Going away on vacation?

Make sure your home is protected against water damage!

Vacation should be relaxing — not interrupted by an emergency call about water flooding your home. Unfortunately, plumbing leaks and appliance failures are some of the most common causes of costly property damage while homeowners are away.

The good news is, a few simple preventative steps can help protect your home, lower your utility bills, and give you peace of mind while you travel.

Before heading out of town, use these plumbing tips to help prevent water damage and avoid unexpected repairs.

1. Shut off your main water supply

Shutting off your home's main water supply is one of the easiest ways to prevent water damage. Ensuring no new water enters your plumbing system will reduce the risk of:

• Burst pipes
• Hidden plumbing leaks
• Running toilets
• Appliance hose failures
• Water damage from unexpected plumbing issues

If a pipe or appliance line fails while you’re away, shutting off the main supply can prevent thousands of dollars in repairs.

Remember that if someone will be checking on your home while you’re gone, you'll need to make sure they know how to turn the water back on if needed.

2. Adjust your water heater

Your water heater continues working even when nobody is home. Most modern water heaters have a "vacation mode" setting that keeps water warm but not running at full power to reduce energy waste without shutting it down completely.

If your water heater doesn’t have a vacation setting, lowering the temperature can still help conserve energy while you’re away.

3. Prepare your drains and toilets

Unused drains can develop unpleasant odors while you’re gone, especially during warmer weather. Before leaving, take a few minutes to freshen your plumbing system. Run water in sinks, tubs, and floor drains, flush all toilets, and clear debris from your garbage disposal.

This helps keep sewer gases from entering your home and reduces the chance of odors or drain buildup while the house sits empty.

4. Inspect appliances and fixtures

Many household leaks start with small issues that go unnoticed until major damage occurs. These major appliances are common sources of leaks and should be inspected for damage before you go:

• Washing machine and dishwasher
• Refrigerator ice maker
• Outdoor faucets and hoses
• Faucets and showerheads

5. Schedule a plumbing inspection with CTC

Whether you’re leaving for a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, a little preparation can go a long way in protecting your home. Investing in a plumbing maintenance plan prevents costly plumbing repairs and leaks, reduces water and energy bills, and extends the life of your plumbing system.

Our Plumbing Preventative Maintenance Plan includes thorough plumbing inspections to catch minor issues before they become big problems.

Call us today to schedule your appointment: