Preparing your home before a getaway is essential, especially when it comes to your plumbing. South Carolina’s hot and humid summers bring unique challenges, and homeowners in Lexington, Richland, Saluda, and Aiken Counties know firsthand how quickly a plumbing issue can escalate during extended absences. By taking a few proactive steps, you can travel with peace of mind and avoid returning to unpleasant surprises.
Turn Off Your Main Water Supply
One of the most effective ways to protect your home from water damage is to shut off your main water supply before leaving. This crucial step is especially vital if you’ll be away for more than a couple of days. Water leaks can cause extensive damage in a short time, and taking this simple action keeps your home protected from burst pipes or unseen leaks. To do this:
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Find your home’s main shutoff valve, usually in the garage, basement, or near the front exterior wall.
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Turn the valve clockwise until it’s completely closed.
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Open a faucet to ensure water flow stops completely.
If you have outdoor irrigation or sprinkler systems running on a timer, you can leave the supply on only to those lines and make sure no indoor fixtures are left pressurized.
Adjust Your Water Heater Settings
If your water heater runs while you’re away, it needlessly uses energy and increases risk. Most modern water heaters have a “Vacation” or “Low” setting, which reduces energy usage but still prevents the tank from freezing if temperatures drop unexpectedly.
For tankless water heaters, consult the manual and set the unit to minimal or vacation mode. Reducing the temperature will minimize utility bills and prolong your equipment’s lifespan. Remember, if your main water is shut off, turning off or setting down the water heater is even more important since it won’t have water supply pressure in the lines.
Guard Against Leaks While You’re Away
While shutting off the water is the best protection, there are extra steps homeowners in the Midlands can take. Water alarms installed near appliances or under sinks detect leaks quickly and can alert you via smartphone apps. Inspect hoses in laundry rooms and bathrooms for cracks or bulges. If you notice any issues, replace them before you travel.
Also, clear gutters and downspouts to prevent heavy summer thunderstorms from causing exterior water to back up, which can lead to foundation leaks. If you have a sump pump, test it before your trip. Power outages and summer storms are common and pose a flooding risk if your sump pump fails.
Schedule a Plumbing Inspection Before Traveling
Scheduling a pre-vacation plumbing inspection is a worthwhile precaution for any homeowner. Trusted local plumbers can catch issues before they worsen, such as deteriorating pipes, loose fittings, or potential clogs. Regular inspections are especially important for older homes in areas like Lexington and Saluda County, where older plumbing infrastructure can be more susceptible to sudden failures. Arrange for a professional to check all visible and hidden plumbing lines, fixtures, and supply connections.
By following these steps, you can minimize the chances of coming home to water damage or unexpected repair costs.
Schedule Your Pre-Vacation Plumbing Service with Smooth Waters Plumbing
Before your next vacation, contact Smooth Waters Plumbing to schedule a thorough plumbing inspection, ensure your water shutoff is accessible, or get advice about setting your water heater correctly. Serving Lexington County, Richland County, Saluda County, and Aiken County in South Carolina, Smooth Waters Plumbing is local, reliable, and ready to secure your home while you’re away. Call (803) 530-7109 or fill out the online form to request your vacation plumbing service and enjoy your peace of mind.
