Pre-Trip Plumbing Checks: Peace of Mind

Every homeowner dreads a plumbing disaster at home while they are away. How do you avoid it? Well if you run a few simple pre-trip plumbing checks in your home, or better still get a plumber in to help you, you can mitigate any potential issues. And then find a housesitter who can help you deal with any unexpected frozen pipes while you are away, just in case.

running all the taps is one of the simple plumbing checks — There are several basic plumbing checks you can do yourself like running each tap to ensure all is well, and that the water flows easily down each plug hole

Photo credit – Brett_Hondow

How to Prepare Your Home’s Plumbing Before Leaving for a Long Trip or House Sit

Whether you’re heading out on a long-awaited vacation or entrusting your home to a house sitter, one of the last things you want to deal with is coming back to a plumbing disaster.

With a few simple pre-trip plumbing checks you can avoid an unwanted plumbing disaster. A burst pipe, leaking faucet, or flooded basement can turn your post-trip peace into a stressful ordeal. Taking a few preventive steps before you leave can make all the difference in keeping your plumbing system safe, efficient, and problem-free while you’re away.

A Practical Guide to Essential Plumbing Checks

Here’s a practical guide to help you get your home’s plumbing ready for an extended absence and how a plumber can help ensure everything runs smoothly. Do these plumbing checks to minimise any risk of unwanted plumbing accidents:

1. Inspect for Hidden Leaks Before You Leave

Start by giving your home a quick plumbing inspection. Inspect your home for leaks by checking for dripping taps, damp areas beneath sinks, or water stains on walls and ceilings. Even a small leak can worsen while you’re gone, potentially causing serious water damage.

Check your toilets for running water sounds after flushing, a sign that the flapper valve might be worn out. Secure any loose connections and swap out worn washers or cracked hoses.

If you’re unsure about the source of a leak or need peace of mind before leaving, it’s best to call a qualified Ryde plumber for a quick assessment.

A professional can run some more detailed plumbing checks to help identify hidden leaks using moisture sensors or pressure testing that most homeowners don’t have access to.

2. Locate and Test Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve

Knowing how to find and operate your main water shut-off valve is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to prevent flooding. Turning off the water supply while you’re away can prevent major damage and save you thousands if a pipe happens to burst.

Before your trip, test the valve to ensure it turns smoothly and fully stops water flow. For longer absences, it’s often wise to turn the valve off completely. If you have a house sitter, show them where it’s located and how to operate it in case of an emergency.

If the valve feels stuck or corroded, that’s another sign to call a plumber. They can replace old or faulty shut-off valves quickly and safely, a small job compared to dealing with major water damage later.

3. Drain Outdoor Faucets and Protect Against Freezing

Outdoor plumbing is particularly vulnerable during colder months. Before you head out, detach garden hoses, empty outdoor taps, and, if possible, turn off the water supply to exterior lines. Any water left inside can freeze, expand, and rupture the pipes, resulting in costly repairs.

For homes in areas prone to freezing temperatures, consider installing frost-proof hose bibs or insulating your pipes. A qualified plumber can help identify areas of your plumbing that are at risk and install proper insulation or heating cables to prevent freezing while you’re away. Another one of the key plumbing checks to keep your home safe.

Keeping a housesitter resident in a home that has to cope with freezing temperatures means you can have someone on site to deal with any unwanted issues

external water pipes — External water pipes are easy to check, however, they offer added risk of freezing in cold climates

Photo credit- marvinsikanyika

4. Maintain Your Water Heater and Sump Pump

Your water heater and sump pump are two often-overlooked systems that can create major issues if left unattended. It is a priority for your pre trip plumbing checks.

If you’ll be away for a while, consider turning your water heater to the “vacation” or “pilot” setting to save energy. This setting keeps the water warm enough to prevent freezing without maintaining full heat. If your heater doesn’t have that setting, simply lower the temperature to around 50°C (120°F).

To check if your sump pump is working properly, pour some water into the pit and confirm that it turns on as it should. If it fails during a heavy rainfall, your basement could end up flooded. If it hasn’t been serviced recently, consider scheduling maintenance with a plumber before you go. They can test the float switch, clean the pit, and ensure the pump is in good working order.

Photo credit – marvinsikanyika

5. Clean Drains and Garbage Disposals

Grease, soap scum, and leftover food can accumulate inside drains, leading to foul smells or clogs when the house is empty. Flush them with hot water and a mix of vinegar or baking soda to break down any residue. You can also drop a few ice cubes and lemon slices into your garbage disposal to clean and freshen it.

Avoid strong chemical drain cleaners, as they can damage your pipes and cause lasting problems. If you notice slow drainage or frequent clogs, consider having a plumber perform a professional cleaning as a better and safer option.

6. Communicate Plumbing Basics with Your House Sitter

If a house sitter or guest will be in your home, take a few minutes to show them the basic plumbing details. Show them where the main water shut-off valve is, how to use the sump pump (if applicable), and what to do if they notice a leak.

Leave a note with emergency contacts, including a local qualified plumber who can handle unexpected plumbing issues. Clear instructions can save your house sitter from panic and your home from serious water damage.

7. Flush and Seal Drains Before Locking Up

If your home will be empty for several weeks or months, stagnant water in your pipes and drains can lead to foul odours. To prevent this, flush all toilets, run water in sinks, and pour a small amount of mineral oil into floor drains before you leave. This helps seal the traps and keeps sewer gases from entering your home.

Don’t forget appliances like dishwashers and washing machines drain any standing water, and leave the doors slightly open to prevent mould growth.

flush all the toilets as one of your primary plumbing checks — flushing all the toilets before you leave is one of the primary plumbing checks

Photo credit – chriskeller

8. Do a Final Walkthrough Before You Leave

Before locking the door, take one final walkthrough of your home. Double-check that all taps are turned off, no toilets are running, and there’s no water pooling anywhere. Do a final check beneath sinks and near the water heater to ensure everything is in order.

For total peace of mind, consider arranging a quick inspection with a plumber a few days before your trip. A short visit can confirm everything is secure and prevent problems from arising while you’re away.

Final Thoughts on Pre Trip Plumbing Checks

Preparing your home’s plumbing system before leaving for a long trip or house sit doesn’t take much time. But these pre trip plumbing checks could save you from massive headaches and costly repairs. From turning off your main valve to maintaining key systems like your sump pump and water heater, a few preventive measures go a long way toward protecting your property.

And don’t forget, if you’re uncertain about anything, it’s best to call a qualified plumber for advice. Their expertise can help you catch issues before they turn into emergencies, ensuring that you return to a dry, safe, and comfortable home exactly as you left it.