Planning a vacation involves a lot of prep—booking flights, packing bags, arranging pet care—but one critical detail that often gets overlooked is your home’s plumbing. Coming back to water damage or a burst pipe is the last thing you want after a relaxing trip. To avoid costly surprises, it’s essential to do a plumbing check before you head out. As trusted plumbers in New Orleans, we’ve put together a simple but thorough checklist to keep your home safe and dry while you’re away.
Turn Off the Main Water Supply
The best way to protect your home from water damage is to shut off the main water valve. This stops water from flowing into your pipes and eliminates the risk of leaks, drips, or worse—flooding. If you’re unsure where the shut-off valve is or how to use it, a New Orleans plumber can walk you through the process or even label it for easy access in the future.
If you can’t turn off the water to the entire house—for instance, if you have an automatic sprinkler system—consider turning off water only to individual appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, or sinks.
Inspect for Existing Leaks
Before you leave, take a few minutes to check all visible pipes, faucets, and fixtures for signs of leaks. A small drip under the sink or a loose fitting behind the toilet might seem harmless, but left unchecked for days or weeks, it can cause major damage. Don’t forget to inspect outdoor spigots, hoses, and your water heater. If you spot any signs of corrosion or moisture, it’s a good idea to call Blair Plumbing, your local plumbers in New Orleans, to fix them before you go.
Check Your Sump Pump (If You Have One)
For homes with basements, the sump pump is your last line of defense against flooding. To make sure it’s working, pour a bucket of water into the pit and watch to see if the pump activates and removes the water. If it doesn’t turn on or seems sluggish, it may need repair or replacement. Call a New Orleans plumber right away if something seems off—you don’t want to leave that to chance.
Set Your Water Heater to Vacation Mode
Running your water heater while you’re away is unnecessary and wastes energy. Most modern water heaters have a “vacation” setting that lowers the temperature while still preventing pipes from freezing. If your system is older or doesn’t have that function, manually turn it down to the lowest setting. This small step can reduce your energy bill and extend the life of your appliance.
Clear and Clean Drains
Clogged drains may not seem like an immediate problem, but if something backs up while you’re gone, the mess can be unpleasant—and costly. Clear out your kitchen sink, bathroom drains, and shower traps. Run hot water or a vinegar-baking soda mix down each one to flush out debris. Keeping drains clean ensures wastewater flows out properly and avoids odors from building up while you’re away.
Disconnect or Shut Off Appliances
Appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, and ice makers are among the most common sources of leaks. Turn them off and, where possible, unplug them. This not only prevents water damage but also protects against power surges or electrical issues while you’re away. If you’re unsure about disconnecting water lines properly, a quick visit from a New Orleans plumber can ensure everything’s shut down safely.
Consider a Leak Detection System
If you travel frequently or plan to be away for an extended time, investing in a smart leak detection system is a great idea. These systems monitor your plumbing 24/7 and can send alerts to your phone if any unusual water activity is detected. Some models can even shut off the water automatically. It’s a smart safeguard that more homeowners are turning to for peace of mind.
Ask a Neighbor to Check In
Even with all precautions in place, having someone check on your home while you’re away adds another layer of protection. Ask a neighbor or friend to stop by every few days to make sure everything looks normal. If anything goes wrong, they can alert you or contact a local New Orleans plumber to respond quickly and limit the damage.
Enjoy Your Trip with Peace of Mind
Going through this pre-trip plumbing checklist only takes a short time but can save you from major headaches later. Taking these preventive steps means you can focus on your trip—not on the potential plumbing disasters waiting to unfold at home.
If you find anything that needs attention or want a professional to do a pre-vacation inspection, Blair Plumbing is here to help. Our experienced plumbers in New Orleans can make sure everything is in working order before you lock the door and head out.
Call Blair Plumbing today and let a trusted New Orleans plumber give you peace of mind before your next getaway.