What to Check Before Leaving Your Home for Vacation

Are you going to be leaving your home for an extended time this summer? Whether you’re taking a long vacation or you have a second residence, there are some things to take care of in your house before you leave. Follow this helpful checklist to make sure nothing important is left undone.

• Stop the mail. Stop or forward your mail, and if you subscribe to a newspaper, pause your subscription.
• Let all your service providers know of your plans. This includes the cable company, your utility providers, and anyone who manages your neighborhood.
• Secure your valuables. Anything you’re not taking with you should be placed in a safety deposit box or another secure location.
• Empty and turn off water fountains. Standing water can attract mosquitoes, but don’t empty hot tubs, to avoid summer heat damage.
• Bring in outside equipment. Outside furniture, chairs, and decorations should be stored away from the heat.
• Empty the refrigerator. Don’t leave food in the fridge, and seal up any non-perishable food in your cabinets to keep pests from getting into it.
• Take care of any vehicles you’re leaving behind. Have them serviced before you leave, inflate the tires, and disconnect car batteries.
• Do not store combustible items in the garage. Leaving propane tanks behind, for instance, can pose a fire hazard.
• Arrange for maintenance while you’re away. Hire someone to come by and keep your lawn trimmed, as well as maintaining your pool if you have one.
• Enlist the help of a trusted neighbor. Leave a key to your home and your contact information with someone. Ask this person to check on your home from time to time, removing any flyers or door menus, and making sure everything is in order.
• Turn off and unplug electric appliances. Leave the air conditioner plugged in if you want to keep the home climate-controlled for certain items you’re storing inside.
• Call in a plumber for assistance closing the house. If your home uses natural gas, the plumber can shut it off at the main valve, and do the same with your water.

Of course, this is just a basic checklist, because every home is different, and you should take some time to tweak it to meet your home’s unique needs. If you need help with your plumbing, you can count on the professional plumbing contractors at Mike Counsil Plumbing and Rooter to provide stellar plumbing service with a smile. Since 1994, we’ve served San Jose, California, and the South Bay Area, building a reputation on excellent service and a 100 percent satisfaction rate. Our family-owned and -operated company is committed to exceeding our clients’ expectations, and our staff is kept up-to-date on all the latest advances in the industry. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, we’re available to take care of plumbing issues that can’t wait. Contact Us today to learn more!