Impending Disaster

I want to warn many of you of the “Impending Disaster” my crew has had to handle recently.  Realtors, home owners and new investors are turning utilities on in homes that have been vacant and idle for more than a year and the end result is a disaster.  I want to warn as many of you as I can so you won’t have extra clean up cost and inform realtors and homeowners about their “Impending Disaster”. 

Before turning the water on, make sure all the shutoff valves under sinks, toilets are off or can be turned off.  Check all the spigots to insure they function properly including the washer valves.  Have the plumbing lines pressure tested to see if they can withstand pressure and hold pressure.  Plan on changing bath and sink fixtures or have the seals changed if the fixtures are a good quality fixture.  The fill valve and flapper valve in the toilets will need to be changed as well as the seal between the tank and base.  Before filling the tank on the toilet, hand pour water into the bowl, using a five gallon bucket of water, to insure the trap is clear and it has proper flow.  You should plan on removing the P-trap’s from under the sinks to remove dried debris and check the seals prior to pouring water down the drain.  The garbage disposal will probably be frozen and will need to be lubricated and loosened prior to running water through it, (from my experience, plan on replacing it).  The dishwasher will probably be in the same condition as the garbage disposal, depending on the quality of the unit, will determine whether you repair or replace the unit.  The water heater will need to be drained and inspected prior to turning the gas or electric, (plan on replacing the coils in the electric water heater), make sure the water heater is full of water prior to turning on the power. Locate the main water shutoff valve and insure it works as well as any other secondary shutoffs so when disaster strikes, you’ll be prepared. 

  For the homeowner; check all the shutoff valves to insure they work properly.  Do not force a valve, (you could create a disaster by breaking weak pipes).  If the valves are stiff, work them back and forth until they operate freely.  If they are frozen, contact a licensed plumber to change them out and check the valves a couple times a year to keep them in working order.  Make sure you know where your main shutoff valve is and make sure it is working properly.  Have a main valve key or tools available that will work on your valve, in case of a disaster.  Water can do as much damage as a fire so be prepared and you can avoid an “Impending Disaster”.