Avoiding Plumbing Mishaps While Away
By preparing your plumbing before you go, you protect your home, save money on repairs, and avoid the stress of coming home to a catastrophe.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a long vacation, or an extended work trip, leaving your home unattended can create a perfect storm for plumbing problems. A small leak can turn into major water damage, a frozen pipe can burst, and running toilets can waste hundreds of gallons of water before you get back. By preparing your plumbing before you go, you protect your home, save money on repairs, and avoid the stress of coming home to a catastrophe.
This complete homeowner’s guide walks through essential plumbing precautions before leaving town, checks to perform, seasonal considerations, and emergency planning. With practical tips for kitchen plumbing, bathroom fixtures, water heaters, and outdoor pipes, you’ll return to peace of mind instead of unexpected damage.
Why Plumbing Preparation Is Important Before Travel
Plumbing systems work quietly every day, but even small issues — like a dripping faucet or a weak flush — can worsen over time. When no one is home to catch early warning signs, minor problems escalate quickly. Leaks can soak floors, walls, and ceilings. Toilet tanks can run continuously, wasting gallons of water. Outdoor hoses left attached in freezing temperatures can cause pipes to burst.
A little preparation before travel prevents these issues from starting and ensures your plumbing system stays intact while you enjoy your trip. With a few simple steps, you protect your home, your belongings, and your wallet from unnecessary repair costs.
Check for Existing Issues Before You Go
Before you even think about packing your suitcase, take a few minutes to inspect your home’s plumbing for signs of existing problems. Look for:
• Leaks under sinks — water stains, damp cabinets, or musty odors can signal hidden leaks.
• Running toilets — a toilet that never fully stops running wastes water and can overflow.
• Slow drains — sinks or tubs that drain slowly indicate partial clogs that could worsen.
• Water pressure irregularities — sudden drops or inconsistent flow can point to hidden issues.
Fixing these problems before leaving town reduces the risk that they become emergencies while you’re away. Small repairs like tightening fittings or clearing minor clogs are much easier when you’re at home than calling for emergency service from afar.
Protect Your Toilets and Faucets
Toilets and faucets are some of the most common sources of water waste and leaks. Before leaving:
• Check toilet flappers — a worn or loose flapper can cause a running toilet.
• Inspect faucet aerators and valves — drips often originate at faucet junctions where washers or seals are worn.
• Shut off water to rarely used bathrooms — if you have guest bathrooms that won’t be used while you’re away, consider shutting off water supply valves to those fixtures.
Stopping running toilets and eliminating drips not only reduces the chance of water damage but also saves money on your water bill while you’re out of town.
Turn Off Outdoor Water and Protect Exterior Pipes
Outdoor plumbing is particularly vulnerable when you’re away, especially in colder months. Garden hoses left connected can trap water in exterior lines, increasing the risk of frozen or bursting pipes. Before leaving:
• Disconnect and drain hoses — water left in hoses and outdoor faucets can freeze and expand in cold weather.
• Shut off exterior water supply — use the exterior shutoff valve if you have one.
• Insulate outdoor pipes — foam pipe insulation or heat tape reduces freeze risk.
• Check irrigation systems — if you have automatic sprinklers, ensure systems are winterized or set correctly to avoid overwatering and leaks.
Taking these steps protects your outdoor plumbing, prevents costly burst pipe repairs, and reduces water waste.
Adjust Your Water Heater for Vacations
Your water heater continues heating water even when no one is home unless you adjust the settings first. To save energy and reduce wear:
• Lower the thermostat — dropping the temperature a few degrees reduces energy use.
• Set to “vacation mode” if available — some models include this feature and keep a minimal hot water heat level.
• Turn off the water heater entirely for long trips — if you’re gone for weeks, shutting off power or gas protects the unit.
Lowering the workload on your water heater saves energy and reduces the chance of unexpected failures while you’re away.
Check Washing Machines and Dishwashers
Appliances with water connections — especially washing machines and dishwashers — can leak while you’re gone, flooding laundry rooms or kitchens. Before you leave:
• Inspect hoses for wear — replace cracked or bulging hoses.
• Turn off supply valves — shutting off water to these appliances prevents leaks in your absence.
• Run a final cycle and leave doors open to dry — this reduces moisture buildup and mold risk.
Taking a little time to check appliances gives you confidence that water won’t pool on your floors while you’re enjoying your trip.
Protect Against Frozen Pipes in Winter
Frozen pipes can burst, causing major damage, especially in colder climates. If your travel plans coincide with winter temperatures, take extra precautions:
• Let faucets drip slightly — a slow trickle relieves pressure and reduces freezing risk.
• Keep the heat on in your home — maintain at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Open cabinet doors under sinks — warm air circulation helps prevent freezing around plumbing.
• Add insulation to garage pipes — garages can get cold quickly and affect interior plumbing.
Preparing for cold weather before you leave prevents disastrous pipe bursts and costly repairs.
Set Up Emergency Contact and Shutoff Plans
In case something does go wrong while you’re away, it’s smart to prepare:
• Share a contact with a neighbor or friend — someone local can check on your home if you’re gone for an extended period.
• Know where your main shutoff valve is — if a burst or leak is discovered, shutting off the main water can limit damage.
• Create a list of emergency plumbers — pre-screened professionals near your home can respond quickly if needed.
Having a support system in place confirms that plumbing emergencies are handled promptly, minimizing water damage and repair costs.
Final Walk-Through Before Departure
On your way out the door, do one final walk-through of your home:
• Turn off unused water supply valves
• Check that toilets are not running
• Ensure hoses are disconnected
• Lower the water heater temperature
• Confirm that faucets are closed completely
This last check gives you peace of mind and helps prevent avoidable plumbing emergencies while you’re away.
Plumbing Protection Questions Every Homeowner Should Consider Before Traveling
How do I prevent plumbing issues while I am out of town?
Before leaving, check for active leaks, shut off supply valves to toilets and appliances, disconnect outdoor hoses, lower water heater settings, and prepare exterior plumbing for weather conditions. These steps reduce the chance of unexpected water damage.
Should I turn off the main water supply when on vacation?
If you will be away for more than a week, shutting off the main water supply greatly reduces the risk of major leaks or pipe failures causing extensive damage while no one is home.
Can frozen pipes burst while I am away?
Yes. Pipes that freeze due to cold temperatures or lack of insulation can burst and cause serious flooding. Maintaining indoor heat, insulating exposed pipes, and addressing vulnerable areas helps prevent this risk.
Does leaving faucets slightly open help prevent freezing?
Allowing faucets to drip slightly helps relieve pressure inside the pipes and reduces the likelihood of freezing during cold weather, especially in areas prone to low temperatures.
How can I monitor my home’s plumbing when I am away?
Arranging for a neighbor to check your home, installing smart leak detection devices, and sharing emergency contact information all help monitor plumbing conditions and catch issues early.
Need reliable and affordable faucet repairs, replacement, and installation, toilet plumbing repair, backflow plumbing, and slab leaks services in the Phoenix and AZ Greater Metro Area? Contact MNS Plumbing at 602-362-4524.
