If your plumbing system will be idle for an extended period of time, such as vacation, it is best to take certain precautions to make sure that everything will be in tact upon your return. From frozen pipes to bursts and leaks, watch our video to learn more about what you can do, without a professional plumber, to keep your house safe.
Video Transcript
No one wants to come home from a relaxing vacation to a plumbing disaster. I’m Miriam Johnson, co-host of the tv series Hometime. Whether you live in the deep south or the far north, if you’re leaving for a period of time, you may want to take a few precautions when it comes to your plumbing. The goal is to prevent any water damage that’ll happen if your pipes break, burst, or leak while you’re gone.
First, turn off the main water valve in your home. In colder regions, the water line usually enters through the floor of the foundation. In warmer climates, the water valve is likely just outside the house or buried in the ground inside a box with an access cover. Next, turn on the taps and drain the water. Then, flush your toilets. This releases water pressure from your pipes, that way if a pipe does break there’ll be very little water damage if any at all.
And in the wintertime be sure to set your thermostat to at least 55 degrees to keep your home and your pipes warm. A cold snap can happen anyplace, anytime. Before you head out to the sun, surf, or snow, be sure your home is safe. Give us a call, we’ll be happy to help!