‘Tis the season to visit family for the holidays or escape the cold harsh winters for somewhere warm. Of course, if you want your trip to be stress-free, there are things to do before you leave for vacation that can minimize risk and protect your home.
Winter plumbing maintenance and general home maintenance are crucial for avoiding issues when you’re away. So, if you’re planning an extended stay away from home, sweet home—this is the guide you need to start with.
Here, we’ll detail everything you need to do before leaving for a vacation, especially regarding your plumbing system. No one wants to return to a flooded home! Keep reading to protect your peace this season and your home.
Why Is Winter Plumbing Maintenance Important?
Winter plumbing maintenance isn’t just important. It’s crucial for avoiding potentially catastrophic damage while you’re away on vacation. As the temperatures drop, water can freeze which causes it to expand by approximately 9%. This fact alone can create immense pressure within your pipes, that can lead to ruptures and extensive water damage from the pipe break.
Without proper preventative measures, you could return home to a disaster that costs thousands upon thousands of dollars to repair. Not to mention a nightmare situation to deal with, insurance-wise.
Before we get into our list of things to do before you leave for vacation, here’s a look at the damage that can happen if you don’t.
- Burst pipes that can release up to 250 gallons of water per day, causing collapsed ceilings, warped floors, and widespread mold growth
- Water heater failures may lead to flooding and system damage, often requiring complete replacement
- Cracked outdoor spigots and split garden hoses that need costly repairs or replacement
- Foundation damage from sustained water leakage, which can compromise your home’s structural integrity
- Expensive insurance claims (averaging $15,000-$20,000) that could lead to increased premiums
- Development of toxic mold colonies within 24-48 hours of water damage, creating health hazards
- Damaged personal belongings that may be irreplaceable
- Extended restoration work that can disrupt your life for weeks or months after returning home
Top Things to Do Before You Leave for Vacation
Now, a step-by-step list of things to do before you leave for vacation!
- Set Your Water Heater
Your water heater shouldn’t work overtime when no one’s home. If you have a conventional tank water heater, switch it to “vacation mode” or turn the temperature down to its lowest setting. For tankless systems, simply turning off the circuit breaker will suffice. This simple step can significantly reduce energy consumption while you’re away.
- Insulate Exposed Pipes
Check your basement, crawl spaces, and attic for exposed pipes. These are particularly vulnerable to freezing temperatures. Invest in foam pipe insulation sleeves or heat tape for extra protection. Pay special attention to pipes near exterior walls or in unheated spaces.
- Consider Your Main Water Valve
One of the most crucial decisions is whether to shut off your home’s main water supply. If you’re leaving for an extended period (more than a week), it’s generally recommended to turn it off. This prevents any potential leaks or burst pipes from causing catastrophic water damage. After shutting off the main valve, open all faucets briefly to drain the remaining water from the pipes.
- Protect Outdoor Plumbing
Don’t forget about your outdoor plumbing systems, which will require a few actions to protect them completely.
- Remove and store all garden hoses
- Drain and shut off outdoor spigots
- Blow out sprinkler systems if you haven’t already
- Cover external spigot fixtures with insulated covers
- Set Your ThermostatÂ
While it might be tempting to turn off your heating system completely, this could lead to frozen pipes and other issues. Instead, set your thermostat to a temperature between 55-58°F (13-14°C). This maintains enough warmth to prevent freezing while still saving on energy costs.
If you have a smart thermostat, ensure it’s connected to your home’s WiFi and that you can monitor and adjust temperatures remotely through your smartphone app.
- Security Measures
It’s not just water damage you should be preventing. It’s theft, too. A vacant home can be vulnerable, especially during peak travel seasons. For the utmost security, implement these measures:
- Install timer-controlled lights in key rooms
- Ensure all windows and doors are properly locked
- Consider installing a security camera system you can monitor remotely
- Ask a trusted neighbor to collect mail and packages
- Maintain your yard to avoid signs of vacancy
- Energy Efficiency
Nothing’s worse than returning home to a high energy bill that could have been avoided. Take these steps to minimize unnecessary energy consumption for environmental and financial purposes:
- Unplug non-essential electronics and appliances
- Close all blinds and curtains to maintain consistent indoor temperatures
- Check weather stripping around windows and doors
- Ensure your attic is properly insulated to prevent heat loss
How to Choose a Winter Plumbing Maintenance Provider
When it comes to plumbing maintenance, selecting the right provider is crucial to ensure your pipes stay protected from freezing and potential damage. A reputable provider will offer thorough, year-round plumbing inspections to identify any vulnerabilities before the cold weather hits.
In Metro Detroit, homeowners and business owners alike choose Waterwork Plumbing. Headquartered in Ferndale, the Waterwork team prides itself on friendly, fast service with a positive reputation and a long-standing history in the community.
With their trusted team of professionals, Waterwork Plumbing can help you avoid costly repairs and keep your plumbing system running smoothly throughout the winter and beyond.
Things to Do Before You Leave for Vacation: Call Waterwork!
Lastly, the final thing to do before you leave for vacation? Call the winter plumbing maintenance experts at Waterwork. Our team is experienced in preparing your home for extended periods away and is on call and ready to help for emergency services, too.
In business for nearly 20 years, Waterwork services Metro Detroit and beyond, from Eastpointe to Ortonville and everywhere in between. Request an appointment online or give us a call to learn more. Before you go, check out more helpful guides and resources to protect your home.
