How to Protect Your Water Softener while Away from Home?
If you plan to leave your home, you may be concerned about the upkeep of your water softener. Many people have friends and relatives who have returned home to find localized flooding and other problems.
Is It Necessary To Switch Off Or Drain Your Water Softener?
When you leave town for a week or two, you may believe that you need to turn off or drain your water softener. If you're only going away for a few weeks, this isn't necessary because a modern water softener only regenerates when water is used. As a result, if you are not at home, the water softener will not regenerate. However, if turning off the water softener makes you feel better, this is not a problem. It will give you a sense of relief.
Most people don't turn off the water when they leave the house, but what if you're going on vacation? Should the water then be turned off? What about shorter trips, such as weekend or business trips?
It's no fun returning home to a plumbing problem or, worse, disaster, whether you're on vacation or attending a work-related conference.
Yes, you should turn off the water before you leave, in a nutshell. Here's why, and how to do it correctly.
· Broken pipes, leaking supply lines, water heater leaks, and other causes can cause massive damage.
· Extensive costs for replacing damaged carpets, flooring, walls, electronics, personal items, and other items. Many of these expenses may not be covered by your homeowner's insurance policy; even if they are, you may not see any money for months. Check your policy right now to see if your coverage is voided if you do not turn off the water supply when you leave your home for an extended period of time.
· Huge stress and inconvenience while you wait for the plumber, water extraction company, and insurance money to arrive and fix things. There's also the emotional cost of losing personal items like photos or family heirlooms.
How to Turn Off the Water in Your House?
Even if you're only going away for a few days, it's a good idea to turn off your house's water supply. It's quick and simple, and it relieves you of one worry while you're away.
It is not necessary to turn off the water at every valve under the sinks, behind the toilet, or near the water heater. Simply turn off the main water supply valve, which is usually found inside your home, near where the main pipe enters the house. Some houses have the valve on the outside, where the pipe connects to the water meter and enters the house.
How Do You Prepare Your Water Softener for the Winter?
Things are different if you leave for an extended winter break, and you must winterize your water softener before you leave. If you have a water softener in your winter home and will be gone for a few months, it should be drained to avoid freezing when the weather turns colder. Do not attempt any home maintenance or repairs as this may exacerbate the problem. If your water softener requires service, contact a water treatment professional to get your system ready for the winter.
How Can You Deal With Freezing Temperatures?
The best way to deal with freezing winter temperatures for your water softener is to plan ahead of time. However, if you have a water softener in a colder location, such as the garage or basement, you must insulate the pipes.
Last but not least,
Schedule an inspection of your home's faucets, water supply lines, and any visible pipes for damage or leaks about a week before you leave. Allow yourself enough time to call a plumber if repairs are required. Tightening loose fittings and ensuring other systems, such as sump pumps, are in good working order are likely things you can do yourself.