A burst pipe or a clogged drain in your home could lead to flooding, which can do some serious damage to your home and belongings. If this ever happens to you, hopefully you can react fast and call an emergency plumber to fix the problem before it escalates. The quicker you can react and get rid of the flooding, the less severe the water damage will be.

But what if you’re unfortunate enough to experience this while you’re away on vacation or visiting family? If your house is left unattended, then plumbing problems could be incredibly damaging to your property. Here are some tips for preventing flooding and water damage while you’re on vacation.

Preventing flooding while you’re away

The safest way to prevent flooding in your home while your away is to shut off the water at the main valve. This will ensure that water is not flowing through your home’s pipes in case something backfires with your plumbing. Alternatively, you can just turn off the valves that supply the appliances that won’t need a water supply while you’re away.

If you can’t or don’t want to switch your water off at the mains, then you should check your plumbing before you go away. Clear your drains and even have them professionally cleaned to prevent clogs and backed up pipes. You should also clear your gutters to prevent water from overflowing.

You may also want to ask a neighbor, friend, or family member to check your home periodically while you’re away. This can also help keep your home secure from intruders for the duration of your vacation. Make sure anyone checking your home knows where the water shut-off valve is in case of a plumbing emergency.

Freezing temperatures are a common cause of burst pipes, so take extra care if you’re going away during winter. As well as switching your water off, it’s advised to keep your heating switched on at a lower temperature while you’re away to keep your home and pipes temperate. Keeping it at 60 degrees should keep your pipes from freezing without using up too much energy.

If you need an emergency plumber around Clemmons, Winston Salem, or Lewisville, NC, then contact DS Brandon Plumbing for a reliable service. It is worth getting your pipes and plumbing system checked out by a professional if you are going to be away from your home for a while.