling water. Listen for any dripping inside the tank, which can also waste water. If you notice anything amiss, having a repair made now before your vacation can ensure you don’t return to an expensive and unsafe disaster.
Turning Off Your Water Supply
There is a valve in your home that controls the flow of water into your residence. If you’re planning on being gone for a week or longer, consider turning this valve to the off position. This will prevent water from moving through your plumbing system, which decreases the risk of leaks or pipes bursting. Your main water supply valve is typically in a utility room or near your water meter.
If you’re not comfortable turning off the water to your entire home, you can shut off different branches. Most homes have shutoffs near toilets, appliances, and sinks.
Don’t Forget Your Water Heater
If you have a tank-based water heater, this equipment can waste a lot of energy while you’re gone. Your heater will run periodically to maintain a specific temperature inside the tank even if you’re not using any water. You may want to set your water heater to vacation mode if it’s available. You can also lower the temperature a bit to minimize runtime.
If you have a tankless water heater, your system doesn’t run periodically to maintain water temperature. Just inspect your unit for leaks or damage before you leave for vacation.
Consider Outdoor Plumbing Equipment
In addition to checking your outdoor spigots and faucets for leaks, disconnect and store items like hoses and sprinklers. This can protect your equipment from damage caused by the harmful UV rays from the sun.
You can shut off the water to your outdoor faucets if you feel it’s necessary. If you have a sprinkler system, make sure you’ve checked its operating schedule. Minimize the watering you do while you’re gone, but keep up with the maintenance so that you don’t return to dead or dormant grass. You also want to avoid overwatering.
Ensuring Sump Pump Integrity
Your sump pump should be professionally inspected at least once a year, ideally before you go on vacation. Your sump pump will protect your home from flooding while you’re gone. You can test your sump pump by pouring water into the pit.
Once the water level reaches the fill line, the pump should turn on and empty the pit. Make sure the cycle runs completely and shuts off. Your sump pump drainage line should be clear and able to move water safely away from your residence.
If you go on vacation frequently, consider upgrading to a battery backup sump pump. If the power goes out at your residence, your pump will still work to prevent flooding. Make sure you test this backup before leaving. There’s usually a button on the unit labeled “test.” When pressed, it will run the sump pump for one cycle.
Preventing Drain Odors and Problems
If you have stagnant water sitting in your drains and pipes for many days, this can result in foul odors. Having our team perform a preventive drain cleaning can help minimize this risk. You should also flush toilets and run water through your drains before leaving. Pouring vinegar and baking soda down your drains can clear away minor debris and prevent bad smells while reducing the risk of small clogs. However, a proper drain cleaning by experts ensures your system is fresh and ready for the next season.
Inspecting Plumbing Connections and Systems
You have several appliances in your home that rely on water to function, such as your washing machine and dishwasher. Have our team inspect the connections on these appliances to ensure they aren’t loose and won’t leak.
Make sure you empty your washing machine and dishwasher before leaving. This will minimize the risk of mold or mildew growth, which can damage appliances and pose a health risk.
You may want to unplug some of these appliances to protect them from damage if water leaks. Leave some appliances on, like your refrigerator, unless you have completely emptied them. In this case, make sure it’s clean and that you leave the door cracked open a bit. This will reduce the risk of coming home to a refrigerator that smells bad inside. Also, turn off the water supply to your refrigerator if you have an ice maker or drinking water system.
Consider Smart Monitoring Devices
There are many different types of smart monitoring devices that you can install in your home. While you’re away, you can use your paired smartphone or tablet to monitor what’s going on with your plumbing system. You can receive alerts when there is a potential leak, allowing you to take prompt action from afar. Make sure you leave someone you trust with access to your home in case something happens.
Some smart devices allow you to shut water off to certain areas of your home if you receive notifications regarding a leak. This can quickly minimize the amount of water damage that occurs, preventing the need for extensive repairs. If you have security cameras in your home or on your property, review them while you’re gone to ensure you don’t see anything wrong with your plumbing system.
Being proactive about your plumbing system before leaving for a vacation this summer can help protect your home and belongings. We can assist with a routine plumbing inspection as well as necessary repairs. We recommend that you schedule routine maintenance at least once per year.
Contact our team at Bumble Breeze today to learn more about our full range of plumbing services in Las Vegas.
