When planning a holiday we can become so caught up in the excitement that we don’t give home maintenance a second thought. And while there’s nothing wrong with a little excitement, it is important to prepare your property or make plans in case something goes wrong while you’re off having fun.
The last thing you want is to ruin a great trip by coming home to a flooded house or burst pipe. So, in this blog, we’ll give you some proactive tips to help you ensure your plumbing system remains problem-free while you escape for a much-deserved getaway.
1. Inspect and Repair Leaks
Start by completing a thorough inspection of all of your taps, visible pipes, plumbing fixtures and appliances, checking for signs of wear and tear or cracks that could worsen while you’re away. If you notice any issues make sure to call a plumber to repair them to avoid water wastage and prevent unexpected and unwanted surprises when you return.
2. Turn Off the Water to Fixtures & Appliances
If you plan to go away for an extended holiday, it’s a good idea to switch off the water supply and unplug any appliances that use water, such as dishwashers, washing machines and ice makers to prevent leaks. This is important because appliances that have flexible hot and cold water connections can split and cause flooding or water damage if the water is left on and connected.
Switching off or unplugging these fixtures from the power can also help to reduce the risk of electrical issues or them running unattended due to a short.
3. Clean Drains and Gutters
Regularly clearing our drains, gutters and downpipes before you go on holiday can prevent leaks, overflows and blockages that can potentially damage your property by causing water to pool around your foundations.
4. Set Your Water Heater
Some high-grade hot water systems have a “holiday” mode, if yours has this you can use it, otherwise, if you can, just lower the temperature to save on energy bills and prevent unnecessary wear and tear on your system.
5. Consider a Smart Water Monitor
If you go on holiday often, it could be a great idea to invest in a swart water monitor that can send alerts to your smartphone if it records any unusual spikes in usage. This way you’ll be able to act fast and get someone to check for water leaks and protect your property even when you’re not there.
6. Inform a Trusted Neighbour
Inform a trusted neighbour or friend about your travel plans and provide them with your contact information and potentially a spare key. This ensures that you have someone keeping an eye on the place who can contact you or take appropriate action if they notice any issues to prevent extensive damage.
7. Turn Off Automatic Watering Systems
While automatic sprinkler systems or irrigation systems are a great way to keep your gardens and lawns looking great while you’re on holiday, they can cause issues if they burst. So, if you’re going on an extended trip and don’t have anyone to keep an eye on your property, it’s a good idea to switch them off to protect against leaks or floods.
8. Get a Professional Inspection
Consider hiring a professional plumber to inspect your plumbing system before you leave. This will give you peace of mind that your plumbing is in good condition and unlikely to have any issues while you’re away having fun.
They can also make any necessary adjustments to your plumbing appliances or hot water system to ensure they’re safe and energy-efficient to reduce wastage while you’re not using them.
Enjoy a Stress-Free Holiday
Taking a little extra time to check and prepare your plumbing systems before heading off on your trip can help ensure that you won’t have to cut it short to come home and deal with a flooded kitchen or bathroom.
We know you just want to get out there and start enjoying yourself, but a little extra care now will provide a lot of peace of mind and ensure that you can return home to your house in the same state you left it.
But, if you’re unsure about how to do any of the things we mentioned today, you can always contact a professional plumbing service to inspect your plumbing and get you all set up for your holiday.