Last Updated on February 16, 2026 by Anta Plumbing Master Plumber
Before leaving for vacation, prepare your plumbing to avoid leaks, odours, and costly water damage. Shut off your main water valve, set your hot water heater to vacation mode or off, and fill drain traps with water (add antifreeze in winters). Turn off supply lines to appliances like washers, dishwashers, and ice makers, and disconnect outdoor hoses. Test your sump pump and backup system, and consider installing smart leak detectors or moen flo shut-off valves for extra protection. Many insurance policies require water shut-off if you’re away for more than four days, so these steps not only protect your home but also safeguard coverage.
Key Takeaways: Preparing Plumbing Before Vacation
-
Shut off main water supply to prevent leaks or bursts.
-
Set water heater to vacation mode or turn it off to save energy.
-
Prepare drains and toilets with water, bleach, or antifreeze to avoid odours.
-
Turn off appliance lines (washer, dishwasher, ice maker) and disconnect outdoor hoses.
-
Test sump pump and add smart leak detectors for extra peace of mind.
Why Plumbing Preparation Matters Before You Travel
Most homeowners focus on packing bags and locking doors before a trip—but plumbing often gets overlooked. The truth is, water damage is one of the most common and costly insurance claims for homeowners. According to industry reports, even a small leak can release hundreds of litres of water in a single day, leading to mould, warped flooring, and thousands of dollars in repairs.
Many insurance providers in Canada and the U.S. even have clauses requiring you to shut off your main water supply if you’ll be away for more than four days. If not, they may deny coverage for water-related claims.
Beyond insurance, preparing your plumbing also gives you peace of mind. Simple steps—like adjusting your water heater, draining appliances, and checking sump pumps—help you avoid nasty surprises when you return. Think of it as a low-cost, high-return investment in home safety.
Step 1 – Shut Off Your Main Water Supply
The first and most important step is to locate and shut off your home’s main water valve. Doing this ensures no new water enters your plumbing system while you’re away, reducing the risk of leaks, bursts, or running toilets.
-
Where to find it: In most homes, the valve is in the basement, utility room, or near where the water line enters the house.
-
How to test it: Turn the valve clockwise until it stops. Then, open a faucet in your home—water should run briefly, then stop.
-
Exceptions: If you have a sprinkler system or pool that needs ongoing water, consider leaving the main valve on but shutting off water lines to individual appliances.
Pro Tip: Pair your shut-off with a smart water monitor (like Moen Flo or Phyn Plus). These devices can automatically close the valve and alert you via smartphone if a leak occurs while you’re away.
Step 2 – Adjust Your Water Heater
Leaving your water heater running at full power while you’re gone wastes energy and increases risk. Most modern heaters have a “vacation mode” setting that keeps water warm enough to prevent freezing but reduces energy use.
-
Vacation Mode: Ideal for trips longer than 3–4 days. It lowers the temperature but avoids a complete shutdown.
-
Turning It Off Completely: If you’ll be away for weeks and your area doesn’t risk freezing pipes, you may turn it off entirely. For gas heaters, switch to “pilot” mode.
-
Why It Matters: This small step can save you up to 10% on energy bills and prevents overheating or system stress while no one is home.
Pro Tip: Note your water heater’s settings before you adjust them, so you can quickly restore normal operation when you return.
Step 3 – Prepare Your Drains and Toilets
Standing water in unused drains and toilets can create unpleasant odours or even allow sewer gases to seep into your home. Preparing these fixtures before you leave keeps your home fresh and safe.
-
Drain Traps: Run water in sinks, tubs, and floor drains to ensure traps are full. In winter, pour a small amount of non-toxic antifreeze into drains to prevent freezing.
-
Toilets: Flush, then add a half-cup of chlorine bleach to the bowl. This prevents bacteria growth and keeps water clear while you’re away.
-
Garbage Disposal: Run it with a bit of baking soda and vinegar, then flush with cold water. This removes food residue that could rot and cause odours.
Pro Tip: Place a strip of painter’s tape across the toilet lids and sink drains you’ve treated. It reminds you that those fixtures are ready for vacation—and helps you spot any unexpected leaks on return.
Step 4 – Inspect Appliances and Fixtures
Appliances connected to your plumbing system are common sources of leaks when left unattended. A quick check before you leave can save you from costly water damage.
-
Washing Machine & Dishwasher: Turn off the supply valves and inspect hoses for cracks or bulges. Rubber hoses older than five years should be replaced with braided stainless steel for added safety.
-
Refrigerator Ice Maker: Shut off the water line to prevent leaks that could go unnoticed for days.
-
Outdoor Faucets & Hoses: Disconnect garden hoses, shut off exterior spigots, and drain any remaining water to avoid freezing and bursts in colder climates.
-
Faucets & Showerheads: Make sure none are dripping. Even a slow drip can waste litres of water daily and signal a larger issue.
Pro Tip: Place drip pans or absorbent pads under appliances prone to leaks (like the washer or water heater). They won’t stop a flood, but they can catch small drips and give you peace of mind.
Step 5 – Check Sump Pump & Backup Systems
If your home has a basement, the sump pump is your first line of defence against flooding. A failed pump while you’re away could lead to severe water damage.
-
Test the Pump: Pour a bucket of water into the pit to make sure the pump activates and drains properly.
-
Battery Backup: If your sump pump relies on electricity, ensure a battery backup is installed and working. Power outages are common during storms, and without backup, the pump won’t run.
-
Alarms & Smart Alerts: Many modern sump pumps come with water level alarms or Wi-Fi monitoring. These send alerts to your phone if water levels rise unexpectedly.
Pro Tip: If your home is in a flood-prone area, ask a trusted neighbour to check your sump pump mid-vacation. It’s a simple safeguard against basement flooding.
Bonus Protection: Smart Leak Detectors & Shut-Off Systems
For extra peace of mind, technology can watch over your home while you’re away. Smart leak detectors and automatic shut-off valves provide real-time protection against unexpected plumbing issues.
-
Smart Leak Detectors: Small Wi-Fi sensors placed under sinks, behind toilets, or near water heaters send instant alerts to your phone if moisture is detected. Popular options include Honeywell Lyric, Phyn Smart Water Sensor, and Moen’s smart sensors.
-
Automatic Shut-Off Valves: Devices like Moen Flo or Phyn Plus attach directly to your main water line. They monitor water flow, detect unusual usage, and can automatically shut off water if a leak is suspected.
-
Insurance Benefits: Some insurers offer discounts or incentives if you install smart water monitoring systems, since they lower claim risks.
Pro Tip: Pair smart leak detectors with a neighbour’s contact info on your monitoring app. If you’re away and a leak is detected, someone local can step in right away.
Plumbing Vacation Checklist (Downloadable / Printable)
Before locking the door, run through this simple checklist to make sure your plumbing is vacation-ready:
-
Shut off the main water supply (or individual appliance lines if needed).
-
Adjust water heater to vacation mode or off.
-
Fill drains, add antifreeze if needed, and treat toilets.
-
Turn off water supply to washing machine, dishwasher, and ice maker.
-
Disconnect outdoor hoses and shut exterior faucets.
-
Test sump pump and backup systems.
-
Place smart leak detectors in key areas.
-
Ask a neighbour to check in if you’ll be gone more than a week.
This checklist can be printed and placed on your fridge as a quick reminder. For tech-savvy homeowners, creating a digital version in your phone’s notes ensures you’ll never forget a step.
FAQs About Plumbing Prep Before Vacations
Should I shut off my water every time I travel?
If you’ll be gone more than a few days, yes. Shutting off your main valve greatly reduces the risk of leaks or bursts. For shorter weekend trips, it’s optional but still a safe practice.
Can I leave my water heater on while I’m away?
Most modern heaters have a vacation mode. If yours doesn’t, set the thermostat lower or turn it to “pilot.” For long trips, shutting it off completely can save energy.
What if my home has a sprinkler or irrigation system?
In this case, you may need to leave the main valve on. Instead, shut off individual appliance valves (like to your washer or dishwasher) and consider a smart shut-off system for added protection.
How do I stop drains from smelling while I’m away?
Run water in every drain to fill the traps. Add a splash of mineral oil or non-toxic antifreeze to slow evaporation, and drop bleach into toilets to keep water clear.
Are smart leak detectors worth it?
Yes. They’re inexpensive, easy to install, and give you remote monitoring. Some insurance providers even lower premiums if you have them.
Conclusion: Travel With Confidence Knowing Your Plumbing Is Protected
Preparing your plumbing before a vacation takes less than an hour but can save you from thousands of dollars in potential water damage and insurance headaches. By shutting off your main valve, adjusting your water heater, treating drains, and checking appliances, you’ll return to a home that’s just as you left it—safe, dry, and stress-free.
For extra peace of mind, consider investing in smart leak detection or scheduling a plumbing inspection before your trip. If you’d like a professional to check your system and ensure everything is vacation-ready, our team at Anta Plumbing is just a call away.
Heading out soon? Call us today for a quick pre-vacation plumbing check and travel worry-free.
