Vacation-Proof Your Plumbing: Essential Steps Before You Leave Town
August 11, 2025
Nothing ruins a vacation faster than returning home to water damage from a plumbing disaster. Taking a few preventive steps before leaving town protects your home and gives you peace of mind during your travels.
Shut-Off Valve Locations and Testing
Before leaving, ensure you know where your main water shut-off valve is located and that it works properly. In an emergency, every second counts, and a functioning shut-off valve can prevent thousands of dollars in water damage while you're away.
Before leaving, ensure you know where your main water shut-off valve is located and that it works properly:
- Main shut-off valves are typically near the water meter or where the main line enters your home
- Test the valve by turning it clockwise to close and counterclockwise to open
- If the valve is difficult to turn or doesn't completely stop water flow, have it serviced before traveling
- Consider individual shut-offs for toilets, sinks, and appliances for targeted protection
Many homeowners discover their main shut-off valve doesn't work properly only when they need it most. Testing before travel gives you time to repair or replace faulty valves, ensuring your home stays protected throughout your absence.
Water Heater Preparation
Proper water heater settings prevent problems and save energy while you're away. Water heaters continue operating even when you're not home, making them a source of potential problems and unnecessary energy consumption during extended absences.
Proper water heater settings prevent problems and save energy:
- Turn the temperature down to "vacation mode" (around 50°F) for trips longer than 3 days
- For extended absences (2+ weeks), consider turning off the water heater completely
- Drain a few gallons from the tank to prevent stagnation
- Check for leaks around the unit before leaving
Reducing water heater temperature saves energy and reduces the risk of scalding accidents if problems occur while you're away. However, don't turn off the unit completely for short trips, as reheating costs more energy than maintaining reduced temperatures.
Preventing Disasters While Away
Taking comprehensive precautions protects your home from the most common vacation plumbing disasters. Water damage can occur quickly and cause extensive destruction, making prevention essential for peace of mind during travel.
Take these essential precautions:
- Turn off individual water supplies to washing machines, dishwashers, and ice makers
- Drain pipes if traveling during potential freezing weather
- Remove hoses from outdoor spigots to prevent freeze damage
- Ask a trusted neighbor to check your home periodically
- Consider installing water leak detection devices with smartphone alerts
Modern leak detection technology provides real-time alerts to your smartphone, allowing immediate response even when you're thousands of miles away. These systems can automatically shut off water supplies when leaks are detected, preventing catastrophic damage.
Appliance and Fixture Preparation
Protect individual components:
- Run all faucets briefly to ensure proper function before leaving
- Pour a small amount of mineral oil down rarely-used drains to prevent sewer gas backup
- Check toilet flappers and fill valves for proper operation
- Ensure garbage disposal is clean and not clogged
Emergency Preparedness
Leave your home prepared for potential issues:
- Post emergency contact numbers including your plumber's information
- Leave clear instructions for water shut-offs with house sitters
- Ensure someone has access to your home if needed
- Consider smart home monitoring systems for real-time alerts
Return Home Checklist
When you return from vacation:
- Slowly turn water supplies back on, starting with the main valve
- Check all faucets and fixtures for proper operation
- Look for signs of leaks or water damage
- Flush toilets and run water in all drains
- Return water heater to normal temperature settings
Planning a vacation? Don't leave your plumbing to chance. Schedule a pre-travel inspection to ensure your home stays protected while you're away.
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