Don’t Let a Plumbing Disaster Ruin Your Return from the Cabin!
There’s nothing like coming back from a relaxing weekend at the cabin… until you walk through the door and find standing water in your basement or a soaked ceiling tile. Plumbing issues don’t take time off just because you do, and unfortunately, small problems can escalate quickly when no one’s home to catch them.
Abel Plumbing sees these types of issues all too often, and we know how important it is to prep your home before you pack your bags. Whether you’re heading to the cabin, the coast, or on an epic summer road trip, here’s how to prevent plumbing problems from turning your homecoming into a headache.
What Can Go Wrong While You’re Away?
Here are some of the most common plumbing issues homeowners walk into after vacation:
A hose on the washing machine bursts, running water for days before anyone notices.
A hidden leak under the sink worsens, warping cabinets and causing mold to grow.
The sump pump fails during a summer thunderstorm, causing the basement to flood with rainwater.
Your water heater leaks all over the utility room, causing water damage and a spike in your energy bill.
Most of these disasters start small. But when you’re gone for days or weeks, those minor issues can snowball into major repairs fast.
Plumbing Tips to Prevent a Post-Vacation Nightmare
If your home is going to be empty for more than a couple of days, follow these professional tips from Abel Plumbing:
Turn Off the Water at the Source: Shut off the main water valve to your home. No water flow means no chance of a burst pipe or failed appliance causing a flood while you’re gone.
Secure Your Sump Pump: Make sure your sump pump is working properly before you leave, and consider adding a backup battery or water-powered backup to keep it running during storms or power outages.
Don’t Trust That “Small Leak”: Even a slow drip can wreak havoc over time. If you've noticed any leaks under the sink, near the toilet, or around fixtures, get them fixed before your trip. Call Abel Plumbing to take care of it before it becomes an expensive surprise.
Shut Down Appliances Connected to Water: Refrigerators with ice makers, dishwashers, and washing machines are all common culprits when leaks strike. Either shut off their water lines or unplug them before you go.
Lower Your Water Heater Temp: Most modern water heaters have a vacation mode. If yours doesn’t, set it to a lower temperature to prevent wear and tear while you’re away (and save energy and money while you’re at it!).
Clear Floor Drains and Gutters: Storm water can easily back up into your basement if floor drains or downspouts are clogged. Make sure your drainage systems are clear before any big summer storms roll in.
Add a Layer of Protection
Even with all the right prep, sometimes things still go wrong. Here’s how to add extra peace of mind:
Smart water leak detectors can send alerts to your phone in real time, so you can call a plumber to check it out if needed.
Ask a friend or neighbor to check in on your home mid-trip - especially after storms.
Before You Leave, Call the Pros at Abel Plumbing
Vacation should be a relaxing break, not the beginning of a disaster. Let the experts at Abel Plumbing inspect any concerns or suspicious leaks before you head out. Our team proudly serves Buffalo, MN, and the surrounding area with expert residential plumbing services you can count on. Schedule an inspection today and enjoy your vacation with confidence. And if you do return home to an emergency, remember: we’re always just a call away.