No matter where you are in Southern California, from Downtown LA to Anaheim, from the Inland Empire to San Diego, SoCal Plumbers has licensed and insured plumbing technicians standing by, ready to help. Our service area includes multiple cities in the following Southern California Counties: Los Angeles, Orange. San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, and Kern.
Preparing for Vacation
Before you depart for vacation, review the tips below to ensure your home is ready for vacation mode too.
Turn Off the Water – Turn off the main water shut-off valve to avoid a potential accident. By turning off the main shut-off valve, you will not allow any water to enter your home. At the same time, make sure you open your faucets to drain the remaining water.
Shut Down the Outside Water – Unless you plan on watering the yard while you’re on vacation, it’s best to drain the sprinkler system and shut off the outside water completely. Even a small drip or leak can produce a big water bill.
Check Your Laundry Machine Hoses – The life expectancy of a washing machine hose is roughly 3 years. Before you leave for vacation is a great time to visually inspect the hoses for any cracks or a major calcium deposit build-up.
Visually Inspect Your Water Heater – Departing for vacation is a good reminder to check your hot water heater for any visible leaks. Turn your water heater temperature down, off, or put the system in vacation mode. Completely shutting it off will prevent the possibility of flooding.
Clear Your Garbage Disposal – Run some ice cubes and cold water through your garbage disposal before you leave. This will force any food particles down the drain so they can properly empty and wash away. While you are at it, make sure to empty your dishwasher and washing machine. By emptying these appliances you will prevent mildew, mold, and unpleasant odors.
Run the Pool Pump – Turning off the pool pump can cause algae build-up. If you expect to be away for more than a few days, keep the pool pump on at optimal settings to make sure it’s operating properly while you’re away.
Test Your Sump Pump – It is important to test that your sump pump is operational before leaving. The simplest way to check the Sump Pump is to dump a bucket of water into the pit and ensure it turns on and pumps water out appropriately.
Have Someone Check Your Home – Have a friend, neighbor, or family member stop by to check on your home while you’re on vacation. It is also a good idea to provide them with emergency contacts for plumbing, electrical, or other potential maintenance issues.
We hope that our preparation for vacation tips will allow you to enjoy your time away and not worry about your home.
For more information on the plumbing profession visit https://socalplumbers.com/. If you have found this article to be helpful and you would like to join the SoCal Plumbers mailing list to receive similar useful information, please go to https://socalplumbers.com/email-signup/.
