Is There Anything To Check With Your Plumbing Before Leaving Home For A While?

Coming home after a vacation is exhausting enough without walking into a home with a burst pipe or leaking toilet. Luckily, there are some things you can do to ensure that your plumbing will be okay while you’re gone. These tips are easy to follow and will help you enjoy your vacation while leaving your plumbing in good working order.

If you’re going to be away for a while, consider checking your water heater and other components of your plumbing system before you leave. This will give you peace of mind that everything will be okay. Check your water temperature with a thermometer. If it drops below a set threshold, your water heater will turn on to bring the temperature back up. Some newer types of water heaters also have a “vacation” mode that will keep the pilot light lit but shut off access to the gas to prevent a possible gas leak.

Water pressure is a crucial component of your home, and not having enough can lead to costly repairs later on. You can check your water pressure easily using a simple pressure gauge. It’s a good idea to do this occasionally so you can catch any issues before they turn into major problems that could result in a significant bill.

During the fall, as leaves fall and the rain starts to come down, your drains are more likely to back up. This can cause problems such as slow drainage, gurgling sounds, and unpleasant odors coming from your drains. Typically, you can unclog your drains by running hot water down them. You can also use baking soda and vinegar to help get rid of clogs. If this doesn’t work, a plumber can use a power snake to clear the blockage out of your drainpipe.

Your home’s sewer line is the main pipe that carries all wastewater away from your house to the city sewer system. This is important, as it’s your responsibility to ensure that this line remains in good condition. If your home has a leak in its sewer line, it’s best to call a plumber right away. This is because water in the pipes can seep through the ground, causing flooding and mold damage. When a leak in the sewer line is detected, a professional plumber will use a camera to look down the pipeline and determine what’s causing the problem.