
10 Jul Protecting Your Plumbing While on Vacation
Heading out of town for a long-awaited vacation? Whether you’re traveling for a few days or a few weeks, it’s essential to prepare your home before you leave—especially your plumbing system.
At 535 Plumbing, we’ve seen too many homeowners return to flooded kitchens, soaked carpets, and thousands of dollars in water damage—all of which could have been prevented with a few simple steps. This guide walks you through how to protect your plumbing while on vacation, including shut-off valve tips, leak detection tools, and water heater settings. Plus, we provide a handy pre-travel checklist so you can leave with peace of mind.
Why Plumbing Prep Matters Before You Leave
You might lock your doors, set your alarm, and stop your mail before heading out of town. But your plumbing system? It’s often forgotten—until something goes wrong.
A slow leak, burst pipe, or running toilet can waste water, inflate your bills, or destroy your home’s interior if left unchecked for days or weeks. Even a minor issue can turn into a major disaster without early detection.
That’s why plumbing preparation is a must before you leave your home unoccupied.
Step 1: Shut Off Your Main Water Valve
The most important action you can take to prevent plumbing disasters while you’re away is to shut off your main water supply. This one step alone can eliminate 90% of potential water damage risks.
How to Do it:
- Locate your main water shut-off valve. It’s usually outside near your water meter or inside near your water heater or garage.
- Turn the valve clockwise (right) until it stops.
- Test by turning on a faucet—water should stop running after a few seconds.
💡 Pro Tip: Can’t shut off the main line due to other occupants or systems? Shut off individual supply lines to sinks, toilets, and appliances like washing machines.
Step 2: Turn Off or Adjust Your Water Heater
With the main water supply off, your water heater won’t have new water to heat—and continuing to run it could damage the unit or waste energy. Taking the time to shut it down or switch to vacation mode can help extend the life of the system and lower your energy bill while you’re away.
What to Do:
- Gas Water Heaters: Set it to “VAC” or vacation mode. This maintains a low temperature without fully shutting down the unit.
- Electric Water Heaters: Turn off the breaker at your electrical panel to cut power while you’re gone.
- Tankless Units: Power off or enable vacation mode if available in the control panel.
- Solar Water Heaters (Thermal Systems):
- Turn off the circuit breaker to the solar heater.
- Unplug the pump.
- Close the ball valves on the solar supply and return lines.
- Drain the panels and leave the drain open for ventilation.
Your solar system will remain secure while you’re away. If you’re also thinking about turning off the water supply to the entire house, that’s fine—it won’t affect the solar system. However, shutting off the main water is not required for solar protection alone.
This simple step-by-step approach protects your equipment and gives you peace of mind while you’re enjoying your vacation.
Step 3: Install or Check Leak Detection Devices
If you’re leaving your water on (for irrigation or house sitters), consider investing in smart leak detection sensors. These devices monitor for unexpected water flow, detect moisture under sinks or near water heaters, and send real-time alerts to your phone.
Types of Leak Detectors:
- Moisture sensors placed near toilets, sinks, or water heaters
- Whole-home smart valves that shut off water automatically if a leak is detected
- Wi-Fi-enabled monitors that track water usage and detect anomalies
These are especially useful for frequent travelers or snowbirds who leave their homes unattended for long periods.
Step 4: Inspect Key Fixtures and Supply Lines
Before you leave, take 10 minutes to check the most common problem areas for leaks or wear and tear.
Inspect:
- Under-sink shut-off valves and supply lines
- Toilet bases and fill valves
- Water heater drain valve
- Washing machine hoses (especially rubber ones)
- Refrigerator water line (ice maker or dispenser)
Replace any hoses or valves that show signs of rust, bulging, or leaks. If your home hasn’t had a plumbing inspection in over a year, this is a good time to schedule one.
Step 5: Prep Your Drains
Drains left unused can develop odors or become home to pests while you’re away. To keep things fresh:
- Pour a cup of vinegar or baking soda down each drain, followed by water
- Run the garbage disposal with cold water and lemon before you leave
- Add water to infrequently used traps (showers, tubs) to create a proper seal
If you have a septic system, avoid excessive water use before leaving and ensure no maintenance is due during your time away.
Step 6: Consider Who Will Be Home
If someone will be house-sitting or checking in while you’re gone, make sure they know where the main water shut-off is and how to spot early signs of a leak. Leave them a simple checklist or emergency contact information, including how to reach your plumber.
The Ultimate Vacation Plumbing Checklist
Before you head out the door, run through this quick checklist:
✅ Shut off your main water supply
✅ Turn your water heater to vacation mode
✅ Check for leaks under sinks and near appliances
✅ Install or test smart leak sensors
✅ Inspect and secure all shut-off valves
✅ Pour baking soda and water into unused drains
✅ Run your garbage disposal
✅ Notify a trusted neighbor or house sitter
✅ Leave emergency plumbing contacts on your fridge
✅ Schedule a plumbing inspection if it’s been over a year
Final Thoughts: A Little Prep Goes a Long Way
Vacations should be relaxing, not ruined by plumbing emergencies waiting for you when you return. By taking a few easy precautions—like shutting off your water, adjusting your heater, and checking for leaks—you can avoid the stress and financial burden of water damage.
At 535 Plumbing, we’re here to help homeowners across O‘ahu protect their properties—whether you’re at home or away. Need help finding your shut-off valve, installing leak detection, or scheduling a pre-travel inspection? Just give us a call at (808) 300-0535.
Want Peace of Mind All Year?
Join our 535 Plumbing Aloha Membership Plan and get:
- 1 Free Annual Plumbing Visual Inspection
- 1 Free Water Heater Flush Per Year
- Priority Scheduling & Special Discounts
- Ongoing System Monitoring & Maintenance Tips
Let us help you prepare, protect, and prevent plumbing problems—before and after the storm.
Get a Professional Quote for Your Plumbing Inspection
535 Plumbing specializes in plumbing inspections and repairs. Whether you need a routine cleaning or a complex repair, we provide expert plumbing services tailored to your specific situation. Contact us today for a professional assessment and a customized quote to keep your plumbing system in top shape!
Trust 535 Plumbing to Save You Time, Water, and Money
At 535 Plumbing, we specialize in building-wide plumbing maintenance. Our experienced professionals are equipped with the latest tools and techniques to ensure your building’s plumbing and fixtures stay in the best condition possible. From minor fixes to major repairs, we’re committed to providing top-notch service and peace of mind.
Contact 535 Plumbing today to schedule an inspection and take the first step toward reclaiming control over your building’s plumbing. We have the tools and expertise to diagnose and resolve your issue efficiently. Don’t let a simple plumbing problem escalate—take action today to maintain the functionality of your building’s plumbing system. For more plumbing maintenance tips and advice, check out our other guides!
Contact 535 Plumbing Today
535 Plumbing is here to help. We offer:
- Fast and Reliable Service: Get prompt assistance when you need it most.
- Expert Technicians: Our skilled plumbers have experience with all garbage disposal types and plumbing systems.
- Upfront Pricing: No surprises—just honest, transparent estimates.
- Sustainable Solutions: We fix garbage disposals efficiently to save water and reduce your environmental footprint.
If you live on Oahu and are in need of a licensed plumber to help with your plumbing issues, choose 535 Plumbing for the job! Our team of professional Oahu plumbers are highly skilled and our excellent customer support representatives will work with you to schedule your appointments at a time you most convenient. Learn more and schedule an appointment by calling (808) 300-0535, or Visit Our Contact Us Page. Mahalo!