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.