Express Sewer & Drain Blog

For a lot of people, summertime means vacation time! Whether you’re going international or staying local in California, there are some things to do before going on vacation to ensure you don’t come home to a plumbing disaster. After all, just because you’re not using your plumbing, doesn’t mean that something can’t go wrong.

10 Plumbing Things to Do Before Going on Vacation 

Vacation planning means booking hotels, car rentals, and entertainment – but you should add preparing your home plumbing for the trip too. Here are some plumbing tips and tricks to help ensure everything is running smoothly when you return home from vacation.

1. Shut off your water

If you don’t have a housesitter who will be using the water, turn it off at the main value. This could prevent burst pipes or leaks, saving you from returning to a flooded or water-damaged home.

2. Drain your sprinkler system 

If you won’t be gone long and don’t need to water the yard in your absence, you’ll want to drain your sprinkler system and shut it off completely. Small drips or leaks can add up to a hefty water bill, and who wants o pay that after an expensive vacation?

3. Check your gutters

Gutters are designed to drain rainwater from your roof and release it at least 6’ from the foundation. Unfortunately, leaves and debris can clog them, leading to a flooded roof or foundation. Be sure your gutters are clear before you go on vacation so that you can feel confident in their ability to handle summer rains while you’re away.

4. Test your sump pump

Although most California homes don’t have basements, they’re becoming increasingly popular. If you have a basement, and a sump pump designed to prevent basement flooding if your gutters fail, test the pump by dumping water into the sump pit to raise the water level. If the sump pump ejects the water as it should, you’re good to go. If it doesn’t, you should schedule a plumbing inspection before you head out the door.

5. Drain your appliances 

Still water in dishwashers and washing machines can lead to mildew, mold, and unpleasant odors. Who wants to come home to that? So, consider draining them before you leave for vacation.

6. Shut off your water heater 

Shutting off your water heater will eliminate the potential for flooding, plus it will help keep your energy bill low while you’re away.

7. Clean your drains

Clear out your drains, toilet, disposal, and anything that may cause an unpleasant odor while you’re gone. We recommend using some DIY solutions, such as baking soda and vinegar solutions, rather than using dangerous and caustic chemical cleaners.

8. Run your pool pump

If you’re lucky enough to have a pool at home, you might think it’s a good idea to turn off the pool pump while you’re away. However, this can cause algae buildup and other problems. If you plan to be gone for more than a few days, rather than shutting it off completely, just turn the pool pump to an optimal setting so that it continues to run during your vacation.

9. Check for leaks

Performing a simple sweep of all your plumbing to look for leaks is an important thing to do before you go on vacation. Look for dampness around appliances or corrosion on appliances. If you suspect a leak, have a plumber come out to do an inspection before you leave for vacation.

10. Call in family or friends

If you’re going to be away for a while, ask family or friends to do a check on your home while you’re away. This will give you peace of mind – plus, they can also collect mail and turn on and off lights as needed!

Need Plumbing Assistance? Express Sewer & Drain is Here for You!

We all need to take a vacation from time to time, to clear our heads and reinvigorate ourselves. However, the last thing you want to worry about while you’re away is your plumbing. So, include plumbing checks in your vacation planning checklist! These 10 things to do before going on vacation can save you a lot of hassle (and money) when you return from your trip! 

Think you may have a plumbing problem you need resolved before you leave? Contact the professionals at Express Sewer & Drain in Sacramento, and pick up some money-saving coupons below!