June means it’s the official start of summer! The warmer weather brings picnics, holidays, and longer daylight hours. While Summer is a time for fun and planning family vacations, KB wants to ensure you have the best season ever if you plan on going out of town.
Most people make checklists before they leave for vacation, including your pets, the mail, and keeping our homes secure. Vacations should be stress-free. You’ll want to check your plumbing at least a week before you leave so you have plenty of time to make repairs to prevent plumbing while you are away.
To avoid flooding in your home, KB offers these tips to enjoy peace of mind on your next vacation:
Washing machine valves
Your washing machine works harder in the summer. Warm weather finds you doing more laundry than usual and burst washing machine hoses are one of the leading causes of floods in our area. Hopefully, your shut-off valves work, so you’ll want to give yourself enough time to have them replaced before your vacation. Is your faucet connection secure with no leaks, or is the washing machine hose flexible? If you find issues with your washing machine, give KB a call.
Shut off the main water valve
Shutting off the main water valve only takes a minute but is the single most important thing you can do to protect your home from flooding. If a toilet valve leaks, a washer hose bursts, or an appliance springs a leak, you won’t have water gushing for days. If the valve is hard to turn, don’t force it. Contact KB Plumbing.
Running toilets can lead to bigger problems
A running toilet can cause a very high water bill and possibly cause a flood. If there’s a blockage that keeps it from draining, the bowl will continue to fill with water.
Check for leaking faucets
Leaking faucets can also cause very high water bills. If left leaking for too long, they can erode, and the simple fix becomes a pricy replacement. KB can check for cracks, leaks, and other signs of wear and tear, helping you to avoid costly problems before they become significant problems.
Clear your garbage disposal
Because you won’t have any water running through your drains while you are away, clear your garbage disposal to prevent any unpleasant odors.
Turn down your water heater
Save some money during the summer months by turning down your water heater, especially if you plan to go on vacation or leave your home for an extended time. Schedule an appointment with KB to inspect and drain your water heater. It will not only prevent potential leaks but also waste energy.
With a plumbing plan in place, you can protect your home and keep peace of mind while you are away. Call KB at 412-449-9970 or kbplumbingpgh.com for help with your plumbing needs.
