Vacation-Proof Your Plumbing: What to Do Before You Leave Town

Vacation is supposed to be relaxing. So, the last thing any homeowner wants to worry about on their trip is what may or may not be happening back at home.

Unfortunately, plumbing problems don't take vacations. 

A small leak, failed water heater, or malfunctioning sump pump can cause significant damage if no one is around to catch it. And we don’t want that happening to you this summer. So, take a few simple precautions before you leave to help protect your home and vacation-proof your plumbing. Doing so is also likely to give you some peace of mind while you're relaxing!

Consider Shutting Off Your Water Supply

One of the best ways to prevent a plumbing disaster while you're out of town is to shut off the main water supply to your home.

Why?

Well, a burst supply line, a failed fitting, or a pipe leak means water can flow for days before anyone notices. Which is exactly the opposite of what you want to come home to after a relaxing vacation, right?

Turning off the water supply may significantly reduce the risk of extensive damage.

Not sure where your main shut-off valve is located? Before your next trip, take a few minutes to find it and make sure it's operating properly. >> We wrote a whole blog about how to do so, here. 

Check Your Sump Pump

If you have one, know that your sump pump serves as your home's first line of defense against basement flooding. 

So, before heading out of town, we recommend that you test your sump pump to make sure it's functioning correctly. A quick way to do this is by pouring a bucket of water into the sump pit and verifying that the pump turns on and removes the water.

While you're inspecting the system, look for:

• Debris in the sump pit

• Signs of excessive wear

• A blocked discharge line

• Unusual noises during operation

If you have a battery-powered backup sump pump, check that the battery is fully charged and ready to go. After all, a backup system won't do much good if the battery has failed!

Give Your Water Heater a Quick Inspection

Most water heaters don't provide much warning before a leak develops. So, it's always a good idea to give yours a quick inspection before you leave town. What should you look for? We’re glad you asked!

Take a few minutes to check for:

• Standing water

• Rust or corrosion

• Moisture around fittings

• Signs of leaking valves

Also, some water heaters have a vacation setting. If yours does, consider using it while you're away. The vacation setting will help to reduce energy consumption without completely shutting down the system.

Ask Someone to Check on Your Home

Let’s be honest. Even if you've taken every precaution, the unexpected can still occur. That’s life. So, we always recommend having a trusted friend, neighbor, or family member stop by periodically to check things out while you’re gone.

Ask them to check for standing water in your home in bathrooms or near appliances, check the basement for signs of water, and listen for running toilets. They can also check your pipes, especially if the weather is cooler. 

Final Thoughts to Vacation-Proof Your Plumbing

We’re wishing you safe and joyful travels! If you're planning a vacation and want a little added peace of mind before you go, our team can help inspect your plumbing system and identify potential issues before they turn into emergencies. Because the only thing you should be worrying about on vacation is what you're ordering for dinner.