Summer is here, and with summer comes vacation! (if you are lucky) To ensure your vacation stays stress-free, here is a list of plumbing priorities before you leave for vacation.

Shut Off Water Supply

To prevent flooding in your home while you are away, we recommend shutting off your water supply entirely or partially. Shutting off your water supply will protect your home from plumbing emergencies such as broken pipes or leaks. Some homes may have a sprinkler system or a pool pump that would require the water to remain on while you are away. The alternative would be to shut off the water on the individual components, excluding the sections you want water to continue to run through.
Once your water is off, you can take the extra step to disconnect all your hoses and turn the nozzle to open the pipes. This precautionary step protects against a leaking pipe from being blocked and flooding your home.

Run The Pool Pump

Depending on the length of your trip, pool owners may want to consider running the pool pump at an optimal setting to avoid coming home to a green pool. Algae can build up if your pool water is not appropriately circulated.

Check Water Heater

Turn on your water heater’s “vacation mode” setting before you step out the door. This setting not only protects your home from flooding but also protects your water bill from growing.

Prevent Odor Buildup

To eliminate the possibility of an odor leaking into your home from your drains while you are out of town, you can clean your drains on your own or hire a plumber. The possibility of clogged drains beginning to smell increases without regularly running water. Therefore, if you have a garbage disposal, you can run cold water and add ice to the garbage disposal.
Check that your washing machine and dishwasher are empty and the doors are left open, preventing mold and mildew.

Clean Those Gutters

Clogged gutters can cause significant issues, for example, rainwater pooling on your roof or foundation and ending up inside your home. However, checking your gutters and downspouts can protect your home’s interior and exterior!

Ask Someone You Trust to Check on Your Home

Sometimes even when you take care of your plumbing priorities before you leave for vacation, while you are away, you may feel that you forgot something. Having a friend stop by and check to make sure all is well in your home may give you the peace of mind you need to enjoy your summer vacation fully.