Summer vacation is the perfect time to relax, unwind, and recharge. But before you lock the door and head out on your journey, taking the right steps to protect your plumbing system can prevent headaches and stress when you return home. AZ Family Plumbing in Glendale, AZ, helps homeowners ensure their plumbing is ready for an extended absence. Following a few essential steps can keep your pipes, water heater, and fixtures safe while you enjoy a stress-free vacation.
Turn Off or Adjust Your Water Heater
One of the first things to consider is your water heater. For traditional tank water heaters, turning off the unit or setting it to vacation mode prevents unnecessary energy usage. It also reduces the risks of leaks while you are away.
If your water heater has a digital vacation mode, adjust it to maintain a lower temperature, usually around 50 degrees. This ensures the water inside the tank doesn’t stagnate or cause potential damage.
Turning off or setting your water heater to vacation mode also helps reduce sediment buildup and protects the tank from long-term wear. Stagnant water can increase the risk of corrosion or unpleasant odors when you return. Taking this step preserves the lifespan of your water heater and keeps energy use to a minimum while you’re away.
Shut Off the Main Water Supply
Before leaving, locate and turn off your home’s main water valve. This is one of the most effective ways to prevent major leaks or pipe bursts while you’re away. Once you shut off the main valve, open the highest and lowest faucets in your home. This drains the water from your pipes and reduces pressure, helping prevent leaks and freeze risks. Ensure all sinks, tubs, and shower faucets run until the water stops flowing.
Leaving the main water valve on while away can turn minor leaks into major water damage and expensive plumbing repairs. Even a small dripping pipe can cause mold, structural damage, or high water bills if it goes unnoticed. Turning off the valve ensures that unexpected issues won’t escalate.
Flush the Toilets Properly
Flush all toilets in your home to empty the bowls. Leave water in the tanks and bowls to maintain the trap seals, which prevent sewer gases from entering your home while you are gone. This simple step preserves indoor air quality and helps you avoid unwelcome odors when you return.
Without water in the traps, odors can attract pests and make your home unpleasant upon return. Flushing before leaving keeps your bathrooms sanitary.
Disconnect Outdoor Hoses and Sprinklers
Disconnect all outdoor hoses to prevent water pressure from building up in the hose bibs. If you have a sprinkler system, turn it off completely. Leaving your irrigation system active can lead to leaks, water waste, or damage to your landscaping while you’re on vacation. Covering or insulating outdoor faucets can also protect them from temperature extremes.
Even brief exposure to heat or pressure can damage outdoor faucet connections and sprinkler lines. Disconnecting hoses prevents hose bib warping or leaks, while turning off sprinklers prevents accidental overwatering or flooding that can affect your landscaping and foundation.
Test Your Sump Pump
If your home has a sump pump, test it before leaving. Pour a bucket of water into the pit to ensure it activates and pumps water properly. A malfunctioning sump pump during a storm can cause flooding and water damage, which is especially critical if no one is home to respond quickly.
Testing your sump pump also gives you peace of mind against unexpected storms. A properly functioning pump prevents flooding and expensive water damage to basements, flooring, and stored belongings. Catching minor issues early can save thousands in repair costs.
Protect Your Drains
Pouring two to four ounces of mineral oil down the drains can improve the p-trap seals and prevent sewer gases from entering your home. This is especially helpful for sinks and floor drains that aren’t used while you are away. Running a small amount of water after the oil helps evenly distribute it in the trap.
Shut Off Appliances Connected to Water
Dishwashers, washing machines, and ice makers are common points of leaks and burst pipes. Turn off the water supply to these appliances before you leave. If your fridge has an ice maker, disable it to prevent potential damage when it attempts to make ice without a water supply. Doing so reduces the risk of water damage and prevents appliance malfunctions.
If your home uses a water softener or reverse osmosis system, consider shutting it off while you’re away. These systems can leak or waste water if left unattended. Installing water leak detectors near vulnerable appliances adds an extra layer of protection. Labeling shut-off valves for family members or neighbors ensures someone can respond quickly in an emergency.
Additional Safety Checks and Pro Tips
Before leaving, take a few final precautions to give your home added security. Inspect under sinks and around appliances for any early signs of leaks or wear. Secure shut-off valves for any individual fixtures you haven’t already addressed.
Leaving cabinet doors open under sinks allows air to circulate and helps prevent mold growth. Notify a trusted neighbor or friend about your absence and ask them to keep an eye out for unusual water usage or signs of plumbing issues. These extra checks provide peace of mind while you’re not at home.
Professional Plumbing Inspection Before Vacation
Although the steps above are essential, there is something else you should consider before leaving for your vacation. Scheduling a professional plumbing inspection can ensure there are no major concerns that could cause nightmare situations while you are far from home. A pre-vacation plumbing check ensures your home is fully prepared and protects you from unexpected problems.
Return Preparations
When you return, turn the main water valve back on slowly to allow the system to pressurize. Check the faucets, toilets, and appliances for leaks, and re-enable your sprinkler system and appliance water connections. Finally, reset your water heater to its normal operating temperature. These steps complete the safe home shutdown process and ensure your plumbing functions properly after your vacation.
When restoring water, run seldom-used faucets first to flush any debris that may have settled after you drained the pipes. Check appliance connections carefully before turning them back on, including ice makers, washing machines, and dishwashers. Inspect hose bibs, pipe insulation, and any sprinkler system components for leaks or damage. Taking these steps ensures your plumbing is fully operational and prevents small issues from becoming expensive ones.
Protect Your Plumbing While Away
By taking these precautions, you reduce the risk of leaks, flooding, sewer gases, and appliance damage. Planning ahead ensures peace of mind so you can enjoy your vacation with less stress. AZ Family Plumbing is here to help you get prepared. Our extensive plumbing services keep your system protected and ready at all times. We offer installation, maintenance, and repairs for all plumbing components.
Contact AZ Family Plumbing today to schedule a plumbing inspection in Glendale. Let us help you prepare your plumbing system for your time away.
