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Vacations are for relaxing and unwinding, but the last thing you want to come home to is a plumbing disaster.
To ensure a worry-free trip, it's always better to take some preventive measures to avoid any plumbing problems while you're away.
The Howzat team will provide you with some valuable tips to help you prevent plumbing issues and enjoy your vacation to the fullest.
Shut off the main water supply
One of the most effective ways to prevent plumbing problems while on vacation is to shut off the main water supply to your home. This will prevent any leaks or bursts in your absence.
Follow these Howzat steps to shut off the main water supply:
Locate your main shut-off valve - The main shut-off valve is usually found on the front footpath If you are unsure about the location of the valve, contact a Howzat Plumbing staff member.
Turn off your valve: Once you have located the main shut-off valve, turn it clockwise to shut off the water supply. This will stop the flow of water throughout your entire home.
Drain the remaining water: After shutting off the main water supply, drain any remaining water in the pipes to prevent potential damage. To do this, open all the faucets in your home, including showers, sinks, and tubs. Flush all the toilets as well. This will remove the water from the plumbing system.
Inspect and repair any leaks
Before leaving for your vacation, inspect your plumbing system for any leaks. This step will help ensure that you don't come back to a flooded or damaged home.
Check Taps: Start by inspecting all the taps in your home. Turn them on and off to see if there are any drips or leaks. Pay close attention to the base of the taps and the connections underneath the sink.
Examine toilets: Check each toilet in your home for any signs of dripping or moisture. Listen for
any sounds of continuous running water, as this can indicate a leaky outlet valve or a faulty fill valve. Also, inspect around the base of the toilet for any water stains or puddles.
Inspect pipes: Look for any signs of moisture or water stains along the pipes. Pay attention to joints and connections as they are common areas for leaks.
Set your water heater to vacation mode
By setting your water heater to vacation mode or turning it off completely, you can not only save energy but also prevent any potential issues with the heater while you're away.
If you have a traditional tank water heater, follow these steps to set it to vacation mode:
1 - Locate the temperature control on your water heater.
2 - Turn the temperature control to the "Vacation" or "Low" setting.
3 - If there is no specific vacation setting, turn the temperature control to the lowest possible setting.
Once the temperature control is adjusted, wait for the water heater to cool down before leaving.
If you are turning off the water heater completely, locate the power switch or circuit breaker that controls the heater and switch it off.
It's important to note that if you have a tankless water heater, the process may be different.
Tankless water heaters may require you to consult the manufacturer's instructions on how to properly shut it down for an extended period.
How to Ask a Trusted Neighbour or Friend for Plumbing Problem Assistance
When you plan to be away from your home for an extended period, have someone you trust keep an eye on your property.
By asking a trusted neighbour or friend to stop by and inspect your home periodically, you can ensure that everything is in order and address any issues that may arise in your absence.
To effectively ask for assistance, follow these steps:
Choose someone reliable: Select a neighbour or friend who is responsible and trustworthy to entrust with the task of checking on your home.
Discuss the details: Have a conversation with the person you've chosen and clearly explain what you would like them to do. Make sure they understand the importance of their role in maintaining the security and well-being of your home.
Provide necessary information: Give your neighbour or friend a spare key, alarm codes, and any other relevant information that will enable them to access your home and address any potential issues.
Establish a schedule: Set specific dates and times for your trusted neighbour or friend to visit your home. It's ideal to have them stop by at least once a day or every few days, depending on the length of your absence.
Create a checklist: Compile a checklist of tasks you would like them to complete during their visits. This can include checking for water leaks, inspecting appliances, ensuring doors and windows are secure, and making sure the mailbox is cleared regularly.
Exchange contact information: Share your contact information and provide instructions on how to reach you in case of an emergency or if they encounter any issues, they are unsure how to handle.
How to Install a Water Leak Detection System for Added Peace of Mind
Investing in a water leak detection system is a wise decision to protect your home from potential water damage and give you peace of mind, especially when you're away.
These devices are designed to detect leaks early on and send alerts to your smartphone, allowing you to take immediate action.
Some advanced systems can even automatically shut off the main water supply to prevent further damage.
Follow these proven Howzat steps to install a water leak detection system in your home:
Choose the right system: There are various water leak detection systems available in the market, so it's essential to choose one that suits your needs. Consider factors such as the size of your property, the number of potential leak points, and the features you require, such as automatic shut-off.
Locate the main water supply: Before installing the system, you need to identify the main water supply valve. This valve controls the water flow to your entire home.
Install the sensors: Place the sensors strategically near potential leak points, such as under sinks, near appliances that use water, and in the basement where pipes are visible. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper sensor placement.
Connect the sensors: Connect the sensors to the main control unit of the water leak detection system. This unit will receive signals from the sensors and send alerts to your smartphone in case of any detected leaks.
Configure the system: Set up the system by following the provided instructions. This may include connecting the control unit to your home's Wi-Fi and installing any necessary mobile applications.
Test the system: Once the installation is complete, test the sensors and the alert system to ensure everything is functioning correctly. You can do this by deliberately triggering a small, controlled leak and observing if the system detects it and sends an alert.
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