Skip to content
English
Contact us
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

Guide to Managing Your Water Treatment Equipment Before and After Vacation

Going on vacation? Ensure your water treatment equipment stays in top shape while you're away by following these simple steps before you leave and after you return.

Before You Leave

  1. Turn Off Water Supply (If Needed) – If you're shutting off your home's main water supply, it won’t harm your water treatment system. However, it’s best to also bypass your softener or backwashing filter to prevent unnecessary pressure buildup.

  2. Regenerate Your Softener – If you’ll be away for two weeks or more—or if you have a Lancaster Water Group Ironsoft system and will be gone for more than seven days—manually regenerate your softener before you leave. This helps clear out residual hardness and iron, keeping your system fresh for your return.

  3. Bypass the System – Switch your system to bypass mode to reduce wear while you're away. Keep in mind that if water is used during your absence, it will not be treated.

  4. Drain Your RO Storage Tank – If you have a reverse osmosis (RO) system, shut off its supply valve and fully drain the storage tank. This prevents stagnant water buildup. When you return, turn the supply valve back on and allow time for the system to refill with clean, purified water.

  5. Unplug Electrical Components – To prevent power surges during storms, unplug electronic control heads or UV light systems. Don’t worry—digital control valves store programming in non-volatile memory, so settings will remain intact. However, you’ll need to reset the time of day upon your return.

  6. Check for Leaks – Give your system a quick inspection before you leave. Look for leaks, loose fittings, or signs of wear that could cause issues while you're gone.

  7. Adjust Water Heater Settings – Consider setting your water heater to vacation mode to reduce energy usage and prevent unnecessary heating while no one is home.

After You Return

  1. Reactivate Your System – If you bypassed your system, switch it back to normal operation. Open the bypass valve slowly to prevent a sudden rush of water that could disturb the filtration media.

  2. Flush the System – Turn on multiple faucets to allow fresh water to run through your system for several minutes. This helps clear out any stagnant water.

  3. Regenerate the Softener Again – If you were gone for an extended period, manually regenerate your softener to ensure peak performance and refresh the resin bed.

  4. Check for Odors or Discoloration – If your water smells stale or appears discolored, flush your pipes thoroughly. For RO systems, drain and refill the storage tank at least once to ensure fresh water quality.

  5. Test Your Water Quality – Notice any changes in taste, smell, or feel? Perform a water test to verify your system is working properly. Check hardness, iron levels, pH, and chlorine if applicable.

  6. Inspect for Leaks – Do a quick check of all connections, fittings, and drain lines. If you turned off the main water supply, watch for any unexpected drops in pressure, which could indicate a slow leak.

  7. Restart Your UV System (If Applicable) – If you unplugged or removed a UV light, reinstall it and give it time to reach full intensity before using your water.

By following these easy steps, you can ensure that your water treatment system remains in peak condition—ready to provide your home with clean, safe water the moment you return. For system-specific details, consult your manual or contact your plumbing professional for guidance tailored to your home.