Leaving for the Holidays? 7 Plumbing Steps Every Utah Homeowner Should Take Before Traveling
As you pack up, plan your departure, and get ready for time away this holiday season, there’s one part of your home that can’t be ignored: your plumbing. Whether you’re away for a weekend or a longer holiday break, a little preparation now can save you from returning to a big mess or costly water damage. Here are seven essential plumbing steps every Utah homeowner should take before traveling, so you leave with peace of mind and return to the home you expect.
1. Shut Off Your Main Water Supply
One of the simplest yet most powerful precautions is turning off your home’s main water valve. Numerous plumbing experts say that shutting the main valve before you depart significantly reduces the chance of leaks, bursts or flooding while you’re away.
In Utah’s climate, where cold snaps and plumbing stress go hand-in-hand, this step can prevent a small drip from becoming a large flood. Locate your main shut-off valve (often near the water meter or where the main pipe enters your home) and turn it off clockwise. Confirm it worked by opening a faucet, no water means the shut off was successful.
If you have outside irrigation systems or pools, you may need to consult a plumber about partial shut-off so you don’t disable critical systems you’ll need upon return.
2. Drain and Disconnect Exterior Lines & Hoses
Especially here in Utah, while most of our holiday trips may not coincide with deep winter freezes, the period just before or after the holidays can still bring chill and risk. Draining outdoor spigots, disconnecting garden hoses and shutting off valve supplies helps avoid frozen lines or unexpected bursts.
Open exterior faucets, allow water to run out, and remove hoses entirely. Cover or insulate outdoor spigots if you live in an area with extended exposure. These seemingly small steps stop residual water from freezing, expanding and damaging pipes.
3. Set Your Water Heater to “Vacation Mode” or Lower Settings
Why pay to heat hot water you’re not going to use? Most modern water heaters offer a “vacation” or “low” setting. Switching to that or lowering the temperature helps conserve energy and reduces plumbing stress while you’re gone.
If you’ve already shut off the main water supply, you might consider turning off the heater entirely (if safe and recommended by manufacturer). Just make sure to switch it back on ahead of your return so you have hot water ready.
4. Inspect for Drips, Leaks & Appliance Supply Lines
Before you walk out the door, do a quick walkthrough: check under sinks, behind toilets, around your dishwasher, and washer supply hoses. A minor drip today can turn into gallons of water lost while you’re away, leading to damage and higher bills.
Also consider shutting off supply vales to appliances such as the washing machine, ice maker or dishwasher if they won’t be in use. This limits risk from malfunctioning hoses or connections.
5. Inspect & Test Your Sump Pump (If You Have One)
In many Utah homes with basements or crawl spaces, the sump pump is the unsung hero protecting from flooding. But if it fails while you’re gone, a heavy rain or snowmelt could cause costly damage. Experts recommend pouring a bucket of water into the sump pit and verifying that the pump activates and drains properly.
Consider a battery-back up or alarm system if power outages are possible while you’re away. Inform a trusted neighbor where the sump pit is and how to check it, just in case.
6. Prepare Drains & Toilet Traps for Absence
Unused sinks, tubs or drains can dry out and allow sewer gas in, or become clogged without attention. Before you go: run water through all drains, flush toilets, and if your region may freeze, add a little non-toxic antifreeze in trap lines.
Clean out residue in disposal systems (kitchen sink) and ensure no food waste sits unused. These steps help you return to a home that smells fresh and is free of hidden backups.
7. Ask a Trusted Neighbor or Friend to Check In
Even if you’ve done all of the above, having someone check on your home adds another layer of security. Ask a neighbor or friend to drop by a couple of times, especially if you’re gone for more than a few days.
Provide them with the location of your main shut-off valve, sump pump access, and the contact info for your plumber (us!). That way if something goes wrong, help can arrive even while you’re away.
Why Choose Pro Master Services for Pre-Travel Plumbing Peace of Mind
At Pro Master Services in Murray, UT, we understand Utah homes and the unique challenges they face, especially when homeowners travel during the holiday season. We offer pre-travel plumbing check-ups and services to help you get ready, including:
- Main water shut-off valve inspection & planning
- Water heater vacation-mode set-up
- Appliance hose inspection and shut-offs
- Sump pump testing and battery backup advice
- Outdoor spigot/hose winterization and drainage
And if you do return to a plumbing issue, remember we’re a phone call away for leak detection & emergency plumbing services.
Quick Holiday Plumbing Checklist for Utah Homeowners
- Turn off the main water supply (or verify plans if irrigation remains)
- Disconnect garden hoses and drain exterior faucets/lines
- Set water heater to vacation mode or lower setting
- Check all faucets, toilets, appliance supply lines for drips/leaks
- Test sump pump and ensure backup power
- Run water through all drains and toilets, treat traps
- Provide a trusted neighbor your contact info, valve/sump locations
Protect Your Plumbing While You’re Away
Heading out for the holidays is exciting but leaving home without preparing your plumbing can lead to surprises you won’t want when you get back. With these seven steps, you can travel with confidence knowing you’ve done your part to prevent water damage, leaks and unnecessary stress. And if you’d like us to double-check your home before you go, Pro Master Services is ready to help you travel worry-free.
Safe travels and happy holidays!
