A typical plumbing issue costs anywhere from $175 to $450 to repair. And many times, plumbing problems arise when no one is home.

If you’re on vacation, how can you know if there’s an issue with water in your home? The truth is you really can’t. It’s best to prepare your home before you leave to avoid plumbing issues.

Keep reading for our ultimate home plumbing checklist.

Turn Off the Main Water Valve

The truth is that no matter what you do before you leave, if your water is on while you’re not home, there’s a chance you could encounter an issue. One way to avoid this is by turning off your main water valve.

Since many plumbing elements are in the floors and walls, it’s impossible for you to know of some potential issues. But if you turn your water valve off, you won’t need to worry.

This is also a good idea because it prevents water theft and conserves water while you’re gone.

Not sure how to turn off your main water valve? Plumbing companies will be able to show you where your valve is located.

Many times, it’s located in your basement or crawl space. Look for a wheel with spokes that turns to the right or a lever that can be turned. Once you’ve turned it off, try running some water in a sink and see if it worked.

Look for Leaks

Next on the vacation home plumbing checklist? Look for leaks throughout your home’s plumbing system.

Think about it. When’s the last time you did a thorough check of all your home’s pipes? If you’re like many homeowners, it’s probably been a while.

If this is the case, there’s a good chance you’ll find a leak somewhere in your home. And if you come across a leak, don’t assume it will be fine when you get back from your trip.

This will ensure that you don’t come home to a flooded mess and it will help you avoid rising utility costs.

Check Your Water Heater

Last but not least, it’s a good idea to take a look at your water heater before you hit the road. As one of the appliances that use the most water in your home, it’s a source of great potential risk.

Make sure you don’t see any leaks. Also, check to see if yours has a vacation mode. Many newer models include this feature that keeps your water heater running at an efficient level, saving you money.

Closing Thoughts: Home Plumbing Vacation Checklist

There you have it: the ultimate home plumbing checklist before going on vacation. Now that you’ve gone through these items, it’s time to put them to use.

Go through your home and check for leaks, inspect your water heater, and consider turning off the main water valve.

Have more questions? Check out our blog.