Leaving Town? Don’t Forget These 10 Plumbing Tasks Before You Go

Planning a vacation is exciting, but before you lock the front door and head out of Roswell, NM, it’s worth taking a few minutes to prepare your plumbing system. A small leak or unnoticed plumbing issue can turn into an expensive surprise if it’s left unchecked while your home sits empty.

The good news is that a simple pre-vacation checklist can help reduce the risk of water damage, high utility bills, and unexpected repairs. Before you leave, complete these ten plumbing tasks to give yourself greater peace of mind.

1. Turn Off the Main Water Supply

If you’ll be away for several days or longer, consider shutting off your home’s main water supply. This is one of the most effective ways to prevent a burst pipe or leaking fixture from causing significant damage while you’re gone.

2. Inspect Faucets and Fixtures

Walk through your home and check every faucet, showerhead, and toilet for drips or leaks. Even a slow leak can waste water and become a larger problem if left unattended.

3. Check Under Sinks

Open the cabinets beneath your kitchen and bathroom sinks. Look for damp spots, water stains, corrosion, or signs of slow leaks around supply lines and drain pipes. Addressing these issues before your trip can prevent unpleasant surprises when you return.

4. Test Your Water Heater

Take a quick look at your water heater for signs of leaking, rust, or unusual noises. If you’ll be gone for an extended period, lowering the temperature can reduce energy usage while you’re away.

5. Clean Out Drains

Slow-moving drains can become complete clogs over time. Before leaving, make sure sinks, tubs, and showers are draining properly. Avoid using harsh chemical drain cleaners, as they can damage plumbing over time. If you have recurring drain problems, schedule professional drain cleaning before your trip.

6. Disconnect Outdoor Hoses

Remove garden hoses from outdoor faucets. While Roswell summers are warm, disconnecting hoses reduces unnecessary strain on outdoor spigots and helps protect your plumbing fixtures.

7. Inspect Your Washing Machine Hoses

Check the hoses behind your washing machine for cracks, bulges, or leaks. Washing machine supply hoses are a common source of household water damage, especially if they fail while no one is home.

8. Run Your Garbage Disposal

Before leaving, run your garbage disposal with cold water to clear away food debris. A clean disposal is less likely to develop unpleasant odors while you’re away.

9. Ask Someone to Check Your Home

If you’re taking an extended vacation, ask a trusted friend or neighbor to stop by occasionally. Having someone check for leaks or plumbing issues can help catch problems before they become costly.

10. Schedule Plumbing Maintenance if Needed

If you’ve noticed dripping faucets, slow drains, inconsistent water pressure, or other plumbing concerns, don’t put them off until after your vacation. A professional plumbing inspection can identify developing problems and help ensure your system is ready before you leave town.

Enjoy Your Vacation With Peace of Mind

If your home has plumbing issues you’d like inspected before you travel, scheduling professional maintenance or repairs now can help you leave with confidence and return to everything working exactly as it should.

For help with your plumbing system when you come back from vacation, contact Fulkerson Plumbing & Air Conditioning.