Leaving for vacation brings immense joy. The thought of returning to a flooded home, however, quickly diminishes that excitement. A burst pipe or a leaking water heater can cause extensive damage. These issues lead to costly repairs and significant stress, turning post-holiday relaxation into a nightmare.
This checklist aims to prevent such disasters. Proactive plumbing maintenance saves money, avoids structural harm, and ensures peace of mind. Taking a few simple steps before your trip protects your home. Here are some vital pre-departure checks, strategic shutdowns, and post-return actions. Also, know when to best seek professional help.
Before You Go: Essential Pre-Checks
Before stepping out the door, a thorough examination of your home’s plumbing systems can prevent many common vacation-related disasters. These checks focus on identifying potential issues before they escalate.
- Inspect Visible Pipes and Connections
Examine all exposed pipes under sinks, behind toilets, and in the laundry room. Look for any signs of dampness, rust, or mineral deposits. Even small drips can worsen over time. A slight discolouration on the pipe or surrounding area indicates a potential leak. Tighten any loose connections found during this inspection. This simple visual check can often reveal developing problems.
- Check Toilets for Leaks
Toilets are frequent sources of silent leaks. Add a few drops of food colouring to the toilet tank. Do not flush. If the colour appears in the bowl within 15-20 minutes, you have a leak. This typically indicates a faulty flapper valve or fill valve. Repairing this before leaving prevents water waste and potential overflow issues while you are away.
- Test Sump Pump Operation
If your home has a sump pump, ensure it operates correctly. Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit. The pump should activate, remove the water, and then shut off. A malfunctioning sump pump can lead to basement flooding, especially during heavy rainfall. According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, basement flooding is a leading cause of property damage claims.
- Clear Drains and Disposals
Slow drains or an inefficient garbage disposal can worsen while unused. Clear any clogs in sinks, showers, and tubs. Use a drain snake or a biological cleaner, not harsh chemicals which can damage pipes. Run the garbage disposal with ice cubes and citrus peels to clean and sharpen its blades. This prevents unpleasant odours and backups upon your return.
- Address Dripping Taps
Even a slow drip wastes water and indicates a worn-out washer or O-ring. A single dripping tap can waste thousands of litres of water annually. Repair these drips before your trip. The constant water flow can also lead to staining and mildew growth. Simple repairs can often be done with basic tools.
- Examine Water Heater
Inspect your water heater for any leaks around the base or connections. Look for rust or corrosion on the tank or pipes. A subtle leak can become a major problem when the unit is left unmonitored. While turning off the water heater is an option for long trips, ensuring it is in good working order is key for shorter absences.
- Outdoor Irrigation Assessment
Check outdoor taps for leaks or drips. Ensure garden hoses are disconnected and stored. Freezing temperatures can cause water in outdoor taps to expand, leading to burst pipes. While this is less of a concern in summer, it’s a good habit to ensure all outdoor water sources are properly secured.
Strategic Shutdowns: When to Turn Things Off
Deciding which water systems to turn off before leaving depends on the length of your trip and the specific risks involved. Thoughtful shutdowns lower potential damage.
- Main Water Supply Valve
For extended vacations (more than a week), consider turning off the main water supply valve. This prevents any water from entering your home, eliminating the risk of burst pipes or significant leaks. The main shut-off valve is usually located where the water line enters your house, typically in the basement or utility room. This is the most effective way to protect your property from water damage.
- Water Heater
If you’re going away for a week or more, turn your water heater to “vacation” mode or switch it off. For gas heaters, turn the control dial to “pilot” or “vacation.” For electric heaters, turn off the dedicated circuit breaker. This saves energy and prevents the tank from heating water unnecessarily. It also reduces the risk of leaks from a constantly pressurized and heated tank.
- Washing Machine Water Supply
Washing machine hoses are a common point of failure. Turn off the hot and cold-water supply valves to your washing machine before leaving. These valves are typically located behind the machine. This simple step prevents hose bursts and leaks, which can quickly cause substantial flooding. The hoses can degrade over time, making this a critical preventive measure.
- Dishwasher Water Supply
While less common, dishwasher supply lines can also leak. Many dishwashers have an accessible shut-off valve under the kitchen sink. If yours does, turn it off. If not, turning off the main water supply offers protection. This prevents potential leaks from hoses or internal components while the appliance is idle.
- Ice Maker Water Line
Refrigerator ice makers and water dispensers are connected to your home’s water supply. Locate the shut-off valve for this line, usually behind the refrigerator or under the sink. Turning it off prevents potential leaks from the small, often plastic, water line. These lines are susceptible to cracks and ruptures, particularly if the refrigerator is old.
Post-Trip Return: What to Do
Returning home after a relaxing vacation requires a few steps to reactivate your plumbing systems safely. These actions help detect and address any issues that may have developed while you were away.
- Slowly Restore Main Water Supply
If you turned off the main water supply, open the valve slowly. Turning it on too quickly can cause a water hammer effect, which can damage pipes. Listen for any unusual sounds like gurgling or hissing, which may indicate trapped air or a leak. Allow the system to repressurize gradually.
- Check for Leaks Immediately
Once the water is back on, perform a quick visual inspection of all fixtures, pipes, and appliances. Look for any new drips or puddles. Pay close attention to areas that were previously identified as potential problem spots. Early detection can prevent minor issues from becoming major repairs.
- Run Taps and Flush Toilets
Turn on all taps (hot and cold) for a few minutes to flush out any stagnant water. Do this for all sinks, showers, and bathtubs. Flush toilets multiple times to ensure they refill correctly, and no air is trapped in the lines. This clears any sediment and ensures freshwater flow.
- Reactivate Water Heater
If you turned off your water heater, turn it back on. For gas heaters, relight the pilot if necessary. For electric heaters, flip the circuit breaker back on. Allow sufficient time for the water to heat up before use. Check for any new leaks around the tank or connections.
- Inspect Appliances
Check all water-connected appliances, including washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerators with ice makers. Look for any signs of leaks around their connections. Run a short cycle on the washing machine or dishwasher to ensure they are functioning properly and without issue.
- Outdoor System Check
If you disconnected outdoor hoses or shut off outdoor taps, reconnect them and slowly turn on the water. Check for any leaks at the connection points. Ensure no damage occurred to the outdoor plumbing while you were away, especially if temperatures dropped unexpectedly.
- Monitor Water Meter
After restoring all systems, avoid using water for an hour or two. Check your water meter reading before and after this period. If the reading changes, it indicates a leak somewhere in your home. This subtle but effective check can reveal hidden plumbing problems.
When to Call a Professional
While many pre-trip checks and post-return actions are simple DIY tasks, certain situations warrant the expertise of a professional plumber. Recognizing these instances can save you time, money, and further damage.
- Persistent Leaks
If you discover a leak that you cannot easily locate or stop, it’s time to call a professional. Hidden leaks behind walls or under floors can cause significant structural damage and mould growth. A plumber has tools like thermal imaging cameras to pinpoint exact leak locations. They can also assess the extent of the damage.
- Low Water Pressure
Sudden or significant drops in water pressure throughout your home indicate a larger issue. This could be a main water line leak, a blocked pipe, or a problem with your pressure regulator. A professional can diagnose the cause and recommend the appropriate solution. Do not attempt to fix this yourself without proper knowledge.
- Discoloured Water
If your tap water appears rusty, brown, or otherwise discoloured, it may indicate corroding pipes or sediment in your water heater. While running the water for a few minutes can sometimes clear it, persistent discolouration requires professional investigation. This could be a health hazard.
- No Hot Water
If your water heater is properly turned on and still not producing hot water, there may be a problem with the heating element, thermostat, or gas pilot light. These repairs often require specialized knowledge and tools. Attempting to fix them yourself can be dangerous.
- Frequent Clogs or Backups
While a single clogged drain can often be cleared with a plunger or snake, recurring clogs or backups in multiple fixtures suggest a deeper issue in your main sewer line. Tree roots, collapsed pipes, or significant blockages require professional drain cleaning equipment or pipe repair.
- Unusual Plumbing Noises
Banging, rattling, or gurgling sounds coming from your pipes can signal various problems. This could be water hammer, loose pipes, or air trapped in the system. These noises indicate underlying issues that can worsen over time, leading to pipe damage or leaks. A plumber can identify the source and rectify it.
- Major Appliance Malfunctions
If a major appliance like your washing machine or dishwasher experiences a significant leak or breakdown that you suspect is plumbing-related, a professional assessment is wise. Attempting complex appliance repairs without expertise can void warranties or cause further damage.
A well-planned vacation begins with a secure home. Protecting your plumbing from unforeseen issues ensures a relaxed return. Taking the time for these pre-trip checks and strategic shutdowns avoids costly surprises. Returning to a dry, intact home allows you to cherish your holiday memories. Plumbing issues can be stressful and expensive. A little foresight goes a long way.
For any plumbing concerns, or if you need professional assistance before or after your trip, contact Plumbing Authority at (647) 992-7473. Our expertise ensures your home’s plumbing remains in top condition, giving you peace of mind while you are away.