If you are planning to hit the road this summer there are 5 tips to follow to ensure you don’t return to a plumbing leak nightmare.
Water damage is one of the most common and costly disasters affecting U.S. residences. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is on a mission to teach homeowners what they need to know about getting their homes vacation ready. Avoiding plumbing leaks and water damage is possible with the right preparation.
Plumbing leaks from cracks in pipes as small as 1/8-inch can release up 250 gallons of water per day. According to the National Flood Insurance Program a 1,000 square foot home with just one inch of standing water will cost the resident more than $10,000 in damages.
Plumbing leaks can account for, on average, 10,000 gallons of water wasted in the home every year, which is enough to fill a backyard swimming pool.
There are several simple, proactive things each homeowner can do to prepare and protect their homes for vacation. Here are Benjamin Franklin Plumbing’s top 5 plumbing tips to follow before leaving for a weekend getaway or a six-month excursion:
- Turn off the main valve to the plumbing system. Make sure the valve is properly working before walking away. There will still be water in the system, but no new water will enter into the system while you’re gone. Only turn it off if nothing around your home needs water, such as pool fills or pumps that need water while you’re away. If homeowners can’t turn off the main valve: shut off individual valves under your sinks, behind the toilets, at the Reverse Osmosis unit, behind the refrigerator and behind the washing machine. Only turn off the valves that are in good working order. Even if the main shut off valve was used, be sure no valves or supply lines are wet or leaking before leaving by checking under each sink and toilet in the home.
- If there is plumbing behind the refrigerator, pull it out. Check to make sure nothing is wet or corroded behind the refrigerator.
- Look around both the homes water heater and softener for wetness and leaks. Each has their own shut off valves that can be used to lessen the chance of water damage. If the water heater is in good condition, turn the thermostat to vacation on a gas heater. On an electric heater turn the breaker off at the main electrical breaker box. This will avoid wasting energy for heating water while away.
- Add water and BioBen to all drains before leaving. Doing so will keep the drains wet and odor-free.
- Homes with drinking water systems, especially older systems, need to be careful of any cracks in the line. Cracks turn into breaks. Breaks are often the culprit causing water damage in many homes. Some systems can be turned off individually at the valve under the sink to lessen the possibility water damage.
Although these plumbign leak tips are fairly common, if they are not followed serious damage can occur costing upwards of $5,000. Following these simple tips will protect homes and provide the owners with peace of mind while away.
For more information about Benjamin Franklin, The Punctual Plumber please visit: https://www.benfranklinplumbingaz.com/ or call 602-485-1111.
