Summer is upon us and people are already finalizing their vacation plans. Before you go on your trip, it is important to ensure that your home is safe from possible water damage. Every year, homes and home appliances are destroyed because homeowners fail to take the necessary steps to prevent water damage. As you go on vacation this year, here are some hints to protect your largest investment, your home from water damages due to leaks. No one wants to cut their vacation short to come home to a water disaster.
Check your Plumbing Connections
Check for leaks in your plumbing, focusing on the pipes and connection you can see inside your house. The weakest points are places where hoses connect to taps or household appliances. Check under sinks for signs of leakage and rust and around water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines. You can always reach out to us at Show Plumbing 281-860-200 to have one of our plumbers perform a more thorough inspection and get those issues fixed before they have a chance to cause water damage.
Turn off Main Water Supply Line to your Home
Turn off the water at the main and make sure that no tap is left running. Most water setups have 2 valves; one in the house and another outside. To be on the safe side, shut both of them off. Remember to also shut off the valves in your toilets as well as the valves that send water to your appliances. **NOTE (Pools/hot tubs/sprinkler systems). Some pools are set up with a separate supply & meter so you can shut off the home’s main water line but keep the pool running. But if you must leave the water supply on, you can turn off the supply line to each item. Show Plumbing (281-860-2000) can help you locate the main valve and show you how to shut off your water
Water Heater -THE Notorious Water Damage Culprit
Flooding caused by a leaking water heater can cause one of the most damaging and costly home repairs you’ll experience.
Most water heaters in the Houston area are in the home’s attic, aging out of normal sight and mind of the homeowner. Before you leave, make sure your water heater is in good condition, no visible leaks or rust. If you shut off the main water supply, make sure you also shut off the hot water heater correctly. If you leave your hot water heater on without the proper water supply, it will continue to try and function and potentially cause damage. Check your Owner’s Manuel or contact Show Plumbing 281-860-2000 to inspect it and show you how to properly turn on and off your unit. You may also want to have an automatic water shut off valve installed to prevent water disasters. There is also an alarm function which can send alerts to you when you’re away.
Before you leave on vacation, it’s a good idea to schedule a plumbing inspection. It is also a good idea to leave your plumber’s name & phone number along with your other emergency contacts with a neighbor or friend who is watching your home.
Reach out to us at Show Plumbing. Call +1-281-860-2000 to set up a whole house plumbing inspection before you leave.