Hey there! We’re here with a special Christmas video from The Grumpy Plumber, and today we’re going to talk about how to prepare your house for winter vacation. Now, we understand that due to the current situation, not many people are traveling this year, but these tips will still be useful for future vacations. So, let’s dive right in!
First things first, it’s important to turn off the water if it’s easy to do so. Usually, there’s a shut-off valve in the basement. Additionally, you should lower the temperature in your house to around 60-65 degrees to prevent it from getting too cold. Don’t forget about your water heater! If it’s a gas water heater, there’s usually a vacation mode or a low setting that you can turn on. For electric heaters, simply flip the switch off to avoid unnecessary energy consumption. Lastly, make sure to disconnect all your outdoor hoses from the faucets to prevent them from freezing and breaking during cold weather. And oh, don’t let those newspapers pile up on your front porch either. That’s it for our tips! It should only take about five to ten minutes to go around your house and get everything prepared. Stay safe, and if you enjoyed this video, please subscribe. Merry Christmas!”
Preparing the Plumbing
Turn off the water
Before leaving for your winter vacation, it’s important to turn off the water supply to your house. This can usually be done by locating the shutoff valve in the basement. By turning off the water, you prevent any potential leaks or burst pipes while you’re away.
Lower the temperature in the house
Lowering the temperature in your house is crucial to prevent freezing pipes during winter. It’s recommended to set the thermostat to around 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help maintain a safe temperature inside while conserving energy.
Adjust the water heater
If you have a gas water heater, check if it has a vacation mode or a low setting. By adjusting the water heater to a lower temperature, you save energy and reduce the risk of any potential issues while you’re away. For electric water heaters, simply turn off the switch to prevent unnecessary heating.
Disconnect outdoor hoses
Disconnecting outdoor hoses is essential to prevent them from freezing and potentially bursting. When temperatures drop, water left in the hoses can expand, causing damage. By disconnecting and draining the hoses, you ensure they won’t cause any issues when you return home.
Ensuring Home Safety
Stop newspaper delivery
If you have a newspaper subscription, make sure to temporarily stop the delivery while you’re away. Piled-up newspapers can signal to potential burglars that no one is home, increasing the risk of a break-in.
Secure the front porch
To further deter burglars, ensure that your front porch is secure. Clear any packages or items that might indicate your absence. Additionally, consider installing motion sensor lights or asking a trusted neighbor to keep an eye out for any suspicious activity.
Protecting Pipes from Freezing
Insulate exposed pipes
Insulating exposed pipes is an effective way to prevent freezing and potential damage. Use foam pipe insulation or heat tape to cover any pipes that are at risk. Pay particular attention to pipes in attics, basements, or crawl spaces, as these areas tend to be colder.
Open cabinet doors
Another method to protect pipes from freezing is to open cabinet doors beneath sinks. This allows warm air to circulate around the pipes, keeping them at a safer temperature. Remember to remove any harmful chemicals or cleaning products from these cabinets to ensure the safety of children or pets.
Set up space heaters
In areas where exposed pipes are at risk of freezing, you can set up space heaters as an extra precaution. Place the heaters in strategic locations to provide consistent heat and prevent the pipes from reaching freezing temperatures.
Preventing Electrical Hazards
Unplug unnecessary electronics
To minimize the risk of electrical hazards and save energy, unplug any unnecessary electronics before leaving. This includes TVs, computers, chargers, and small appliances. Not only does this reduce the likelihood of accidents, but it also helps lower your electricity bill.
Turn off and unplug appliances
In addition to unplugging electronics, it’s important to turn off and unplug major appliances such as the oven, dishwasher, and washing machine. This eliminates the risk of malfunctions or electrical issues that could occur while you’re away.
Install surge protectors
Installing surge protectors throughout your house adds a layer of protection against power surges. Power surges can occur due to lightning strikes or other electrical issues, and they can damage your appliances. Surge protectors help safeguard your electronics and prevent potential costly repairs.
Securing Windows and Doors
Check and fix any drafts
Before leaving for your vacation, make sure to check all windows and doors for any drafts. A drafty window or door can cause energy loss and make it harder to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. Apply weatherstripping or use draft stoppers to seal any gaps and keep cold air out.
Install weatherstripping
Installing weatherstripping is an effective way to seal gaps between windows and doors. Weatherstripping comes in various forms, including self-adhesive strips and door sweeps. By properly sealing these areas, you minimize heat loss and improve energy efficiency.
Lock all windows and doors
Although it might seem obvious, it’s essential to double-check and lock all windows and doors before leaving. This adds an extra layer of security and reduces the likelihood of unauthorized entry. Also, remember to secure any basement windows or other potential entry points.
Arranging for Snow Removal
Hire a snow removal service
If you live in an area with frequent snowfall, it’s wise to arrange for a snow removal service while you’re away. This ensures that your driveway and walkways remain clear, preventing any accidents or difficulty accessing your property upon your return.
Provide access to shovels and salt
In case of unexpected heavy snowfall, it’s a good idea to leave shovels and salt accessible to either a neighbor or your snow removal service. This allows them to clear the snow efficiently and maintain safe conditions around your property.
Clear gutters and downspouts
Before leaving, make sure to clear any leaves, debris, or ice from your gutters and downspouts. This prevents water from accumulating and freezing, potentially causing damage to your roof or drainage system. Clogged gutters can also lead to ice dams, which can be detrimental to your home’s exterior.
Setting Home Security Measures
Install outdoor security cameras
Outdoor security cameras act as a deterrent and provide added security while you’re away. Install cameras at strategic points around your property to monitor any suspicious activity. Make sure the cameras are visible to discourage potential burglars.
Activate the alarm system
If you have a home security system, activate it before leaving. This includes turning on the alarm, ensuring all sensors and cameras are properly working, and notifying the security company of your absence. An active alarm system adds an extra layer of protection to your home.
Inform trusted neighbors
Letting a trusted neighbor know about your vacation plans can be beneficial. They can keep an eye on your property, collect your mail or packages, and address any emergencies that may arise. Building a strong sense of community and looking out for one another is always a good idea.
Arranging for Mail and Package Delivery
Suspend mail delivery
Contact your local post office and request a temporary suspension of mail delivery while you’re away. Accumulated mail is a clear sign that no one is home, potentially attracting unwanted attention. Alternatively, ask a neighbor to collect your mail for you.
Inform the post office of vacation
In addition to suspending mail delivery, inform the post office of your vacation plans. This helps them keep track of the dates you’ll be away and ensures they resume normal delivery once you return. It’s a simple step that can prevent any mail-related issues.
Ask a neighbor to collect packages
If you’re expecting packages during your vacation, ask a neighbor to collect them for you. This prevents packages from being left unattended on your porch, reducing the risk of theft or damage. It’s always helpful to have someone reliable who can keep an eye out for any delivered items.
Conclusion
Preparing your house for a winter vacation doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. By following these comprehensive tips, you can ensure that your home is safe, secure, and protected while you’re away. Taking the time to address plumbing, home safety, electrical hazards, windows and doors, snow removal, home security measures, and mail and package delivery will give you peace of mind and allow you to enjoy a worry-free holiday season. So wrap up those loose ends and have a joyful and worry-free winter vacation!