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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n