Will your travel plans keep you away from home for a long period of time this summer? If so, you’re going to want to read this.
Making sure your house is prepared in advance for your extended absence is vital when planning for long term travel.
Here are some quick tips from your Boulder plumber for making sure you avoid plumbing issues, appliance malfunctions and more while you are out of town.
Think about the Thermostat
If you’re planning a trip that takes you away for an extended period during the winter months, make sure to set your thermostat to at least 55 degrees.
This will keep your house warm enough to prevent freezing and bursting water pipes, which can cause severe flooding and water damage.
However, if you’re taking a trip during warmer weather, leaving the air conditioning unit on will help prevent mold, mildew, and other conditions caused by heat and humidity. Set your thermostat to 85 degrees or less to control the usage of the AC.
Turn Water Off
Flatirons Plumbing, an Arvada, Colorado Plumber, offers this simple tip: Turning off your main water line can prevent a lot of problems while you are away for a long period of time.
For example, leaks that go unnoticed in your absence can result in considerable water damage and costly repairs when you get back. After shutting off the main water valve, let your kitchen and bathroom faucets run dry, ensuring that no water is left in the pipes.
Please note that if your sprinkler system needs to run while you are away, or if you have a heating system that operates with steam radiators or hot water, it’s not a good idea to shut your water off completely.
Wrap Toilet Bowls with Plastic Wrap
This tip sounds like a prank but it can legitimately save you from a smelly world of trouble upon your return! Wrapping your toilet bowls with plastic cling wrap prevents stinky sewer fumes from entering your home.
Leaving your toilets unwrapped can result in a less-than-pleasant “welcome home” when you walk in the door. Just be sure to mark the cling wrap with a big black “X” or another warning symbol to prevent anyone from accidentally using the toilet with the wrap in place.
Travel is one of the best experience’s life has to offer. By keeping these tips in mind for how to properly take care of your home during a long absence, you’ll be able to focus on your adventures abroad without having to obsess over what horrors await you back at home!
Your Boulder plumber is here to help if you have any more questions about preparing your home for an extended vacation.
