Steps You Can Take To Avoid Coming Home To Disaster
Summer vacation season is here, which means many of us are planning getaways, family trips, and well-deserved breaks from our daily routines. While we’re busy booking flights and packing bags, there’s one crucial question of travel preparation that rarely gets asked: is your plumbing ready for summer travel?
At Aqueduct Plumbing Service, we’ve seen too many homeowners return from amazing vacations only to discover costly water damage or plumbing disasters that could have been easily prevented. The good news is that preparing your plumbing for vacation doesn’t require advanced technical skills or expensive equipment. With a little planning and some simple steps, you can enjoy your time away knowing your home is protected.
Looking for more tips on keeping your plumbing in good shape while you’re out of town? We can help! Drop us a message online or call 443-202-5623 today!
Turn Off Your Main Water Supply
The most effective way to prevent water damage while you’re away is to shut off your main water supply. This single action eliminates the risk of burst pipes, leaking fixtures, or appliance malfunctions flooding your home. We know this might sound extreme, but it’s the gold standard of vacation plumbing protection.
Your main water shutoff valve is typically located near where the water line enters your house, often in the basement, crawl space, or near the water meter. Make sure everyone in your household knows where this valve is located and how to operate it. Before you leave, turn it clockwise until it stops. When you return, simply turn it counterclockwise to restore water flow.
Drain Your Water Heater & Adjust The Temperature
Water heaters work continuously to maintain your set temperature, even when you’re not using hot water. This constant heating cycle wastes energy and puts unnecessary wear on your system. Before leaving for an extended trip, we recommend turning your water heater to “vacation mode” if it has one, or setting it to its lowest temperature setting.
For trips longer than a week, consider draining your water heater completely. This prevents sediment buildup and gives your system a rest. Turn off the power or gas supply, attach a hose to the drain valve, and let the tank empty. Remember to refill it before turning the power back on when you return.
Check & Fix All Visible Leaks
That dripping faucet or running toilet might seem minor when you’re rushing to pack, but small leaks can become major problems when left unattended. Even a slow drip can waste hundreds of gallons of water over a week or two, leading to higher bills and potential water damage.
Walk through your home and inspect all visible plumbing fixtures. Check under sinks for signs of moisture, listen for running toilets, and test all faucets. Tighten loose connections, replace worn washers, and fix any issues you discover. If you find problems that require professional attention, call us before you leave rather than hoping they’ll resolve themselves.
Clean Your Drains & Remove Blockages
Clogged drains don’t improve with time. In fact, standing water in blocked pipes can lead to unpleasant odors, bacterial growth, and even sewage backups. Before your vacation, clear all drains of hair, soap scum, food debris, and other common blockages.
Pour hot water down each drain to flush away minor buildup. For stubborn clogs, use a plunger or drain snake rather than chemical drain cleaners, which can damage your pipes over time. Pay special attention to kitchen sinks, bathroom drains, and floor drains in basements or utility rooms.
Inspect & Test Your Sump Pump
If your home has a sump pump, summer storms while you’re away could put it to the test. A malfunctioning sump pump during heavy rainfall can result in basement flooding and thousands of dollars in damage.
Test your sump pump by pouring water into the pit until the float rises and activates the pump. Listen for unusual noises and watch to ensure it’s pumping water out effectively. Check that the discharge pipe is clear and directing water away from your foundation. Consider having a backup power source or battery backup system installed if you don’t already have one.
Starting Things Back Up
When you return from vacation, don’t immediately assume everything is fine. Turn your main water supply back on slowly and check for leaks throughout your home. Listen for unusual sounds from your water heater, test all faucets and toilets, and inspect areas where you’ve had previous plumbing issues.
Run water in all fixtures to refill P-traps and prevent sewer gases from entering your home. Check your water pressure and look for any signs of water damage that might have occurred while you were away.
A Few Final Notes
Taking these preventive steps before your summer travels might require a few hours of preparation, but the peace of mind is invaluable. We’ve helped countless homeowners deal with vacation plumbing disasters, and we can tell you that prevention is always less expensive and stressful than emergency repairs.
If you discover any plumbing issues during your pre-vacation inspection, or if you’d prefer to have professionals handle the preparation, don’t hesitate to contact Aqueduct Plumbing Service at 443-202-5623 . We’re here to help ensure your home stays safe and dry while you’re making memories elsewhere. Have a wonderful and worry-free vacation!
