Holidays are the perfect time to unwind, relax, and escape the daily grind. However, no one wants to return home from a relaxing vacation to discover a major plumbing disaster. Unfortunately, minor plumbing problems can quickly escalate, especially when left unchecked during your absence.
An empty house creates an especially risky environment for a plumbing plumbing mishap. Fortunately, a handful of simple precautions can help prevent these issues altogether. With just a little time and care, many of these preventive steps can be completed in just a few minutes, providing peace of mind throughout your holiday.
To help you safeguard your home, we’ve outlined 7 essential steps to keep the household plumbing system in top condition while you’re away. Continue reading to discover how to protect your property from common plumbing problems.
Switch Off Your Water Supply
Start with a basic yet vital safety precaution — switching off your main water supply before you leave. This step is particularly important if your absence will last for several days or longer. Shutting off the water supply safeguards your home against potential pipe bursts or dripping fixtures, which can cause extensive water damage while you’re away.
Keep in mind that this might not always be feasible if you have automated irrigation systems or pool pumps. In such cases, you should deal with each water source individually to prevent leaks and water waste.
Outdoor Water Sources – Drain Faucets & Disconnect Hoses
Outdoor water fixtures often get overlooked but are essential to check before leaving. If you use garden sprinklers or hoses, it’s crucial to drain any residual water by running faucets and disconnecting hoses. This quick step prevents water from freezing in cold climates, which can burst pipes or cause leaks.
Additionally, unnoticed leaks at outdoor faucets can lead to inflated water bills. Ensuring connections are secure and faucets are completely turned off helps avoid unnecessary water waste and protects your home.
Check Your Drains
Clogged or slow drains are common plumbing problems. You might wonder why drain maintenance matters if you’ve turned off your water supply. The answer is that stagnant water in clogged drains can emit unpleasant odors that may permeate your home while you’re gone.
To ensure a fresh-smelling home, check and clear any drains before departure. If needed, schedule a professional plumber to perform a thorough inspection and cleaning to avoid foul odors upon your return.
Clear Out Your Sinks
Sinks and their food disposals can quickly become breeding grounds for bacteria and mold if neglected. Leftover food particles create foul smells and may attract insects. To prevent this, run cold water while grinding ice cubes in the disposal to eliminate residual debris and grime.
Neglecting sink maintenance increases the risk of buildup that leads to unpleasant odors and sanitation issues, which are the last thing you want upon your return.
Look Out for Leaks
Leaking pipes or faucets may seem minor, but these issues waste water and can cause extensive damage if left unresolved. Even small drips can accumulate high water bills and signal underlying plumbing problems that need urgent attention.
A simple visual inspection of all faucets, pipes under sinks, and visible pipes should be part of your pre-vacation checklist. If you detect leaks or water damage signs, contacting a licensed plumber promptly can prevent costly repairs later.
Don’t Forget the Gutters
Household gutters endure constant exposure to weather elements and debris buildup, such as leaves and dirt. Clogged gutters can cause water overflow, leading to structural damage or basement flooding.
Regular gutter inspection and cleaning are essential, particularly before extended absences. Because gutter maintenance can be risky, especially if access is precarious, it’s advisable to hire insured and qualified professionals to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Contact Plumbers in Your Local Area
Beyond personal checks, scheduling a professional plumbing inspection in your local area is one of the best ways to prepare your home for your absence. A licensed plumber can identify potential issues that may otherwise go unnoticed and provide recommendations to safeguard your plumbing system.
Additionally, having a trusted plumber on record ensures that should a problem arise while you’re away, a friend or house sitter can quickly arrange professional repairs, minimizing damage and inconvenience.
Free Yourself from Worry and Concern
Though these measures may seem minor or easy to overlook, their impact is profound. Taking just a few minutes to follow these steps can save you from costly and stressful plumbing disasters. Ultimately, they allow you to enjoy your holiday without the nagging worry of what awaits back home.
Remember, proper preparation and professional support are key to maintaining the integrity of your home’s plumbing. By staying proactive, you protect your investment and ensure a smooth return from your getaway.
Additional Tips for Vacation Plumbing Safety: Before leaving, consider installing water leak detectors near vulnerable spots like water heaters, under sinks, and near washing machines. These smart devices can alert you remotely of leaks, preventing major damage. Additionally, lowering your water heater to vacation mode saves energy while protecting your system. Regular maintenance checks before vacations and educating house sitters about emergency water shut-offs can further reduce risks. Together, these strategies enhance your home’s safety, giving you greater peace of mind while enjoying your travels.
