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Do you intend to go on a vacation soon? Please don’t forget your plumbing! You don’t want to go home to a flooded home or have major plumbing issues after your break. We’ve gathered helpful tips to avoid major plumbing emergencies while you’re out of town. If you need more assistance, please don’t hesitate to get a professional plumbing service in Haslet, TX.

Check Your Washing Machine

If you have an old appliance, make sure to check your washing machine hose for any buildup or cracks. Get professional plumbing service if you need assistance with your washing machine. You may also want to consider replacing your rubber washing machine hoses with stainless steel braided hoses. The latter are more durable and also susceptible to damage.

Check the Sump Pump

If you have a basement, we highly suggest that you buy a sump pump to avoid flooding. Also, make sure that they still function before going on a vacation. You can do a test to help you determine if your sump pump still works. Pour a bucket of water in the sump pit, high enough to activate the float switch. This should turn on the sump pump, and it will start running to get rid of the water in the pit. If it doesn’t run, get a professional plumbing service right away so a plumber can inspect the sump pump and fix the problem.

We also suggest that you get a backup battery just in case and another sump pump when the primary one suddenly stops working or when there is a power outage. Make sure also to get plumbing service for sump pump maintenance at least once a year as that can help extend the lifespan of the unit. Then, of course, you can always call a plumber if you need more assistance.

Provide a List of Emergency Contact Number for Plumbers

Before going on a long vacation, consider speaking to one of your family members or friends to check on your home while you’re gone. Make sure to also provide them a list of emergency contacts, just in case. Don’t forget to include our contact number so they can call us if there is a plumbing emergency in your home. We’ll be there immediately to determine the problem and fix the issue right away.

Shut Off the Main Shut-Off Valve

Should you decide to completely turn off the water flow to your home, then make sure that you open all your faucets and drain the remaining water. This can prevent pipes from bursting. Failure to do this and not insulating the pipes can lead to a major plumbing emergency. If you’re not certain about what to do, you can always get a professional plumbing service so a licensed plumber can assist.

Prevent Odors

Do you have a garbage disposal? Then run some ice cubes with cold water before leaving on vacation. Doing this pushes food particles down your drain, so they are washed away properly. You need to do this if you don’t want to go home to a smelly kitchen. If you need more help with the garbage disposal, please don’t hesitate to get a plumbing service in Haslet, TX.

Remember, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call us anytime, and we’ll quickly dispatch a reliable and experienced plumber to help you resolve any plumbing issue.

Check the Water Heater

If you have a water heater tank, please never neglect this. Don’t go on a vacation without checking your water heater and calling for a professional plumbing service for an inspection. If you still haven’t flushed out the sediment buildup in your water heater, we suggest that you do this before going on a vacation. If possible, drain your water heater to avoid leaks and other issues. Call a plumber if you need assistance.

Check Your Drains

If you have a slow drain, ensure that you get this fixed before going on a vacation. Any leftover moisture may also create odors and even attract unwanted pests. Get a plumbing service for professional drain cleaning so a licensed plumber can fix whatever problems you have with your drains. If there is a clog in your system, please don’t use chemical drain cleaners to avoid issues with your pipes.

Turn Off Outdoor Plumbing

As much as possible, turn off your outside faucets and consider disconnecting any hoses. Drips can waste hundreds of gallons of water and also add up to your bill. Also, make sure that no one else has access to your water. Otherwise, you will only end up with higher bills.

Check For Leaks Before a Vacation

Most plumbing issues are pretty obvious — clogged toilets, high water pressure, clogged and leaky faucets are difficult to ignore. When you see these problems, we recommend that you immediately get a professional service so a licensed plumber can promptly inspect and resolve the issue.

While some plumbing problems are hard to ignore, others, especially leaks, can be very elusive. You don’t always notice them, and you may never do if you don’t look hard enough. This is because hidden leaks can develop out of your sight, like in the ceiling or walls, and they can cause major damage before they get noticed.

Thankfully, there are ways to find out if there are hidden leaks in your home. As soon as you see these warning signs, please get a professional plumbing service in Haslet, TX, right away so a licensed plumber can do a thorough inspection of your plumbing and locate the leak.

Skyrocketing Water Bills

Have you checked your water bills lately? If they are suddenly sky-high, there could be a leak in your plumbing somewhere. The water bills are usually the first sign that something needs to be resolved with your plumbing. However, you do need to make sure that it isn’t just a seasonal change. What you can do is compare your current bills from last year’s, and get a professional service when the current bill is unusually high.

Mold

Hidden water leaks usually cause damp spots on your ceilings, walls and floors. If you don’t do something about them, mold can grow in these spots. You may also attract unwanted pests if there are damp areas in your home. But the biggest problem would be the leaks in your plumbing. You need to get a professional plumbing service right away so a plumber can check your system and resolve any problem.

Don’t wait for a major plumbing emergency — act immediately to avoid costly repairs and plumbing restorations. Do something right away, especially when you’re going on a long vacation. You might find a flooded home when you come back.

Water Meter Continuously Running

When your water bills are unusually high, you can do a water meter test to determine if there might be leaks in your plumbing. Do this before calling a professional plumbing service — turn off your water and make sure no one is using it. Then check your water meter. If it’s ticking, then there is an issue with your plumbing. Call a licensed professional asap for an inspection. Ensure that you get the service before you go on a long vacation, so all problems are resolved ahead of time. Doing this can save you thousands of dollars in repairs and replacements.

Wet Spots

Have you tried checking your tubs, sinks and toilets? How about near the water heater, dishwasher and washing machine? If you see wet spots, then get a professional service for an inspection. That’s a warning sign that there’s something wrong with your plumbing. A licensed plumber should help you determine the cause of the problem and how to resolve it properly.

Foundation Cracks

Do you know why we keep telling homeowners to always get a professional plumbing service when they suspect there might be a leak in their plumbing? This is because water can jeopardize the foundation of your home over time. It can weaken your home’s structural components. If the root problem isn’t resolved ahead of time, you could end up with a hefty plumbing bill. Call us right away so we can do a proper inspection. And do this before going away for a vacation to avoid major plumbing emergencies when you get home.

At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, we can fix all types of leaks. When you suspect you might have one, we suggest that you don’t postpone repairs. Get a professional plumbing service in Haslet, TX, immediately to inspect and find the leak. Don’t worry, we work quickly, and we can also resolve the problem on the same day. Your plumbing will be entirely ready for your vacation. You will have peace of mind knowing that all your issues have been resolved.

What to Do When the Basement Floods

Suppose you just got back on your vacation and found your basement already flooded. This can be very frustrating, especially when you have appliances and other stuff stored in the basement. This is why we recommend that homeowners get a professional plumbing service to install a sump pump and a backup pump, too, just in case the first one fails or when there is a power interruption.

Here’s what you need to do when you go home to a flooded basement:

If you haven’t turned off your electricity before going on a vacation, then make sure that you turn them off. However, you need to be very careful as outlets can electrify the water. Just a reminder, don’t go through the water to avoid accidents. Instead, consider calling an electrician for help. Then get a professional plumbing service so they can inspect your basement.

You also need to be careful with any contaminated water. This depends on where you live or how your plumbing is set up. If there was heavy rain, sewage could also leak into your basement. If you’re certain about the contaminated water, better get a professional plumbings service in Haslet, TX, immediately for assistance.

What to Do After Calling a Plumber:

The next step is to remove the water as soon as possible before it can cause even major damage. It would help if you had a floor drain to get rid of the standing water. If you have a sump pump, then check if it’s functioning and try to begin pumping the water out. Always get a backup sump pump to avoid these issues down the road. You also need to make sure that you only get a professional plumbing service in Haslet, TX, to install this device.

Dehumidify Your Basement

Keep in mind that mold can grow within 24 hours. You can reduce mold growth as soon as you can dry out the entire basement. Use fans and run a dehumidifier to absorb the air and water in your basement. As much as possible, get a professional plumbing service for assistance.

Don’t worry; Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is always ready to help. We are available 24/7 to ensure that you get the emergency plumbing service you deserve. Call us as soon as you get back from your vacation, and we will quickly dispatch a plumber to your home or office.

Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth

If you’re going on vacation sooner, we suggest that you get a professional plumbing service in Haslet, TX, so a licensed plumber can thoroughly inspect your plumbing and rule out any problem. You can avoid plumbing emergencies when you care for your plumbing and take necessary precautions. Don’t worry; we’re here to help! Call us today, and our team will make sure that all problems are resolved. Contact us today for an appointment.