Heading out of town? Whether you’re leaving for a weekend or taking off for a few weeks, a few simple plumbing checks before you go can help prevent leaks, water damage, and unpleasant surprises when you return.
Before you lock the door and hit the road, add these plumbing tasks to your vacation checklist.
- Know Where Your Main Water Shutoff Is
One of the simplest ways to protect your home is knowing where the main water shutoff valve is—and making sure it actually works.
If a pipe, toilet supply line, washing machine hose, or other fixture suddenly fails while you’re away, being able to shut off the water can significantly reduce the amount of damage.
If you haven’t tested your shutoff recently, consider having it checked before your next trip.
- Consider Turning Off Your Main Water Supply
For longer vacations, some homeowners choose to shut off the main water supply before leaving.
This can be particularly worthwhile if:
- Your home will be empty for several days or weeks
- You have older plumbing
- You’ve had previous leaks
- You have Poly-B piping
- You have appliances with water connections
If you do shut off your water, make sure you understand how it affects your hot water system, heating system, irrigation, and other plumbing equipment.
- Check for Existing Leaks
Before leaving, take a quick walk around your home and look for anything unusual.
Check:
- Under kitchen and bathroom sinks
- Around toilets
- Around your washing machine
- Around the dishwasher
- Around your water heater
- Around hose bibs
- In the crawlspace or basement
A small leak may not seem urgent when you’re home, but several days of unnoticed water can result in significant damage.
- Check Your Toilets
Make sure toilets aren’t running continuously or leaking around the base.
A toilet that occasionally runs may seem like a minor annoyance, but it can waste a surprising amount of water while you’re away.
If you notice a toilet that doesn’t shut off properly, it’s worth repairing before you leave.
- Inspect Your Washing Machine Hoses
Washing machine supply hoses are another potential source of unexpected leaks.
Look for:
- Cracks or bulges
- Corrosion around connections
- Signs of previous leaking
- Loose connections
If you’re going away for an extended period, turning off the washing machine supply valves can provide another layer of protection.
- Don’t Forget Your Hose Bibs
Before leaving, check your exterior hose bibs for leaks and make sure hoses aren’t left connected.
In colder weather, proper hose bib winterization is especially important. A small amount of trapped water can freeze and cause damage to the plumbing.
- Check Your Sump Pump
If your home has a sump pump, don’t forget about it just because you’re going on vacation.
Make sure:
- The pump is operating properly
- The discharge line is clear
- Water can drain away from the home
- The backup system or battery is functioning, if you have one
For homes with crawlspaces or drainage systems, a functioning sump pump can be an important part of keeping water out.
- Check Your Water Heater
Take a quick look around your water heater before leaving.
Look for signs of:
- Leaking
- Corrosion
- Water pooling
- Unusual noises
If your water heater is older or already showing signs of trouble, leaving town probably isn’t the ideal time to discover a failure.
- Don’t Forget Your Water Filtration System
If you have a water filtration or treatment system, check whether a filter replacement or maintenance is due.
A vacation can be a good reminder to take care of routine maintenance rather than returning home to an unexpected plumbing issue.
- Ask Someone to Check the House
If you’re going away for an extended period, consider asking a trusted friend, neighbour, or family member to check on your home.
Give them:
- The location of your main water shutoff
- Your plumber’s contact information
- Instructions for accessing the home
- Information about your sump pump or other important systems
That way, if something does go wrong, someone can catch it sooner. Some insurance companies even expect this during vacations.
A Few Minutes of Prevention Can Save a Lot of Trouble
No one wants to come home from vacation to a flooded house. Taking a few minutes to check your plumbing before you leave can help reduce the risk of water damage and give you one less thing to worry about while you’re away.
For homeowners in Campbell River and surrounding areas, it’s also worth considering a professional plumbing inspection if you have an older home, aging plumbing, Poly-B piping, drainage concerns, or a shutoff valve that isn’t functioning properly.
Heading Out of Town?
Make your plumbing part of your pre-vacation checklist. A little preparation now could save you a very unwelcome homecoming later.
Service Pro Plumbing & Heating
Campbell River, BC
📞 250-923-8585
🌐 serviceproplumbers.ca