Summer Plumbing Checklist for Busy Families

Summer is busy for families. Between kids being home, vacations, guests, outdoor activities, laundry, cooking, and storms, your plumbing system works harder than usual.

A simple summer plumbing checklist can help you catch small issues before they turn into stressful problems.

Check Kitchen Drains

Watch for slow draining, odors, gurgling, or water backing up. Summer cooking and BBQ cleanup can send grease and food particles into the drain.

If your kitchen sink is slowing down, professional drain cleaning can help restore proper flow.

Inspect Garbage Disposals

Listen for humming, grinding, rattling, or unusual smells. Do not overload the disposal with grease, pasta, rice, bones, or fibrous foods.

If your disposal is jammed or leaking, Putman & Son’s Plumbing can help with garbage disposal service.

Test the Sump Pump

Heavy summer storms can bring basement water problems. Make sure your sump pump turns on, drains properly, and is not making unusual noises.

Homes with finished basements should also consider backup protection.

Look Under Sinks

Check cabinets under sinks for moisture, stains, soft wood, or musty smells. Small leaks can hide under cabinets and damage flooring or storage.

Watch the Water Bill

An unexplained increase in your water bill may point to a hidden leak, running toilet, or outdoor fixture issue.

Putman & Son’s Plumbing offers water leak detection and repair to help find the source.

Listen for Running Toilets

A toilet that continues running after it flushes can waste water every day. Fixing worn parts early can help reduce waste and prevent bigger issues.

Check Outdoor Faucets

Look for dripping hose bibs, leaks near the foundation, or wet spots in the yard. Outdoor water use increases in summer, so leaks may be easier to miss.

Inspect the Water Heater

Summer still requires hot water for laundry, showers, and dishes. If you notice inconsistent hot water, noise, rust, or moisture, schedule water heater service.

Prepare Before Vacation

Before leaving town, check toilets, sinks, appliances, the sump pump, and outdoor faucets. Consider whether turning off the main water supply makes sense for your home.

Keep Your Home Running Smoothly

A little plumbing maintenance can save your family time, stress, and money during the busiest months of the year.

Call (248) 652-0990 or visit pnsplumbing.com to schedule service with Putman & Son’s Plumbing.

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What to Check Before Leaving Your Home for Summer Vacation

Before you leave for summer vacation, it is easy to focus on packing, travel plans, pets, and schedules. But one important part of preparing your home is often overlooked: your plumbing.

A small leak, running toilet, or sump pump issue can cause damage while you are away. Taking a few minutes to check key areas before leaving can help protect your home and give you peace of mind.

Check Under Every Sink

Look under kitchen, bathroom, laundry, and utility sinks for signs of moisture. Pay attention to:

• Small puddles
• Dripping pipes
• Damp cabinet bottoms
• Musty smells
• Water stains
• Soft or warped wood

Even a slow drip can create problems if it continues for several days while no one is home.

For help locating hidden leaks, Putman & Son’s Plumbing offers water leak detection and repair.

Listen for Running Toilets

A toilet that keeps running after it flushes can waste a surprising amount of water. Before leaving, flush each toilet and make sure it stops running normally.

If you hear water continuing to run, the issue may be a worn flapper, fill valve, float, or chain. Fixing it before vacation can help prevent a higher water bill.

Inspect the Water Heater

Check around your water heater for moisture, rust, unusual noises, or inconsistent hot water. A leaking water heater can cause serious damage if left unchecked.

If your water heater is older or showing signs of trouble, schedule water heater service before leaving town.

Test the Sump Pump

If your home has a sump pump, make sure it activates properly. Heavy rain can happen while you are away, and a failed sump pump can quickly lead to basement water problems.

You may also want to consider a battery backup system for additional protection during storms and power outages.

Check Outdoor Faucets and Hoses

Disconnect hoses and look for dripping outdoor spigots. A small outdoor leak can waste water and may point to a fixture that needs repair.

If you use sprinklers or irrigation, check for unusually wet spots in the yard before you leave.

Consider Turning Off the Main Water Valve

For longer trips, turning off the main water supply may reduce the risk of water damage from unexpected leaks. However, this may not be right for every home, especially if you have systems that need water while you are away.

A professional plumber can help you understand the best option for your home.

Schedule Plumbing Service Before You Go

Vacation should be relaxing, not stressful. If you notice leaks, slow drains, running toilets, or sump pump concerns before leaving, Putman & Son’s Plumbing can help.

Visit pnsplumbing.com or call (248) 652-0990 to schedule service before your next trip.

The post What to Check Before Leaving Your Home for Summer Vacation appeared first on Putman & Son's Plumbing.

Why Plumbing Prep Matters Before You Leave

Planning a vacation is exciting, but overlooking your plumbing can lead to serious problems while you’re away. A small leak or unnoticed issue can quickly turn into major water damage.

Taking a few simple precautions can protect your home and give you peace of mind.

Essential Plumbing Checklist Before Vacation

1. Shut Off the Main Water Supply
Turning off your water supply is the most effective way to prevent leaks while you’re gone.

2. Check for Leaks
Inspect faucets, toilets, and exposed pipes for any signs of leaks or moisture.

3. Drain Appliances
Run your dishwasher and washing machine before leaving and ensure no water is left sitting in the system.

4. Clean Drains
Clear your drains to prevent buildup and odors from forming while you’re away.

5. Adjust Your Water Heater
Set your water heater to vacation mode or lower the temperature to save energy.

Protecting Your Home from Unexpected Issues

Consider asking a neighbor or friend to check on your home while you’re away. Catching an issue early can prevent costly damage.

Installing leak detection devices is another smart investment for homeowners.

Schedule a Pre-Vacation Plumbing Inspection

If you want extra peace of mind, scheduling a professional plumbing inspection is a great option. At Putman & Son’s Plumbing, we help homeowners identify potential issues before they become emergencies.

You may also find our guide on High Water Pressure: A Threat to Your Plumbing helpful before leaving your home unattended.

Enjoy Your Vacation Stress-Free

With proper preparation, you can relax knowing your home is protected from plumbing issues.

The post Going on Vacation? Don’t Forget to Prep Your Plumbing appeared first on Putman & Son's Plumbing.

Leaving for vacation should give you peace of mind—not worry about what’s happening at home. Plumbing issues can occur unexpectedly, and even small leaks can cause significant damage when left unattended. Before you head out, taking a few preventative steps ensures your home stays safe and dry.

Turn Off the Main Water Supply

If you’ll be gone for more than a couple of days, shutting off your main water valve is the simplest way to prevent leaks and flooding. Without water pressure in the system, even failing pipes or loose fittings can’t cause damage.

If you prefer not to shut off the entire system, at least turn off water to appliances such as:

• Washing machines
• Dishwashers
• Toilets
• Outdoor spigots

Check for Existing Leaks

Inspect sinks, toilets, water heaters, and exposed pipes for moisture. Even a small drip can escalate into a major problem when no one is home to catch it.

Set Your Water Heater to Vacation Mode

Most modern water heaters include a vacation or low-heat setting. This reduces energy use while still preventing freezing or bacterial growth.

If your heater does not have this feature, you can turn the temperature down manually.

Clear Your Garbage Disposal

Run cold water and the disposal for several seconds before leaving. A clean disposal prevents odors from developing while you’re away.

Inspect and Test Sump Pumps

If you have a sump pump, pour water into the basin to make sure it activates. A failing sump pump during rainfall can lead to basement flooding.

Disconnect Outdoor Hoses

Leaving hoses connected can cause water to freeze in the faucet line, leading to pipe damage.

Final Thoughts

A quick plumbing check before traveling reduces the risk of water damage and ensures you return to a safe, dry home. Investing a few minutes now can save thousands of dollars in repairs later.

The post Plumbing Tasks to Handle Before Leaving for Vacation appeared first on Putman & Son's Plumbing.