Tips to Avoid Holiday Plumbing Emergencies
It’s that tinsel and holly time of year when most of us are off to visit friends and relatives to celebrate Christmas. After a hard year of COVID-19 restrictions, many are just sick of being cooped up in the city, their house, or their apartment. Most of them are itching to pack camping gears into their car and head off to find some ‘outside’ in which to revel.
As we’ve all become used to putting things in place to avoid potential disasters with regard to the pandemic, it will come as no surprise that there are certain things you should put in place plumbing-wise if you’re going away for any length of time. These recommendations don’t only apply to going away during Christmas. They are things to bear in mind and put in place whenever you go on holiday.
Is it really worth the hassle? Well, let’s put it this way if no one’s at home to call the plumber immediately the ensuing damage can be a catastrophe! On average, and in normal conditions, water is supplied to New Zealand residents at a water pressure of at least 200 kPa, and a water flow rate of at least 25 litres per minute based on a 15mm residential water meter. That works out to 1500 litres AN HOUR!
5 Tips to prevent a holiday plumbing disaster
Check your insurance covers plumbing damage
You may think you’re covered for the repair of a leaky pipe that’s damaged your bathroom wall, only to find out that you’re not covered for the actual pipe repair, because the damage was caused by rats nibbling the pipe apart.
Check for leaky pipes and have them repaired before you go away.
Don’t leave leaky pipes or toilets for when you get back.
Small leaks can become gushing torrents in a matter of seconds. We can help with an ongoing plumbing maintenance plan.
Switch off both the main water valve and or the individual supply water valves.
Switching off the water mains to your home is the most important way to prevent any plumbing disaster from occurring. Don’t wait until the day you leave to go on holiday before finding out where the valve is. Locate it early on so you can check if it can be turned off easily. It may need a special tool, be rusted or jammed, in which case you’ll need to call a plumber. Call the plumber!
If you’re turning off individual water valves don’t forget those under the toilets and behind the washing machine and dishwasher.
Drain the pipes after shutting off the water mains
After you’ve switched off the water mains, turn the taps on and let the water run out. This will ensure the water lines are fully drained.
Check your gutters for blockages
In case there’s heavy rain while you’re away, make sure your gutters are clear of any blockages. This will allow water to flow freely. Gutters clogged with leaves and debris could lead to water flooding into your house.
Check for any cracks, holes or rust spots too, your gutters may need repairing or replacing. Call us and act fast before your house turns into a leaky home!
Contact AllGo Plumbing for a thorough inspection and plumbing repair and prevent minor drips from turning into a serious plumbing emergency while you’re away.