Before You Leave for Summer Vacation: 5 Plumbing Checks That Can Save You Thousands

Summer vacations are meant to be relaxing—not interrupted by a call from a neighbor about water pouring out of your front door.

Many of the worst plumbing emergencies happen while homeowners are away. A small leak can continue for days unnoticed, turning a minor repair into extensive water damage. Fortunately, a few simple checks before you leave can help protect your home while you're enjoying your trip.

1. Know Where Your Main Water Shutoff Is

If you'll be away for several days, consider turning off your home's main water supply. This simple step can prevent a burst pipe, failed supply line, or leaking fixture from causing major damage while no one is home.

If you're not comfortable shutting off the water yourself, make sure everyone in your household knows where the main shutoff valve is and how to use it.

2. Inspect Faucets, Toilets, and Appliances for Leaks

Take a few minutes to walk through your home before you leave.

Look for:

• Dripping faucets

• Running toilets

• Moisture under sinks

• Water around your dishwasher or refrigerator

• Washing machine hoses that appear cracked or worn

Even a slow leak can waste a surprising amount of water—and become a much bigger problem over several days.

3. Check Outdoor Hose Bibs and Garden Hoses

Outdoor faucets often get heavy use during the summer. Before heading out of town, disconnect any garden hoses and check your hose bibs for drips or signs of leaking.

Leaving a hose connected can place unnecessary stress on the faucet, especially during periods of hot weather.

4. Test Your Sump Pump

Summer thunderstorms can bring heavy rainfall with little warning. If your home has a sump pump, pour a bucket of water into the sump pit to make sure the pump activates and removes the water properly.

It's much better to discover a problem before a storm than after your basement has flooded.

5. Clean Your Drains Before You Go

Slow drains don't usually fix themselves. Hair, grease, soap residue, and food debris can continue building up while you're away.

If you've noticed sinks draining slowly or recurring clogs, it's worth addressing them before your trip instead of returning home to a plumbing problem.

A Few Minutes of Preparation Can Make All the Difference

A vacation should end with great memories—not unexpected water damage.

Taking just a few minutes to inspect your plumbing before you leave can help prevent costly repairs and give you added peace of mind while you're away.

If you notice signs of a leak, slow drain, or other plumbing concern before your trip, having it inspected beforehand can often prevent a much larger problem later.