Vacation is a time to relax, so the last thing you want to do is return home from spring break to find water all over your floor! If you’re leaving your Frederick County home for spring break, make sure you turn off plumbing and fixtures to prevent significant, expensive damage while you’re gone.
Spring Break Plumbing Checklist
Here is a checklist of things to turn off or maintain before heading out of town.
Check for Leaks
Examine all your exposed pipes within a couple days before you leave, so you can call a Middletown plumber to fix them. You won’t feel like dealing with a leak when you return from your relaxing trip!
Test Your Sump Pump
If you want to avoid a flooded basement when you’re gone, make sure your sump pump is working. To test your pump, run enough water through it to raise the float so the pump kicks on. Then watch to make sure the water gets pumped out of the hole. If the pump doesn’t kick on or the water doesn’t go out, call us.
Turn Off the Main Water Valve
Turn off the main water valve at the street connection or on the valve in your home to reduces the risk of damage from a broken pipe or fixture, or a leak that could end up costing you lots of money.
Turn Off Faucets
Just in case you forget to turn off the main water valve, tightly close faucets in the bathtub, showers, sinks and even outside spigots.
Turn Down the Water Heater
There’s no point in paying to heat water when no one is there to enjoy it. Set your water heater to “vacation mode” to save on your next utility bill.
Maintain Your Pool
Many Frederick County families open their pool before spring break. It’s not a good idea to turn your pool pump completely off since algae can build up in your pool, so keep it running at optimal settings and invite a friend over to check on it to make sure it’s working okay. You’ll also want to keep an eye on how much rain is in the forecast, and teach a friends how to drain the pool if needed.
Call Putman Plumbing if You Have any Spring Plumbing Problems
Enjoy your vacation, and if you have any plumbing issues when you return, we’ll be happy to help!
