Pre-Vacation Plumbing Checklist

As summer holidays approach, there are a lot of things to remember and prepare for. While preparing your vacation checklist, don’t forget about your pipes and plumbing systems! Follow our tips to save you money while you are away and can also save you from potentially devastating property damage.  

Turn off your water 

If you’re just heading out for the weekend, there’s no need to worry. However, if you plan to leave for several days or weeks, turning off the main water supply to your home is a good idea. Burst pipes and leaks, especially while you are away, can cause significant damage. By shutting off the ability for water to enter your house, you are preventing any of that potential damage.  

Thoroughly inspect your plumbing fixtures, pipes, and connections for any signs of leaks. It is much better to deal with these issues before leaving, rather than discovering a flood upon your return. 

It’s also wise to disconnect hoses, drain outside faucets, and turn off your sprinkler system. You might even want to consider installing a leak detection system that can provide peace of mind while you’re away. These are designed to monitor for leaks and can send alerts to you or an emergency contact if a leak is detected. 

Check fixtures and appliances 

If you’re gone for an extended vacation, you might also consider turning off individual valves to your washing machines and toilets, so water doesn’t stagnate and become foul while you are away. 

Run water through your garbage disposal to ensure it doesn’t have food particles in the drain left to rot and stink. Check your water heater for any leaks (look for puddles of water) and consider turning it off to save money for extended periods of vacation. 

Test your sump pump 

It’s important to test that your sump pump is operational before leaving, especially if you are prone to flooding. One summer storm and you could come home to a huge mess. There’s no better way to lose your post-vacation relaxation than walking into a disaster in your home! 

Dump a bucket of water into the pit, ensure it turns on and pumps water out appropriately. Ask a neighbour to check on it if there’s a storm and consider getting a backup battery to run the sump pump if there’s a power outage while you are gone.  

If you have a friend, family member or neighbour who is willing to check your home while you are away, we suggest having them stopping by regularly, and keep an eye out for any issues. 

Vacations are fun, and we don’t mean to add to your to-do list. However, doing these quick checks can give the peace of mind that you need to thoroughly enjoy your time away!