How to Protect Your Plumbing System During Extended Vacations

Planning an extended vacation? Whether you’re escaping the cold Colorado winter or heading out for a long summer getaway, preparing your home’s plumbing system before you leave is essential. Without proper precautions, you could return to unpleasant surprises like frozen pipes, leaks, or water damage.

At Courtesy Plumbing & Heating, we want to help Castle Rock homeowners protect their homes while they’re away. Follow these steps to secure your plumbing system and avoid costly issues during your time away.

1. Shut Off the Main Water Supply

The best way to prevent leaks or flooding while you’re away is to turn off your home’s main water supply. This step ensures that even if a pipe were to crack or a fixture were to fail, no water will be flowing into your home.

🔹 Locate your main shut-off valve (usually near the water meter or basement).
🔹 Turn it off completely to stop water flow.
🔹 Drain the remaining water from faucets to relieve pressure in the pipes.

💡 If you have a fire sprinkler system, consult a professional before shutting off the main water supply.

2. Set Your Water Heater to Vacation Mode

Keeping your water heater running at full power while you’re away wastes energy and increases the risk of damage.

✔ For tank water heaters: Set it to "Vacation Mode" or lower the temperature to about 50°F.
✔ For tankless water heaters: Some models have a vacation setting; otherwise, turning it off is an option.

This step reduces energy usage while keeping your system safe.

3. Protect Against Frozen Pipes (Winter Travel Tip)

Castle Rock’s freezing winter temperatures pose a significant risk for frozen or burst pipes if your home isn’t properly prepared.

✅ Keep your home’s thermostat set to at least 55°F to prevent freezing.
✅ Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, and garages.
✅ Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.

💡 For extra protection, consider having a neighbor check on your home during extreme cold spells.

4. Check for Leaks Before You Leave

Inspect your home for dripping faucets, running toilets, or hidden leaks before heading out. Even small leaks can cause major issues over time.

🔹 Check under sinks and behind appliances for moisture.
🔹 Listen for running water sounds when no fixtures are in use.
🔹 Monitor your water meter—if it’s still running with everything off, there could be a hidden leak.

If you notice any issues, schedule a plumbing repair before your trip.

5. Clear Drains & Garbage Disposal

Standing water and food debris can cause unpleasant odors, mold growth, or even drain clogs while you’re gone.

✔ Run hot water and baking soda down your drains to clear buildup.
✔ Grind ice cubes and citrus peels in your garbage disposal to freshen it.
✔ Avoid leaving dirty dishes in the sink to prevent bacterial growth.

6. Ask a Neighbor or Use a Smart Leak Detector

If you’re away for more than a couple of weeks, having someone check on your home is a great precaution.

✔ Give a trusted neighbor access to inspect for leaks or temperature issues.
✔ Install a smart water leak detector that sends alerts to your phone if a leak is detected.
✔ Use a whole-home water shutoff valve for automatic protection.

These small investments can help you avoid major water damage while you’re away.

7. Turn Off Individual Water Supply Valves

If you prefer not to shut off your entire home’s water supply, you can turn off individual valves for major appliances and fixtures, such as:

🔹 Washing machine
🔹 Dishwasher
🔹 Toilets
🔹 Ice maker & refrigerator water line

This reduces the risk of leaks while still allowing water to flow to necessary systems, like your sprinkler system if needed.

8. Test Your Sump Pump (If You Have One)

For homes with a basement sump pump, ensuring it’s in working order is crucial to prevent flooding from heavy rain or snowmelt while you’re away.

✔ Pour water into the sump pit to see if it activates.
✔ Check that the discharge line is clear and free of obstructions.
✔ Consider a battery backup system in case of power outages.

Enjoy Peace of Mind While You Travel

Taking these simple precautions before your trip can help you avoid returning to plumbing disasters. If you need assistance preparing your home’s plumbing system, Courtesy Plumbing & Heating is here to help!

📞 Call us today or schedule an appointment online to ensure your home is protected before you leave.

Enjoy your vacation worry-free, knowing your plumbing system is in great shape! 🌍✈️🚰