How to Prepare Home for Vacation: Plumbing Edition

How to Prepare Home for Vacation: Plumbing Edition

Leaving for vacation is one of the highlights of the year. The anticipation of getting away is half the excitement, and walking out the door and leaving your day-to-day stressors behind is a wonderful feeling. Returning home to a problem that could have been avoided almost negates the fun you had on vacation.

While you can’t control everything, a little preparation can go a long way in ensuring a worry-free getaway. Following these simple steps to prepare a home for vacation can help prevent unexpected plumbing problems while you’re away.

What to Do Before Leaving for Vacation:

1. Inform Your Neighbors

Before you leave, it’s a smart idea to let your neighbors know that you’ll be away and ask them to check your house daily, if possible. If there is a problem with water leaking from your faucets, it will be less of an issue if found sooner rather than later. Coming home to several inches of water anywhere in your home can be a vacation wrecker.

If your neighbor isn’t available to check on your home daily, consider using indoor security cameras. These devices allow you to monitor your home remotely, providing real-time video feeds and alerts. By keeping an eye on your property, you can quickly identify potential issues, such as water leaks or plumbing emergencies.

2. Turn Off Your Water Supply

One way to prepare your plumbing before leaving on vacation is to turn off the water supply to your home. This valve is typically located near your water meter. By shutting off the water, you significantly reduce the risk of damage in case of a leak or burst pipe.

Also, it’s best to turn off the water supply to your appliances. If your home has a toilet shutoff valve, turning it off can provide extra protection against leaks and water damage. Additionally, remember to turn off your ice maker to avoid unnecessary water usage and potential water damage.

Lastly, it’s important to turn off the water supply to your outdoor faucets and disconnect any hoses. This prevents water from entering your home through these connections.

3. Drain Your Home’s Pipes

To prevent water damage and unpleasant odors in your plumbing while you’re away on vacation, it’s important to drain your system. Turn on all faucets in your home, including those in the bathroom and kitchen. Let the water run for a few minutes to drain any residual water from the pipes.

To prevent water damage and mildew growth in your appliances, run a complete cycle on your appliances. Run your dishwasher and leave the door open to allow any remaining water to evaporate. For your washing machine, run a cycle on the highest spin setting to remove excess water and leave the door open afterward to allow the drum to air dry.

4. Rinse Your Drains

Every drain in your house builds up bacteria over time. When they are used regularly, running water gives them a rinse. If you’re away on vacation, however, the bacteria in your drains is just going to sit there. 

This can result in nasty odors that permeate the entire house when you come home. To prepare your plumbing for vacation, just pour ½ cup of vinegar and one cup of water down each of the drains before you head out.

5. Set the Water Heater to Vacation Mode

If you look at the base of your water heater, you should notice a setting that says “low” or “vacation mode.” Turn it to this setting before you leave. Doing so keeps your water heater running while you are gone, but at a level that uses far less energy. If you prefer to turn your water heater completely off, the same mechanism does that too.

Also, it’s best to check your water heater before you leave to help prevent any issues. Replacing your water heater in an emergency can ruin your vacation calm.

6. Consider a Water Leak Detector

A water leak detector is a small, affordable device that can provide peace of mind while you’re away. These devices are designed to detect water leaks and alert you immediately, often through a loud alarm or a notification sent to your smartphone.

By installing a water leak detector in key areas of your home, such as near water heaters, washing machines, and under sinks, you can prevent costly water damage. If a leak is detected, the alert allows you to take action or contact a plumber, even if you’re away on vacation.

7. Do a Final Walk-Through Before You Leave

Before you head out on your vacation, take a moment to conduct a thorough final check of your home. Walk through each room, ensuring that all appliances and water supplies are turned off, windows and doors are securely locked, and no personal belongings have been accidentally left behind. This quick inspection will provide peace of mind and help prevent potential plumbing issues while you’re away.