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Heading Out of Town? Plumbing Steps to Take Before Summer Vacation

Imagine that you had the perfect summer vacation. Your bags are full of sandy towels, the camera roll is completely full of smiles and memories, and everyone is tired in the best possible way. 

You walk through the door, only to find a puddle coming from under the sink. 

A leaking pipe, running toilet, failed appliance hose, or outdoor plumbing problem can quickly put a sour end to your relaxing trip.  

In the long term, it can result in expensive repair costs, and higher utility bills. 

For homeowners in Lynnwood, Seattle, and throughout the PNW, older Craftsman and bungalow style homes often have aging supply lines and fixtures that can be more vulnerable to leaks. A little preparation before you head out can go a long way. 

The good news is that a few simple plumbing precautions before you leave can help prevent leaks, water damage, high utility bills, and other unpleasant surprises when you return. 

Before you head out of town this summer, use these plumbing steps to help protect your home while you are away. 

Turn Off the Main Water Supply 

You can protect your home from water damage while you’re away by turning off your main water supply. This is especially helpful if you’re leaving for more than a weekend or if no one will be checking on your home while you’re gone. 

Even a small leak can cause major damage when it has days to spread. A loose supply line, cracked pipe, or failed appliance hose can turn into soaked and damaged flooring and drywall. 

After you shut off the main water valve, turn on a faucet briefly to confirm the water is off and help relieve pressure in the lines. Once the water stops running, shut the faucet back off and you’ll have one less thing to worry about while you’re away. 

Check for Leaks Before You Leave 

Before you head out, take a few minutes to look for leaks in the areas where plumbing problems start. Be sure to check: 

  • Under sinks 
  • Around toilets 
  • Behind the washing machine 
  • Near the water heater 
  • Around outdoor hose bibs.  
  • Appliances with water lines (dishwashers and refrigerators with ice makers or water dispensers) 

As you check each area, look for puddles, damp spots, musty smells, warped flooring, stains, or unusual sounds.  

These small warning signs can become much bigger problems if your PNW home is unattended for several days.  

Test Toilets and Faucets 

Before you leave, flush each toilet and make sure the tank stops filling. Then check all faucets to confirm they are shut off and not dripping.  

If it goes unnoticed, that small plumbing issue can also lead to a higher utility bill later on. 

Clear Drains, Hoses, and Garbage Disposals 

Before you leave, clear your sink drains, run the garbage disposal, and ensure no food scraps, grease, or standing water are left behind. 

This simple step can help reduce the risk of odors and avoid attracting pests while you're away. 

Washing machine hoses are a common source of household leaks, so check those. For longer trips, consider turning off the washing machine water valves, so the hoses are not under constant pressure while you are away. 

Adjust Your Water Heater 

Seattle summers can be mild, which means your water heater may not need to work as hard while you're away. 

Many water heaters have a vacation mode, while others allow you to lower the temperature while you're away with no downside. 

Adjusting your water heater can reduce energy usage while you're out of town. Before making changes, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific unit. 

Prep Outdoor Plumbing 

Outdoor plumbing deserves a quick check before you leave, too. Start by disconnecting garden hoses from outdoor faucets. This can help prevent pressure buildup, leaks, and unnecessary wear on the hose bib while you are away. 

If you have sprinklers or an irrigation system, make sure everything is working properly before your trip. Look for broken sprinkler heads, soggy areas in the yard, water spraying against the house, or zones that seem to run too long. 

For homes in Lynnwood, Seattle, and the surrounding PNW, outdoor faucets, irrigation lines, and hose bibs can see a lot of seasonal use during the summer, making this an important area to check before traveling. 

Ask Someone to Check on Your Home or Have a Leak Detection Plan 

It's wise to have a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member stop by periodically to check on your home. Even a quick walk-through can help catch obvious problems, like water on the floor, a running toilet, or a strange sound coming from a plumbing fixture. 

If you do not have someone nearby, consider using leak detection devices. Smart leak detectors can alert you to possible leaks, and some smart water shutoff systems can even turn off the water automatically when a problem is detected. 

A little extra monitoring can provide peace of mind while you are away. 

Schedule Plumbing Repairs Before Your Trip 

If you already know something is wrong with your plumbing, don't leave it for after vacation. Small issues like minor leaks, slow drains, loose fixtures, or toilets that run occasionally can get worse while your home is unattended. 

A slow drip may not seem like a big deal when you are home to notice it. But if that drip turns into a steady leak while you are away, it can cause water damage, wasted water, and a lot of stress when you return. 

Scheduling plumbing repairs before your trip gives you a cleaner send-off and a much better chance of coming home to your house exactly as you left it. 

Pre-Vacation Plumbing Checklist 

Before you head out, use this quick plumbing checklist to help protect your home while you are away: 

  • Shut off the main water supply, if appropriate for your trip 
  • Turn on a faucet briefly after shutting off the water to confirm it is off and relieve pressure in the lines 
  • Check under sinks for leaks, moisture, stains, or musty smells 
  • Inspect toilets to make sure they flush properly and stop running 
  • Check faucets to make sure they are fully shut off and not dripping 
  • Clear sink drains and run the garbage disposal 
  • Remove food scraps, grease, and standing water from sinks 
  • Adjust your water heater settings or use vacation mode, if available 
  • Inspect washing machine hoses for cracks, bulges, or loose connections 
  • Turn off washing machine water valves for longer trips 
  • Disconnect garden hoses from outdoor faucets 
  • Check sprinklers and irrigation systems for leaks, overwatering, or water spraying against the home 
  • Ask a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member to check on the home during longer vacations 
  • Consider using smart leak detectors or a smart water shutoff system 
  • Schedule any needed plumbing repairs before you leave 

A Little Prep Goes a Long Way Before Summer Vacation 

Taking a few plumbing precautions before summer vacation can help you travel with more peace of mind and come home to fewer surprises.  

Before you pack the car or head to the airport, take a few minutes to shut off what needs to be shut off, check for warning signs, and deal with any small repairs before they have a chance to grow. 

If you notice a leak, slow drain, running toilet, water heater issue, or another plumbing concern before your trip, Day & Nite Plumbing & Heating is here to help.  

Contact us to schedule service before you leave so you can enjoy your summer travel without worrying about what is happening back at home.