Source: Unsplash
Having plumbing issues can run the gauntlet from embarrassing to inconvenient, but if they happen in your own home you can deal with them. However, if the plumbing starts to back up in your vacation rental, what do you do?
Thankfully, the steps are the same no matter where you are, so focus on getting the plumbing problem solved in order to get back to your vacation!
1. Mitigate The Damage And Do What You Can
Most plumbing problems can be solved normally, where you just need to deal with the clog that is causing the plumbing back up. Use a plunger, drain snake, or chemicals to remove or dissolve the clog. Or you can use common household items like dish soap, hot water, baking soda, and vinegar to also remove the clog.
This might take a while depending on how large the clog is, but typically enough application of these household remedies will allow the water and the plumbing to start flowing again.
Additionally, if tanks have overflowed, then you need to clean up the water so water damage doesn’t become a large problem for the rental unit or the next people who are going to rent your vacation home.
2. Call The Plumbers In The Area
Of course, if home remedies don’t work for you, then you need to contact the plumbers just like you would with a traditional clog. Look for some of the best plumbers in the area and try to get some help for the clog, because sometimes they are too deep and can’t be fixed with home remedy methods.
Don’t be afraid to look for the best plumbers in the area, such as a Dallas-based certified HVAC company if you are vacationing in or near Dallas. Treat the problem just like you would if you weren’t at your vacation home, but that does come with a question. If you need to call the plumbers and have someone fix the backup, then who pays for it?
3. Talk To The Landlord
Whether you are renting from another person, from a vacation rental company, or from a website, you need to notify them about any major repairs or plumbing issues that require repairs or money being spent. Most of the time the landlord is the one who is going to fit the bill to repair damage to their units or homes.
Depending on the damage or the extent of the damage, many rental properties have vacation rental damage insurance that covers all of the potential problems that could arise due to guests being in the home. Your vacation rental might have insurance or it might not, but it will be within your best interests to ask before any money changes hands. If you can’t fix the problem yourself, notify the people you are renting from and they will have the best course of action for you.
4. Don’t Panic And Keep Calm
Plumbing issues can be very frustrating and scary, especially if you don’t own the home you are in. The best thing to do is keep yourself calm and take the plumbing problem step by step by step.
Try some home remedies, use the plunger or the garbage disposal to attempt to get rid of the clog (depending on the drain), and if you can’t solve the problem yourself, then you need to reach out and contact the landlord and the plumber.
A backed up drain is more common than you think it is, but it is also much easier to fix too, so you don’t need to think of a backed up drain as anything worse than it is. Even if it is in a vacation rental.
