{"id":191,"date":"2022-01-12T10:15:00","date_gmt":"2022-01-12T10:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.robillardplumbing.com\/blog\/?p=191"},"modified":"2021-12-16T21:25:02","modified_gmt":"2021-12-16T21:25:02","slug":"plumbing-checklist-for-snowbirds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.robillardplumbing.com\/blog\/2022\/01\/12\/plumbing-checklist-for-snowbirds\/","title":{"rendered":"Plumbing Checklist for Snowbirds"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>In the weeks leading up to your migration south, there is much to be done. Shopping, packing, and a much-needed hair appointment (for some) make the checklist. As you prepare for your annual trip, make sure your home\u2019s plumbing makes the list, too. Use this checklist to help prevent plumbing disasters while you\u2019re away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4><strong>Set the Thermostat<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Many homeowners try to save money in the winter by lowering the thermostat, but remember that the risk of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.robillardplumbing.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/24\/preventing-frozen-pipes-during-winter\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">frozen pipes<\/a>\u00a0in exterior walls is very high when you crank down the temperature. If you plan on being away for an extended period, it\u2019s recommended to set the thermostat no lower than 55 degrees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4><strong>Protect Your Sump Pump<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Neglecting the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.robillardplumbing.com\/products\/sump-pumps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">sump pump<\/a>\u00a0can mean coming home to a flooded basement. To ensure a dry basement and a stress-free transition back from vacation, clear out any debris in the sump pit and keep the pump plugged in (but be sure to remove the discharge hose to prevent freezing during the winter). For more protection, consider having a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.robillardplumbing.com\/plumbing-services\/sump-pumps-battery-backups\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">battery backup<\/a>\u00a0and an extra discharge hose handy in case of a power outage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4><strong>Turn Off the Main Water Valve and Drain Water<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.robillardplumbing.com\/plumbing-services\/water-damage-restoration\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Water damage<\/a>\u00a0from a gushing pipe is one of the biggest concerns\u00a0for homeowners leaving their house vacant in the winter. To prevent this, first locate and shut off the main water valve. Then, turn on all the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.robillardplumbing.com\/plumbing-services\/faucets-toilets\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">faucets<\/a>\u00a0around the house to drain all water from the pipes. To ensure water-free pipes, you can even leave them open until you return home. If you want to take your pipe protection to the next level, you can use antifreeze to prevent frozen toilets. Once your pipes are completely drained, flush your toilet until there is no more water left. Then, fill it with antifreeze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4><strong>Prepare Outdoor Plumbing<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Protecting the outside of your home is just as important as the inside. After the hoses have been drained and disconnected, remember to close the shut-off valve. This may be separate from the main valve for outdoor spigots, so make sure you consult a professional if you have questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4><strong>Rely on Friends to Monitor<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you\u2019ve done all your preparation, make a backup plan with professionals or neighbors. Consider talking to your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.robillardplumbing.com\/about\/service-area\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">plumber<\/a>\u00a0about remote monitoring systems for safety and peace of mind. If you\u2019re comfortable doing so, it\u2019s a good idea to give a family member, neighbor, or friend a spare key so they can check on the home and help in case of an\u00a0emergency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When the time comes to head south for the winter, just remember to prepare! Using our plumbing checklist for winter trips will help keep your home protected until you return. Need help prepping your home for winter or have questions? Your friends at&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.robillardplumbing.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Robillard Plumbing<\/a>&nbsp;are here for all your&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.robillardplumbing.com\/plumbing-services\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">plumbing<\/a>&nbsp;needs.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.robillardplumbing.com\/contact-us\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Contact us<\/a>&nbsp;to learn more.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In the weeks leading up to your migration south, there is much to be done. Shopping, packing, and a much-needed hair appointment (for some) make the checklist. As you prepare for your annual trip, make sure your home\u2019s plumbing makes the list, too. Use this checklist to help prevent plumbing disasters while you\u2019re away. Set [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":192,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[93,92],"tags":[32,36,129,130,15,16],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v18.4.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Plumbing Checklist for Snowbirds - Prevent Plumbing Disasters<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Read this checklist for snowbirds to prevent any plumbing disasters while you&#039;re away on vacation. 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