How to Avoid Plumbing Emergencies While You're Gone

Check for Leaks

Before you leave, inspect your pipes, faucets, and other plumbing fixtures for leaks. It’s important to be aware of the possible signs of plumbing leaks and call in a trusted plumbing service to make the necessary repairs. If you notice any problems, do not put off fixing them until you get back. Call a professional plumber to fix the problems before you go. Taking care of these issues early can help prevent them from worsening while you're away.

Drain Water Lines

Frozen water pipes can be an issue if you’re going to be out of town for a while. It’s advisable to drain your water lines before you leave to reduce the risk of them bursting. Turn on all faucets and flush toilets to empty the water from the pipes. Do not forget to drain appliances that use water and the water heater as well. This can help reduce the likelihood of leaks or bursts in the plumbing system. It’s also advisable to shut off the main water valve before you leave. This will prevent water from entering your plumbing system and minimize the risk of leaks or bursts while you're away.

Insulate Water Pipes

This may seem obvious, but it’s worth mentioning because some homeowners don’t see the need to insulate their water pipes. Frozen pipes run the risk of bursting when the temperatures plummet during winter, leaving you with water damage to deal with. It’s advisable to insulate any exposed pipes to protect them from freezing and potentially bursting. Focus on pipes in unheated areas, such as basements, crawlspaces, garages, or attics. Typically, plumbers use pipe insulation sleeves, foam, rubber, fiberglass, or other insulating materials to insulate exposed pipes. Insulation helps maintain a consistent temperature around the pipes, acting as a thermal barrier. A professional plumber can help you with pipe insulation, as well as thawing frozen pipes.

Test Your Sump Pump

If you’ve installed a sump pump in your home, it’s crucial to test it to make sure it’s in good working order before you leave. You never know when a flood or heavy rains will strike, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. You certainly do not want to return home to a flooded basement full of mold. If your sump pump is in disrepair, reach out to a nearby plumber to inspect the unit and fix it. It’s also advisable to install a battery backup for added protection in case of a power outage.

Need Professional Plumbing Repair Service? Contact the Experts at Trust Rooter

When you need professional plumbing repair service, you can trust the experts at Trust Rooter to provide you with high-quality services. At Trust Rooter, we offer a comprehensive range of plumbing services, including leak repair, drain cleaning, water heater repair, sump pump repair, whole house repiping, sewer drain repair, and more.