Preventing Pipe Problems, Leaks, and Water Damage While You’re Away
As you plan your next getaway—whether it’s a week at the beach or a few weeks abroad—it’s essential not to overlook what you’re leaving behind: your home’s plumbing system. Even when no one is home, your plumbing is still active and vulnerable to a variety of issues, including pipe leaks, water heater malfunctions, and backed-up drains.
Neglecting a few key plumbing precautions can turn your relaxing trip into a nightmare upon return. Imagine coming home to a flooded kitchen, burst pipe, or water-soaked basement—all preventable with a little planning. To avoid such headaches, take time to properly prep your plumbing system before locking the door behind you.
Here’s your plumber-approved checklist for getting your home’s waterworks vacation-ready:
1. Shut Off the Main Water Valve
The most effective step you can take before leaving is to shut off your home’s main water supply. This simple action eliminates the risk of catastrophic leaks or bursts while you’re gone. Even a slow leak can cause significant damage if left unchecked for several days.
If you’re unsure where your main shut-off valve is located, it’s typically found near the perimeter of the house—where the water line enters your home—or in the basement. If you’ve never turned it off before, this is a great time to test it or call your plumber to locate it.
2. Inspect for Leaks Before You Leave
A dripping faucet or a slow leak under the sink might not seem urgent when you’re home—but while you’re away, even minor leaks can cause serious water damage. A pre-trip inspection of your kitchen, bathrooms, laundry room, and utility areas can catch these small issues before they escalate.
Check under sinks, behind the toilet, around your washing machine and dishwasher, and near any exposed pipes. If you notice signs of moisture, corrosion, or water stains, call a plumber to assess and repair them before you go.
3. Put Your Water Heater in Vacation Mode
Your water heater doesn’t need to operate at full power while you’re gone. Most modern water heaters have a built-in “Vacation” or “Pilot” mode that reduces energy usage while still keeping the tank from freezing. If yours has this setting, use it. If not, simply turn the thermostat down to its lowest setting.
For extended trips, consider turning off the water heater entirely—especially if you’re also shutting off the main water valve. This prevents the heater from running while dry, which can cause serious damage.
4. Drain and Clean Your Sinks and Garbage Disposal
Standing water left in sinks or drains can become stagnant, attract pests, or emit foul odors. To prevent this, run hot water through your garbage disposal with a mix of white vinegar and baking soda to eliminate buildup and deodorize the system. Allow the disposal to run for 30 seconds with cold water to flush everything out.
Also check for any slow-draining sinks. If water pools instead of draining smoothly, it may indicate a developing clog. Address this with a safe, non-corrosive drain cleaner or consult your plumber.
5. Check the Sump Pump (If You Have One)
A sump pump failure while you’re away can be disastrous, particularly during stormy seasons. To test your sump pump, pour a bucket of water into the sump pit to ensure it activates and drains the water properly. If it doesn’t turn on, call a plumber to diagnose and fix the problem.
For extra peace of mind, consider installing a battery backup or smart sump pump system that alerts your phone in case of failure.
6. Turn Off or Inspect Appliance Supply Lines
Appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, and ice makers are connected to your plumbing via small but powerful supply lines. These hoses can crack or leak, and over time, they become more vulnerable—especially if made of rubber.
Before you leave:
- Inspect hoses for wear or bulging.
- Replace rubber hoses with braided stainless steel ones for added durability.
- Consider turning off the appliance-specific valves to cut water supply while you’re gone.
A washing machine hose burst is one of the top causes of in-home flooding.
7. Prevent Sewer Smells and Backups
Drains that aren’t used regularly can dry out, allowing sewer gas to escape into your home. To avoid unpleasant smells, pour a small amount of water into every drain (especially in guest bathrooms or basement sinks) before you leave. Add a few drops of mineral oil on top of the water in rarely-used traps to slow evaporation.
If you’ve had any issues with your sewer line backing up, it’s worth having it professionally cleaned before leaving—tree roots or clogs can worsen and lead to serious issues.
8. Consider a Leak Detection System or Smart Water Monitor
For tech-savvy homeowners or those leaving for extended trips, a smart leak detection system is a worthwhile investment. These devices monitor your plumbing system and alert you via smartphone if they detect unusual water usage or leaks.
Some systems can even automatically shut off your water supply if a major leak is detected—saving you from costly water damage while you’re on vacation.
Your plumber can install and configure these systems for optimal protection.
Final Tip: Leave Emergency Info with a Trusted Neighbor
If you’ll be away for more than a few days, ask a neighbor or friend to check in on your house periodically. Provide them with the location of your main water shut-off valve and the contact information of your plumber in case of an emergency. The faster a plumbing issue is detected, the less damage it can cause.
By taking time to prep your home’s plumbing before heading out, you not only protect your property but also enjoy a much more relaxing trip. After all, vacation is for peace of mind—not panicked calls to plumbers about burst pipes and soggy floors.
If you’d like help with any of these plumbing preparations—or want to schedule a pre-vacation plumbing inspection—contact Air Conditioning Specialist – Home of the ProTech Plumber. Our licensed professionals can ensure your home is vacation-ready and free from plumbing risks.
