Secure the Plumbing Before Going Away on Vacation

How to Protect the Home and Plumbing While Traveling This Summer

Summer is one of the most popular times of year for vacations, but before heading out the door, it's important to make sure the home's plumbing is ready for the home to sit empty for an extended period. A small, unnoticed leak or an unattended water heater can quickly become a costly problem while no one is around to catch it. This post covers some key steps homeowners can take to secure their plumbing before going on vacation this summer, including preparing the water heater, checking for leaks, and shutting off the water supply.

Prepare the Water Heater for Vacation

Many homeowners wonder whether they should turn off their water heater before going on vacation, but doing so often isn't necessary and can actually cause more problems than it solves. Turning off a water heater won't yield significant energy savings for a short trip, and it can lead to issues such as bacterial growth inside the tank. Harmful bacteria like Legionella can thrive in stagnant, lukewarm water, posing a health risk when the unit is turned back on. Instead, homeowners can set their water heater to vacation mode, a feature available on many modern units, or simply lower the thermostat temperature. This reduces standby heat loss and helps save on utility costs without fully shutting down the system.

The only time it truly makes sense to turn off a water heater is when leaving the home empty for an extended period of over a month. In this case, the water heater should also be drained completely to prevent the growth of bacteria such as Legionella. For shorter trips, adjusting the temperature and leaving the system running on a lower setting is the safest and most efficient approach.

Check for Leaks Before Leaving

Before locking up and heading out, homeowners should take some time to inspect the home's plumbing for any existing leaks. Even a small drip under a sink or a slow leak around a toilet can worsen significantly over days or weeks without anyone noticing. Key areas to check include under kitchen and bathroom sinks, around the base of toilets, near the water heater, and along any exposed pipes.

Homeowners should also be on the lookout for common signs of a water leak, such as low water pressure, water stains on walls or ceilings, visible water damage, mold growth, or unexpectedly high water bills. If any leaks are discovered, it's important to call a professional for water leak repair before leaving for vacation. Addressing even a minor leak before traveling can prevent costly water damage, mold issues, and inflated water bills while the home is unoccupied.

Shut off the Water

For prolonged absences from the home, shutting off the main water supply is the single most effective step a homeowner can take to prevent flooding and water damage. By using the home's main water shut-off valve, any risk of a burst pipe or an undetected leak causing significant damage while the home is empty is essentially eliminated. This simple step provides peace of mind during a long trip, knowing that even if a pipe fails, no water will flow to cause damage.

The main shut-off valve is typically located near where the water line enters the home, such as in a basement, crawl space, garage, or near the water meter. Homeowners who aren't sure where their shut-off valve is located should take the time to find it before leaving. Turning off the main water supply takes only a moment but can prevent the costs of high water bills and water damage repairs from a leak or pipe burst.

About Zing Plumbing

Zing Plumbing is a licensed, bonded, and insured plumbing company serving Tucson and the surrounding areas. They offer 24-hour emergency plumbing services, prompt arrival, and modern solutions using the latest technology. Call for plumbing services in Tucson, AZ.