Vacations are supposed to be relaxing. They're a way to take a break from the stress of everyday life. Unfortunately, it's not that uncommon for homeowners to return from splashing in the water on the beach, to wading in water through their living room. Flooding happens more often than you'd like to know. When you're home, a leak or busted pipe is immediately obvious and you can call a local plumber to fix it right away. However, if you're a thousand miles away touring the Mediterranean or cruising the Bahamas, the problem might go unnoticed for a week or more. That's a lot of time for the water to accumulate and when you return home, you could be looking at thousands of dollars in damage. Thankfully, there's a few things you can do that will ensure your home's safety while you're away.
Perform a Complete Interior and Exterior Inspection
Most homeowners need to have routine plumbing inspections at least once every year, so you might as well have it done before you go on your vacation. At Mr. Rooter of Atlanta, we specialize in thorough, professional inspections and would love to do the same for your home or business. It's important when you go away for an extended length of time, to be aware of every possible plumbing issue. You'll need to check for leaks and any problem areas that need to be addressed. If you live in an area where flooding is possible, you also need to have someone take a look at your sump pump to make sure the motor is functioning correctly and that it can sufficiently drain water in the event of an emergency.
Shut Off Water Supply
This is one of the most important aspects of preparing for time away from home. Locate your main water valve and temporarily cut off the water supply to your house. A leak or a busted pipe can't fill your floors with water if they're dry. If you have an outdoor sprinkler system, it should still be able to run on a timer while you're gone, even if the water is cut off from entering your home. If you need help with this, you can call Mr. Rooter and we will send out a technician to do it properly.
Clear Out Gutters
If it's been a while since you cleaned out your home's gutter system, now is the perfect time. Large amounts of debris can block the water from properly draining, and if a strong enough storm occurs while you're having fun in the sun, your roof might be buckling under the pressure. It's also a good idea to check your downspouts and make sure that they are free of damage and are draining the water away from your foundation. If a bad rainstorm happens while you're away, it could aid flooding rather than prevent it.
Enlist a Trusted Friend for Frequent Check Ins
If you have a friendly neighbor or a family member that lives nearby, ask them to check in every few days to make sure that nothing is wrong. If there is an unexpected leak, they will be able to tell right away. Leave instructions posted on your refrigerator door with Mr. Rooter's contact information. Our 24/7 emergency plumbing team can be at your home in moments to keep water damage to a minimum. If you do ask someone to help check on your house, make sure you let them know what areas of the house they need to keep an eye on.
If you're getting ready to go on a vacation or plan on being away from your house for an extended amount of time, give Mr. Rooter of Atlanta a call. Our local plumbers are certified and experienced in conducting inspections and can help make sure that your home stays safe while you're gone.