Key Takeaways
- Take care of any potential plumbing disasters before heading out on vacation to save yourself from extensive damage and expensive repairs in your absence.
- Check for leaks and winterize any outdoor faucets and hoses. Make sure to test your sump pump and any other systems before you leave, and get ready to enjoy the summery Los Angeles weather when you return!
- Shut down your main water supply before you go! Reduce costs and risks by setting your water heater to “vacation” mode or lower the temperature before leaving.
- Regularly unclog sinks, flush toilets, and turn off water to appliances to avoid clogs, leaks, and wasted water.
- Take your home’s protection to new heights by investing in the latest technologies. Smart leak detectors and water pressure regulators offer even more reassurance for Southern California homes.
- Share your emergency contacts with a neighbor or friend you trust. Ensure they’re familiar with your home’s shut-off locations as well, so they can respond immediately if anything springs a leak while you’re away!
The key to vacation-proofing your plumbing is prevention—so start preparing before you pack. This can save you from leaks, avoid water damage, and prevent expensive repairs while you’re on a trip! A comprehensive pre-trip checklist covers jobs like shutting off the main water valve, checking pipes for leaks, and clearing drains.
In Los Angeles, where dry summers contribute to chronic drought, this is a particular difficulty for homeowners. It’s smart to institute additional checks for outdoor faucets, sprinkler timers and even pool equipment. It doesn’t take a lot of effort on your part to prevent a world of headache and expense.
Put your water heater on “vacation” mode and have a trusted neighbor check for any signs of leaks! Our checklist below walks you through each of these steps in easy-to-understand language. In this manner, your plumbing is protected and you can relax on your trip with greater peace of mind.
Why Bother? The Vacation Plumbing Nightmare
After all, being away from home is stressful enough. Nobody wants to come back to water damage or an expensive repair bill! Plumbing disasters can put a damper on more than your vacation fun. They can destroy your floors, walls and even your house’s electrical system.
When leaks are hidden from view for days or weeks, you can be stuck with exorbitant water bills. Further, you would be exposing yourself to the danger of mold. A simple inspection before you vacation prevents hassles and expense down the road. That’s particularly the case in cities like Los Angeles, where aging residences might have some unexpected plumbing oddities.
Common Unwelcome Home Surprises
Nothing is worse than returning home from a nice vacation to wet carpet, a funky odor, or worse yet—pools of water on your floor. Leaky pipes, clogged drains, and jammed garbage disposals are at the top of the list. A burst pipe in the middle of winter could potentially freeze and flood an entire room.
Even minor leaks can drip into kitchen cabinets and bathroom walls, causing damaged warped wood floors or moldy peeling paint on drywall. These are legitimate worries that add to the stress over the physical mess. It’s hard to be happy to come home when you’re returning home to a chore.
Tending to a few minor chores will help ensure everything runs smoothly in your absence. For instance, lubricate the garbage disposal by running it with a small amount of oil!
The Real Cost of Plumbing Neglect
Emergency repairs can be two or three times the cost of regular maintenance. Not only are water damage claims more frequent, but they increase insurance premiums. Schedule a yearly inspection or perform an easy DIY check before you depart.
This helps avoid larger issues and saves you money in the long run. In the long run, a little maintenance will lead to fewer unexpected issues and more cash in your pocket.
Your Home’s Silent Water Guardian
Your home’s silent water guardian, an installed sump pump, can help prevent flooding, particularly in basement areas. Make sure it’s working properly before you leave home. If you notice hissing noises, water spots or rust, it’s time for a scheduled tune-up.
Preventive maintenance is the best way to ensure your sump pump is always prepared for whatever comes your way.
Your Essential Pre-Trip Plumbing Checklist
Preparing your plumbing before heading out on summer vacation is a wise precaution. Some simple preparation goes a long way in avoiding these huge inconveniences and preventing unexpected repairs from putting a damper on your homecoming.
Even in ice-cold cities such as Los Angeles, frozen pipes are an uncommon occurrence. Leaks, clogs, and water damage are a constant threat. An essential home plumbing checklist will allow you to identify small issues before they become bigger and more costly, protecting your home while avoiding unnecessary energy expenses.
If you share the list with everyone living in the house, it ensures that nothing gets overlooked and that everyone is aware of what needs to happen. Check out our rundown of essential plumbing jobs to tackle, why they’re important, and what to look for with each.
Essential Plumbing Tasks to Tackle Before Your Trip:
- Find and test the main water shut-off valve
- Check every pipe and fixture for leaks
- Drain and disconnect all outdoor hoses and faucets
- Cut off water to appliances and inspect hoses
- Change your water heater to vacation mode
- Test your sump pump’s function, if you have one
- Secure toilets and clear drains
- Clean out garbage disposals, French drains, and gutters
- Set the home thermostat to 50–60°F
- Instruct family members or house sitters on where shut-offs are located.
Doing these steps at least two weeks prior to your departure allows for the opportunity to identify and repair any issues that arise.
1. Master the Main Water Shut-Off Valve
Where your main shut-off valve is located—and how to operate it—can make a world of difference come plumbing emergency time. The main shut-off valve is usually located near the perimeter of the foundation.
It’s your first line of defense if a pipe breaks or major leak develops! In typical Los Angeles homes, you’ll find the valve outside by the water meter, or in the basement or utility room. Make sure you’re familiar with it so you can practice turning it off and on again.
This is a quick check, it shouldn’t take you more than a few seconds. Turning the water off during your absence reduces the chances of flooding to almost none. If you’re having someone house sit, take them to the valve and instruct them how to turn it off and on.
Leave a sign with brief, clear directions in close proximity. Taking this step can mean the difference between thousands in water damage.
2. Inspect for Sneaky Leaks Everywhere
Leaks can be at the faucet, showerhead, and toilet bolts, but behind cabinetry and fixtures. A thorough sweep looks under sinks, around toilets, and under exposed pipes in the garage or basement.
Drips or signs of water stains can be found with the help of a flashlight. A moisture meter can quickly help you identify hidden damp areas that may indicate leaks beneath floors or within walls. Moldy odors or spongy wallboard may be signs of a septic system failure.
Note all leaks detected to make necessary repairs. Even that little drip needs to be repaired before you head out. Catching water damage or mildew early reduces the likelihood of more severe repairs upon return.
3. Drain Outdoor Hoses and Faucets
Additionally, even in southern cities, outdoor plumbing is often exposed directly to the elements. Unscrew hoses from spigots, then drain, coil, and store them in a garage or shed.
This prevents the rubber from drying out and cracking, while preventing any trapped moisture from causing rust. Make sure you turn off all outside faucets securely, and use a key if you can to lock them.
Look for any drips or leaks occurring at hose bibs or sprinkler valves. Repairing these beforehand saves you water and prevents a watery shock when you return.
4. Give Water Appliances a Break
Dishwashers, washing machines, and ice makers all consume a considerable amount of water—and each has hoses that are prone to cracking or popping loose. Most of these appliances have water shut-off valves directly associated with the unit.
For washers, these are typically located directly behind the appliance. Run a rinse or drain cycle to flush out any stagnant water. While you’re back there, check for any bulges or wet spots on hoses.
Replace any that appear cracked. Scheduling a simple annual tune-up will go a long way in keeping these water-hogging appliances chugging along smoothly.
5. Set Your Water Heater to “Vacation”
Most water heaters come equipped with the option to set your water heater on “vacation”. This reduces the tank’s temperature, saving energy while ensuring the water doesn’t become stagnant.
If you’re taking a longer trip, shutting the heater off at the breaker panel or the gas valve is a good choice. This not only reduces energy consumption, but provides an extra measure of security.
A simple inspection around the base for wet areas can prevent leaks from turning into floods. The less hot water you use, the more money you save on your utility bills! Best of all, you won’t return home to a freezing cold shower or a watery garage.
6. Test Your Sump Pump’s Readiness
Even if this isn’t an issue in your area, if you have a sump pump, a test run before you leave is smart. Dump enough water into the pit to raise the float and start the pump.
Ensure that the discharge hose directs water far away from the foundation of the house. Check that the power cord is tightly secured. If your unit has a battery backup, make sure the battery is charged.
Remove any gunk or debris from the pit and around the pump intake. If your pump is rusty or making strange noises, get a professional to inspect it before you leave. If a storm brings a lot of rain, or if you have a plumbing leak, a working sump pump will help prevent a flooded basement.
7. Secure Toilets and Clear Drains
Make sure toilets are secured and not leaking at base or tank. Check for a snug seal and tighten any loose bolts. Discharge some enzyme-based drain cleaner through every drain to break down drain buildup and keep pipes flowing freely.
Remove hair and debris from traps under shower and sink drains. Use fine mesh drain protection over sinks and tubs to catch errant items. Get rid of odor and food buildup in the disposal by grinding up ice cubes mixed with a little baking soda, then rinse thoroughly.
A quick flush of French drains and gutters ensures rainwater drains away from your home.
Beyond the Basics: Next-Level Plumbing Protection
If you’re looking for more than just the basics-NEXT LEVEL plumbing protection is here! With these services, the safety of your home is always within reach—even from thousands of miles away. From smart leak detectors to water pressure regulators, these upgrades prevent costly water damage and stress by detecting leaks early.
Keep in touch to learn more about exciting new advancements in plumbing protection! Preventive maintenance at the outset prevents the crisis that comes with disaster response, stress and excessive repair costs. Here’s why these solutions are instrumental to vacation-proofing your home.
Consider Water Pressure Regulators
Too much water pressure can quickly deteriorate pipes and cause them to leak, or even burst—destroyed carpets and moldy walls aren’t too far behind. Signs such as banging pipes or leaking faucets indicate a regulator could be beneficial.
Maintaining consistent water pressure increases plumbing longevity and ensures proper functioning of appliances. An experienced plumber will be able to evaluate your installation and select the appropriate regulator for your home.
Understand Backflow Preventer Benefits
Backflow preventers are put in place to prevent dirty water from flowing back into your main clean supply. This protects your water from contaminants, even during extreme weather events like heavy rain or a drop in water pressure.
Thousands of cities, including most of Los Angeles, mandate the installation of these devices in residences. Testing them annually ensures they continue to function properly.
Embrace Smart Home Leak Detection
Smart home leak detectors are an easy and effective way to add another layer of plumbing protection. Unlike many traditional systems, these smart devices send alerts directly to your smartphone, allowing you to act immediately.
Some models even automatically shut off water if they detect a leak. This remote access comes in especially useful for longer trips.
Winterize Your Water Softener
To preserve your water softener during freezing temperatures, drain and clean your unit before the winter season. Ensure the salt level is appropriate and inspect the brine tank for cracks.
This prevents freezing and ensures your system stays healthy.
Seasonal Plumbing Smarts: Weather Matters
Planning your plumbing around the seasons Plumbing isn’t protected from unpredictable weather. Every season in the U.S. Can pose unique challenges. Finding the best adaptation strategies is a wise use of precious resources—and the place to begin is with understanding how local weather affects risk.
Homeowners who proactively address seasonal changes prevent plumbing damage and malfunctions while they’re not home to see them arise.
Winter Worries: Prevent Frozen Pipes
Winter impacts As we’ve seen this winter, cold snaps can take a heavy toll—particularly in areas where we expect wintertime lows. Freezing temperatures greatly weaken pipes and if they freeze, can burst or shatter when put back into service.
To avoid this, insulate your pipes with foam pipe insulation. Maintain temperature consistently inside, regardless of your presence. Whenever a particularly deep freeze is in the forecast, allowing faucets to drip slightly can help relieve excess pressure in pipes.
By adding Styrofoam covers to outside faucets, you can achieve another level of winter-proofing. Inspect for drafts near sinks and tubs, since just a little cold wind can freeze pipes. Of course, clean out those gutters and downspouts! Keeping paths clear will help water drain and stay away from areas that freeze up when it shouldn’t.
Summer Safeguards: Heat and Humidity Tips
Summer is no different, presenting challenges of its own. Heat and humidity can cause premature wear by straining older plumbing. Outdoor pipes, irrigation systems, spigots and such should all get a checkup before you head out on vacation.
Inspect for leaks and cracks and signs of rust. Having good drainage around your home can help prevent pooling and expensive water damage after sudden summer storms. Flushing out French drains clears out the grime from past seasons, preventing clogs and cracks when things start to heat up.
Be mindful of water use during extreme heat events so you don’t put a strain on the system.
Regional Risks: Know Your Local Climate
Each area comes with its own idiosyncrasies, though. Some places are prone to thawing and refreezing, others experience long, dry, hot spells. Understand your region’s climate and prepare your pipes to match.
Consult local codes to ensure you’re in compliance with any upgrade or seasonal maintenance measures. In these cold zones, taking the time to winterize is just as important as storm readiness in these storm-prone, wetter regions.
Getting ahead of these things will help keep you from being caught off guard and at greater risk while you’re away.
Your “Just In Case” Emergency Plan
No matter where you live, every home in Los Angeles could use a simple, straightforward emergency plan—especially one that’s easy to make before heading out on a big trip. Plumbing emergencies can come out of nowhere—having a plan in place prevents your vacation from becoming a nightmare.
An effective emergency plan has essential contacts. Be sure to include a go-to local plumber, your go-to water damage restoration crews, and your insurance company’s claims number. These need to be documented and made available to anyone who may be responsible for home while you are away. Store this list where it’s quick to access in an emergency, such as taped to the inside of a kitchen cabinet.
A good backup plan is more than just listing phone numbers. This includes knowing who to call, what the process is, and where emergency supplies are located. This should involve a portable first aid kit, stocked with pain relievers, antiseptic wipes, band-aids, etc.
Include extra medical supplies as inhalers, EpiPens and diabetes medication for those who require them. Storing important documents and insurance details in a secure but accessible area will assist in determining what you should do if everything goes south.
Share Keys and Critical Contacts
Sharing a spare key with a trusted neighbor or friend goes a long way. Provide them with your emergency contact sheet and inform them of your travel dates. Invite them to inspect your home a number of times, look for leaks, or odd noises.
When you have someone in your corner, minor issues are addressed before they escalate. Add to your master list plumbing pros with 24/7 service, your insurer, and a backup contact if you become unreachable.
Know Basic Water Shut-Offs
Understanding where your main shut-off valve is—and how to operate it—could save you thousands. Each home has smaller shut-offs beneath sinks, behind toilets, and near water heaters.
Have your emergency plan partner walk through the house with you and make note of these locations on your emergency plan checklist. These quick practice runs will ensure that all parties are more confident and prepared should a pipe break or leak begin.
When to Call a Pro Pre-Trip
If you see leaking pipes, gradual draining, or unusual odors, go ahead and call a plumber early on. A trip to the pros before your vacation can help you head off minor troubles before they turn into major headaches.
Routine maintenance, such as regularly changing air filters and flushing water heaters, is important too. The day before you’re due to take off, build a relationship with a local plumber, so you’re not scrambling for help in a pinch.
Conclusion
To ensure a worry-free getaway, take time to inspect your plumbing ahead of time. Preventative measures such as turning off your main water, draining the pipes, and cleaning out the gutters can prevent leaks or water damage from occurring. For homes in places like LA, watch for heat and dry spells, since pipes can crack or shift. A neighbor or friend who stops by periodically can help spot issues before they become serious. Smart devices, such as leak detectors, provide an extra layer of protection. After all, no one wants to return home to a flooded basement or a massive water bill. Looking to avoid the trouble altogether? Take this plumbing vacation-proofing checklist for a spin before your next trip. For additional peace of mind, consult with a local plumber familiar with the unique characteristics of your region. Be safe and wise, and you’ll return home to a happy house.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do with my main water shut-off before vacation?
What should I do with my main water shut-off before vacation? This step will keep leaks or flooding from occurring while you’re gone, saving you from expensive repairs and water damage.
How can I prevent plumbing odors while I’m gone?
Put a cup of water and some baking soda into all of your drains. This ensures the traps are constantly full and prevent sewer gases from seeping into your home.
Should I adjust my water heater before leaving?
Should I change my water heater before going on vacation? This not only saves energy, but protects against an overheating or leaking water heater while you’re away.
Is it necessary to check outdoor plumbing in Los Angeles?
11 Not at all, in fact. These may include hoses, spigots, and other parts of your irrigation system. Address all leaks or drips that might waste water or damage the property, particularly in hot, dry LA summers.
How do I prepare my plumbing for LA’s summer heat?
Make sure to insulate any exposed pipes that run outside your home. This protects against expansion-related cracking caused by heat and saves water, especially important during California’s dry summer months.
What emergency info should I leave with a neighbor?
Leave a written document with the location of your main water shut-off and your plumber’s contact information. This will allow them to take quick action if anything goes wrong while you’re away.
Can I trust my plumbing to withstand earthquakes while I’m on vacation?
Sort of, but not really. Strap down water heaters and inspect for seismic safety shut-off valves. If you live in an earthquake-prone city like Los Angeles, take even further precautions before you travel.