Homeowners who live in Las Vegas, NV, full-time love to get away for a good summer vacation. One issue they might run into upon coming home, however, is water damage. Mold, mildew, and even flooding can be an issue. An undetected water leak that starts during vacation can spell disaster. It can lead to serious structural damage and ruin belongings.
At BC Plumbing, we want to help you prevent these leaks while you’re away on vacation. Taking steps to keep your water shut off is smart for every homeowner.
The Dangers of Vacation Plumbing Leaks
While you’re home, leaks are easy to spot as soon as they start causing damage. While you’re on vacation, the situation is different. You could come home to a burst pipe that has caused significant damage. Even if it’s a minor leak, you’re still dealing with hundreds of gallons of water a day. With the area’s intense heat, secondary issues can pop up. Warping flooring, drywall damage, and accelerated mold growth are all real issues.
Just as shutting off your gas is merely a preventive measure, shutting down your water works the same way. It falls into that “better safe than sorry” category.
Check Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve
The best way to prevent a potential leak in the home is to ensure your water supply is shut down. Finding your main shut-off valve and turning it off is a smart move. Even if you don’t end up getting a leak, water is wasted in other ways. Your water heater cycling, or your toilet filling up, wastes a lot of water. Shutting off the water keeps any water from entering your lines. If something happens and a pipe breaks, there’s no risk of a flood.
After shutting off your main valve, open up any lower-level or basement faucet in the home. Let it run until all the water drains out. This removes any remaining water and also relieves any pressure in your pipes. The only exception here is if your home has an irrigation system. That’s likely on an independent line. You don’t have to shut that one down.
Inspect and Secure Household Appliances
Leaks don’t only happen behind walls or under sinks. They can also happen with your appliances. It’s a good idea to inspect and secure your water-using appliances.
- Washing machine supply lines
- Refrigerator icemaker water lines
- Dishwasher connections and valves
If you opt for leaving your main water on, then you have to at least check these appliances. Look at your washing machine hoses or your ice maker line. Inspect it for rot or any sort of damage. Upgrading old hoses and lines is smart whether you’re going on vacation or not.
Address Water Heater and Toilet Vulnerabilities
Your water heater and toilets are prone to leaks that can waste a lot of water. Your toilet may run a lot in an unused bathroom. A bad fill valve or flush valve (flapper) can cause water levels to drop. Your toilet then refills, wasting many gallons of water a day. Listen for your toilet running when not in use. Check for any leaking areas in or around the toilet.
It’s also a good idea to look at your water heater before a vacation. Check whether the base of your appliance is damp. Many modern water heaters have a “vacation mode.” This limits the unit’s power capabilities and helps ensure safety while you’re gone.
Professional Plumbing Inspections Avoid Costly Disasters
We recommend going beyond just shutting the valve off and checking a toilet. Contacting us for an annual plumbing inspection makes a lot of sense overall. Whether it’s for a vacation or not, your plumbing needs to be in working order. Our trained professional plumbers can identify and fix a range of issues. We can spot small, hidden leaks before they become serious issues. Our plumbers use advanced tools to find leaks behind walls, in slabs, and even underground.
At BC Plumbing, we provide maintenance services to help keep your system in top condition. We will look at your water and drain lines for any signs of damage.
Protect Your Property with BC Plumbing
BC Plumbing is the top choice in Las Vegas for residential and commercial plumbing solutions. We are a family-owned, local business with over 25 years of service in our community. Our plumbing team consists of licensed and trained professionals. From leak detection and toilet repair to full sewer line services, we have you covered.
Contact BC Plumbing today for more information about our plumbing services in Las Vegas.
