Heading out of town? A little plumbing prep can help you avoid the most common vacation-day problems—slow leaks, clogged fixtures, and appliance malfunctions that turn a short absence into an expensive emergency.

1) Confirm water shutoffs (and know where they are)

Locate the main shutoff valve and the individual shutoffs for key fixtures (like the toilet, washing machine, and outdoor hose bibs). Make sure they’re accessible and that the valve turns freely. If a valve is stuck, you don’t want to discover that when you’re miles away.

2) Inspect for leaks and weak spots

Do a quick walk-through around your home: look under sinks, around the toilet base, at visible supply lines, and anywhere you’ve had moisture before. Check for damp spots, rust trails, or water staining on walls, floors, and cabinet interiors. Pay special attention to connections that see frequent movement, such as supply lines under sinks.

Also take a moment to check common “silent” leak zones: water heater connections, under-sink drip marks, and the area around the washing machine valves. If you have a sump pump, verify it’s in good working order and that the discharge line isn’t obstructed.

If you want a simple test, run water briefly in a couple of fixtures (for example, the kitchen sink and one bathroom sink), then dry everything thoroughly and check again after 15–30 minutes for any fresh moisture at the fittings.

Before you leave, consider turning off or fully stopping water to appliances that aren’t needed during your absence, following the manufacturer’s guidance. For example, you may shut off the water supply to the washing machine if it’s accessible and safe to do so.

3) Manage toilets, drains, and water usage

Toilets can be a major source of trouble if a flapper, fill valve, or overflow tube fails. Make sure the toilet bowl isn’t continuously running by listening for sound after it refills. If you’re unsure, add a dye tablet or a few drops of food coloring to the tank and wait—no color in the bowl means you’re likely good.

For drains, avoid leaving hair clogs or gunk in sinks that may worsen while you’re gone. If you notice slow drainage, address it before departure. Also, consider leaving drain strainers in place to reduce the chance of debris buildup.

If you have an icemaker or water dispenser, confirm that your fridge line is functioning properly and set it to a safe mode while away, especially if your home might experience temperature changes.

Water heaters deserve a brief check too. If you’re leaving for an extended time, many homeowners lower the thermostat setting or follow the “vacation” setting on modern units—never shut off gas or power without confirming you understand the implications for your specific model.

4) Protect outdoor plumbing and prevent freezing damage

Outdoor hose bibs and sprinkler lines are particularly vulnerable in cold weather. Disconnect and drain hoses, and if your system allows it, close indoor shutoffs to outdoor lines. For homes in freeze-prone areas, ensure outdoor pipes are properly insulated and that any automatic irrigation systems are managed according to the season.

Don’t overlook crawl spaces or exterior access points where pipes may be exposed. During winter travel, consider setting your home’s thermostat to a temperature that prevents pipes from freezing.

Finally, if your home has a “whole-home” water shutoff or a leak detection system, confirm it’s powered and functioning. Some systems can alert you immediately if water flow changes unexpectedly—exactly the kind of early warning that matters when you’re away.

Taking 30–60 minutes to verify shutoffs, inspect connections, and manage toilets and drains can significantly reduce the risk of returning to a water-damage scenario. If anything looks questionable—or if a valve won’t move—address it before you leave or call a licensed plumber for a quick pre-trip inspection.