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In the excitement leading up to your vacation, don’t neglect to prepare your house for the extended absence. This includes making sure that your pipes and drains aren’t compromised; otherwise, you may return only to immediately make a call for emergency plumbing service. Here’s what you should know to look after your system.

Do:

Check for signs of leaks.

Leaks might not seem like a big deal if they amount to nothing but small drips, but that water loss can quickly drive up your utility costs while you’re away. Go through the house and inspect all of the pipes and taps for leakage. Have a plumbing service expert resolve any issues you find.

Turn off the water valve.

Since you won’t be home at all, it’s sensible to turn off the main water valve in order to avoid issues like floods and water damage due to undetected leaks. If you’re going out of town during the winter, you might also want to drain existing water in the lines to prevent freeze-and-thaw situations that might otherwise cause a burst pipe.

Don’t:

Flathead Valley, MT plumbing serviceLeave drains clogged.

Clogged drains alone aren’t an issue if you aren’t using the affected fixture, but moisture lingering inside the pipes can cause harsh odors to develop while you’re away. If you’ve noticed your drains seem sluggish or your toilets flush slowly, have your plumbing service provider perform a thorough drain cleaning. Avoid chemical products, which can weaken old pipes.

Neglect the water heater.

Some water heaters have a “vacation mode” setting that minimizes the appliance’s energy usage while you’re away. This means they will use enough to prevent frozen pipes, but won’t warm water that you won’t get enjoyment out of. You can also lower the temperature on the device if you prefer.
 

If you’re going on vacation and need to schedule plumbing services before you go, turn to the professionals at Wild West Plumbing, Heating & Drain Service in Flathead Valley, MT. The company offers a variety of services, including drain cleaning, hydro-jetting, and furnace repairs. Visit them online for details or call them at (406) 752-1244 to schedule an appointment.

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