Go Back

How to Secure Your Plumbing Before Leaving on a Long Summer Vacation

How to Secure the Plumbing for Prolonged Absences

Summer vacation is one of the best times of the year - a long-awaited trip to the beach, the cottage, or maybe even overseas! But it comes with a checklist of chores to do before leaving on a long vacation. It is essential to ensure the home is secure and protected while away, including the plumbing system. So, it’s best to add a few preventative plumbing steps to that pre-vacation to-do list to avoid coming home to a plumbing emergency and water damage. 

Don’t Leave the Water On

turn off the main water supplyOne of the simplest and most forgotten things to do to prevent plumbing issues while on vacation is to shut off the water supply at its base. This simple step is incredibly beneficial because it can prevent major flooding and water damage if a leak or pipe burst occurs while the house is empty. This is because there will be no water to escape through the leaks and cause major damage. This one step can also give the vacationer peace of mind by knowing there’s no water flowing through those pipes that could create a major plumbing disaster. 

To turn off the water at the main supply line, the homeowner needs to find the main water shutoff valve. It is usually in the basement or garage, or it could be outside the home near the water meter. Once it’s been found, turn the valve clockwise until it’s fully closed, and voila—one less thing to worry about! 

Switch off the Water Heater 

switch off the water heaterSwitching off the water heater during prolonged absences from the home also offers several advantages. One advantage is that draining and shutting off the water heater prevents flooding and water damage if a problem occurs. But it can also save homeowners money on their monthly utility bills.

By shutting it off, the water heater won’t be working unnecessarily the whole vacation when nobody is home to use the hot water, preventing unnecessary energy use and lowering water heating costs. The money saved can then be put towards next year’s vacation.  

Check for Problems Before Leaving

Catching problems before the vacation is also important so they can be fixed, preventing damage while away. Homeowners can look around the house and property for any signs of existing plumbing problems. Here are some things to keep an eye out for:

  • Water leaks: Look for signs of leaks, such as high water costs, low water pressure, dripping faucets, running water sounds, water damage, and more. 
  • Clogs: Make sure that all the drains are functioning correctly and there are no signs of sewer line clogs, such as slow drains, gurgling sounds from the drains, backups, and more.

One of the easiest ways to ensure there are no existing plumbing issues before a vacation or to have any issues fixed is to schedule a plumbing maintenance visit and inspection with a local plumbing company. Plumbers can identify any issues and quickly fix them before the vacation starts, ensuring that the plumbing will be in good condition upon returning from a relaxing trip.

About Gillece Services

Gillece Services is a plumbing company with over four decades of experience serving Pittsburgh. They pride themselves on professionalism and pricing transparency with standard rates seven days a week, 365 days a year, and no hourly fees. Call them today for plumbing services in Pittsburgh, PA