The newspaper and mail are on hold. The dog is at the kennel. And your suitcases are almost packed. It’s summer vacation time!

But wait … before turning on the alarm system and heading out for your much-needed time at the beach, is your home’s plumbing ready for you to be gone?

The experts at Mansfield Plumbing remind you to think twice before leaving your house for an extended amount of time. During the winter, it’s easy to remember to leave cabinet doors open a bit and faucets dripping slightly if you’re leaving during freezing weather. But, how do you prepare your house for a vacation exit during summer months?

“A smart tip is to turn off the main water valve at its source if you’re going to be gone for longer than a few days,” says Adriana Miller, product manager with Mansfield Plumbing. “This prevents any water from entering your home, so you don’t risk a disaster if a washer water line or pipe bursts unexpectedly.”

Miller also recommends these plumbing tips before leaving on summer vacation:

Tip #1 – Drain your garden hose and empty any outdoor water containers. Standing water encourages mosquitoes to breed … something you don’t want happening at your house.

Tip #2 – Leave the toilet seat up and open when away for an extended time. Why? Because air can then circulate in the toilet bowl, reducing the chance of built-up scum.

Tip #3 – If you have a septic system, remember to flush your monthly septic system treatment down the toilet before leaving town.

Tip #4 – Run your garbage disposal right before you leave to make sure the sink is clean, so there are no nasty odors to deal with when you get home.

Tip #5 – Turn your water heater off while away to save from keeping it running when you don’t need hot water.