Your next vacation should be a time for relaxation, not stressing over what might go wrong back at your home. Many Grand Rapids, MI, homeowners overlook their home's plumbing system when preparing for their next trip. Frozen pipes, malfunctioning water heaters, and leaks are just a handful of potential issues that can turn your dream getaway into a nightmare. Fortunately, a little planning can help you avoid these costly complications.
1. Turn Off the Main Water Supply
The most effective way to prevent a plumbing catastrophe in your home is also the simplest — shut off the main water valve before you leave. This will stop the flow of water into your residence, eliminating the risk of burst pipes or leaks when you're away. Locate your home's main shut-off valve, typically situated near your water meter or in the basement. Turn the valve clockwise until it stops. Once you shut the valve off, open a faucet to release the remaining water pressure in your lines.
2. Check for Leaks and Drips
Inspect all visible plumbing pipes and fixtures for signs of drips or leaks before you turn the water off. Even a minor leak can become a significant problem if left unattended for days or weeks. Check faucets, handles, toilet tanks and bases, under-sink connections, water heater connections, and washing machine hoses. Tighten up loose fittings and replace worn washers where needed.
3. Drain and Insulate Exposed Pipes (Cold-Weather Travel)
If you're planning a vacation in the colder months — typically late fall through early spring in Grand Rapids — frozen pipes are a major concern. When water freezes, it expands and can burst pipes, leading to flooding and costly repairs. Drain your outdoor hoses and disconnect them. Shut off the water to outdoor spigots and install insulated covers. Insulate any exposed pipes in your attic, basement, or crawlspaces. Keep your thermostat at a minimum of 55°F to prevent interior pipes from freezing.
4. Set the Water Heater to Vacation Mode
Your water heater uses more energy than many other appliances in your home. If no one will be there to use hot water, there’s no need to leave it at full capacity. Many modern water heaters have a vacation mode setting that lowers the temperature to conserve energy while preventing the tank from freezing. If yours doesn’t have this setting, lower the temperature to the lowest manual setting.
5. Empty and Clean Drains
Stagnant water left in tubs, sinks, or floor drains can cause unpleasant odors while you’re gone. To prevent this, pour baking soda down each drain, followed by vinegar. After about 30 minutes, flush with hot water. This helps freshen drains but won’t clear major clogs. For seldom-used basement or floor drains, add a cup of water mixed with a few drops of mineral oil to slow evaporation and maintain the water trap seal, which prevents sewer gas from entering your home.
6. Flush and Check Toilets
Give each toilet a flush to ensure it’s functioning correctly. If it’s slow to fill or runs continuously, repair it before you leave. A constantly running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water per day and, in rare cases, could overflow if other parts fail. Add some toilet bowl cleaner or vinegar to the bowl to help prevent stains or bacterial growth while you’re away.
7. Shut Off Individual Appliance Valves
If you can’t turn off your main water supply, shutting off water to individual appliances is the next best option. Focus on your washing machine, dishwasher, ice maker, and water softener. Many have dedicated shut-off valves located nearby. Turn them clockwise to close. If your home has older valves, test them periodically throughout the year to ensure they work properly and won’t leak after being turned off.
8. Test the Sump Pump
If your home has a basement, a working sump pump is essential to prevent flooding. Before leaving, remove the lid and slowly pour water into the pit until the pump activates. Watch to ensure the water drains and the pump shuts off properly. Check that the discharge line isn’t clogged, frozen, or too close to the foundation — it should be at least 10 feet away. If you don’t have a battery backup system, consider installing one in case of a power outage while you’re gone.
9. Consider Leak Detection or Smart Monitoring
Automatic water shut-off systems and smart leak detectors can alert you to problems even when you’re not home. Some models can automatically shut off the water supply if they detect unusual flow or moisture. Many work with smart home systems, giving you real-time updates for peace of mind.
10. Notify a Trusted Neighbor or Friend
Have someone you trust check on your home occasionally, especially if you’ll be gone for more than a few days. A quick walkthrough can catch running toilets, unusual noises, or visible leaks. Leave your plumber’s contact information and show them where the main water shut-off valve is located in case of an emergency.
11. Review Your Homeowners Insurance Policy
Some insurance policies require regular home inspections during extended absences to maintain coverage for water damage. This is especially true for frozen pipe claims. Review your policy for any conditions related to leaks, frozen pipes, or extended absences, and adjust your travel plans or arrangements accordingly.
12. Do a Final Walkthrough Before You Leave
Before you hit the road or head to the airport, walk through your home one last time. Unplug nonessential electronics, turn off lights, and confirm that all water valves are closed. Double-check that your water heater is set to vacation mode or the appropriate temperature. This final check ensures your plumbing system is as ready for vacation as you are.
Create Your Peace of Mind
A vacation should be restful, not a time to worry about leaks or frozen pipes. A little preparation can go a long way toward protecting your home and saving you from costly repairs. For expert help getting your plumbing ready for vacation, call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing®. We serve homeowners in Grand Rapids and the surrounding areas with services like leak detection, water heater maintenance, sump pump repairs, and more. Contact us today so you can travel with confidence.
