6 Plumbing Checks Before Vacation (The Most Important!)

ByDino Pelle

Vacation season can happen any time of year. In winter, we go to warmer locations. In summer, we go to warmer locations. Is there a trend here?

Well, no matter where you’re going — or when — make sure a disaster isn’t happening behind you. So, before you pack your bags and hop on a plane, it’s important to make sure you’re as prepared as possible for any disaster that can occur while you’re in paradise.

Here are a few tips on how to prepare your plumbing to save money and time that could be spent on the vacation of your dreams. 

6 Plumbing Checks Before Vacation

1. Check for Pipe Leaks

It’s important to check all of your pipes before departure. If you find a leak, it’s important to get it fixed as soon as possible. Even a small leak can cause serious damage if left unattained. Here’s how to fix a leaky pipe if you happen to find one.

signs of water damage in walls - damage being inspected
Before you leave, look around the house, basement, attic, and garage for signs of a water leak.

2. Turn Off The Water

A great way to avoid major water damage is to turn off the flow of water into your house. You can do this by turning off the main water valve. These are usually located near your water heater. 

Turning off the water supply to your home, on average, can save you between 3 to 5 percent of your monthly water bill. You can learn more about saving money on your water bill here.

Make sure your main water supply is shut off at the main shutoff valve. It’s usually located near the meter in your basement.

3. Put Your Water Heater on Vacation Mode

Many water heaters have a vacation mode. Turn this setting on when preparing your plumbing for vacation. This setting helps prevent water damage that can occur while you’re on vacation.

If your water heater doesn’t have this setting, you can save money by turning the water temperature down. There’s no need for hot water when you’re not home. You can learn more about your hot water heater’s water vacation mode here.

water heater in vacation mode - settings
Make sure your water heater dial is set to Vacation Mode.

4. Check Your Drains for Clogs

Drains are notorious for causing plumbing issues. As you prepare to go on vacation, make sure that there are no clogs in your drain as they can cause floods or the growth of mold while you’re away. Here are some tips on how to unclog your drain.

plumbing checks before vacation - unclog drains
Check all of your drains, from sink drains to tub drains to shower and floor drains before you leave on vacation.

5. Drain Your Sprinkler System

If you aren’t planning on watering your grass while you’re on vacation, make sure to drain your sprinkler and shut it off. This is definitely an important plumbing check before leaving for vacation. Even a small leak can cause serious water damage and raise your water bill. Here’s how to drain your sprinkler.

plumbing checks before vacation - burst sprinkler valve
This sprinkler system wasn’t drained properly and winterized. Notice the crack in the valve that is due to freezing pipes.

6. Check Your Sump Pump

It’s important that your sump pump is in good working order. A broken sump pump can cause serious water damage and flooding in your house.

Before you leave for vacation, check and make sure your sump pump is working properly. Here’s how to tell if your sump pump is working properly. Here’s how to tell if your sump pump is working properly.

plumbing checks before vacation - test sump pump
Testing a sump pump is super easy. Our article on this topic gives you two ways to do it fast. See below in Related Resources or the link above.

Final Thoughts

Going through this 6-point plumbing checklist will make your vacation stress-free! So, don’t wait. Two weeks before you leave, take care of these plumbing checks before vacation. You won’t regret the effort once you get back to a nice, cozy, dry home!

Call 1-Tom-Plumber

Don’t hesitate to contact us here or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) for help with any of your plumbing needs, including plumbing checks before vacation.

1-Tom-Plumber’s certified team of plumbers and drain technicians respond immediately to any emergency plumbing, drain, or water damage problem, including excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines.

Our immediate-response team is available every day and night of the year, even holidays. For more tips on how to prepare your plumbing for vacation, click here.

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