If you are planning a trip that will be taking you away from home for a long period of time, you’re going to want to read this. When it comes to long-term travel, it’s essential to make sure your house is prepared in advance for your absence. Here are some handy tips for making sure your home stays safe from plumbing issues, appliance malfunctions and more while you are away.
Set Your Thermostat
If you will be leaving your house unattended during the winter months, make sure your thermostat is set 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. If you’re taking a trip during warmer weather, you should leave the air conditioning unit on to prevent mold, mildew, and other conditions caused by heat and humidity. Set your thermostat to 85 degrees or less to control usage of the AC. If possible, invest in a smart thermostat, which can be remotely controlled via a handy smartphone app no matter where you are. This is a simple, convenient way to make sure your home is always protected from weather-related plumbing and HVAC issues while you’re gone.
Turn Water Off
When you are going to be away for an extended period of time, Arvada plumber Flatirons Plumbing recommends you turn off your main water line. This can prevent plumbing leaks from occurring in your absence, which can result in considerable water damage and costly repairs. After shutting off the main water valve, let your kitchen and bathroom faucets run dry, ensuring that no water is left in the pipes.
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 is not a good idea to shut your water off at the main valve. However, anyone who doesn’t have these unique considerations may turn it off to avoid unforeseen plumbing problems upon your return. By shutting off the water before you leave, you are potentially saving yourself a major headache when you get back!
Wrap Toilet Bowls With Plastic Wrap
We know, it sounds like a juvenile prank, but we swear it’s not! By wrapping your toilet bowls, you are preventing funky 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 other warning symbol to prevent anyone from accidentally using the toilet with the wrap in place.
Empty the Fridge
Apart from the main reason of not wanting the food in your refrigerator to turn into a moldy, stinky science experiment while you’re away, it’s also a good idea to rid the fridge of all perishables so you can completely defrost and unplug it if you’re going to be gone for a very long time. This will conserve energy as the fridge won’t need to keep running when it’s not in use.
Travel is one of the most enlightening experiences we can have in life. By knowing how to properly take care of your home during a long absence, you can concentrate on your adventures abroad without having to worry about what’s waiting for 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.
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