Plumbing Tips for Summer: How to Prepare Your Plumbing System for Vacation

Planning a summer getaway? While you’re packing your bags and booking hotels, don’t forget one critical task: getting your home’s plumbing system ready for your time away. Ignoring it could lead to unwanted surprises when you get back, like leaks, mold, or even a flooded basement. Whether you’re going away for a weekend or a few weeks, taking a few simple steps now can save you money and stress later.

At Benitez Plumbing Services in Long Island, NY, we want to help our neighbors keep their homes safe, even when they’re not home. So here are our best plumbing tips for summer, designed to keep your plumbing worry-free while you’re off enjoying the sunshine.

1. Do a Full Leak Check

Before you leave, walk through your home and check for leaks. Look under sinks, around the toilet base, near the water heater, and anywhere you have pipes. Even a small drip can lead to major water damage if left unattended for days.

Quick Tip: Check for moisture, rust, or puddles. If you find anything suspicious, get it fixed before you leave.

2. Turn Off the Main Water Supply

This is the most important step you can take. Turning off the main water valve stops water from flowing through your pipes, eliminating the risk of leaks or pipe bursts while you’re gone. How to do it:

• Find your main water valve (usually in the basement, garage, or near your water meter).
• Turn the valve clockwise until it stops.
• Open a faucet to release any leftover pressure.

If you need to keep the water on for a sprinkler system or a house sitter, consider turning off individual valves to toilets, sinks, and appliances instead.

3. Set Your Water Heater to Vacation Mode

No one needs hot water when no one’s home. Setting your water heater to “vacation mode” or lowering the temperature can save energy and reduce your utility bills.

If your water heater doesn’t have a vacation setting:

• For electric models, turn it off at the breaker.
• For gas models, set the dial to “pilot” or the lowest temperature.

This also helps avoid wear and tear on the system while it’s not being used.

4. Clean and Deodorize Drains

Coming home to stinky smells from your kitchen or bathroom? No thanks. Before you leave:

• Pour a mix of vinegar and baking soda down your drains.
• Let it sit for 15 minutes, then flush with hot water.

This can help clear minor clogs and keep odors from developing while you’re away.

5. Check Your Sump Pump

If you have a basement and a sump pump, test it before you leave. A working sump pump is your first line of defense against flooding from heavy summer rains. How to test it:

• Pour water into the sump pit.
• The pump should turn on and drain the water right away.

If it doesn’t, call a professional to inspect it. Better safe than soggy!

6. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses

Outdoor faucets and hoses can also be troublemakers. Even in summer, pressure can build up and cause leaks or hose bursts.

What to do:

• Disconnect all garden hoses.
• Drain any remaining water.
• Turn off the water supply to outdoor spigots, if you have a separate valve.

Also check your sprinkler system. If you’re not using it while you’re gone, turn it off to save water.

7. Shut Off Appliance Valves

Appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, and ice makers can leak, especially if a hose or connection is worn. Take these steps:

• Turn off water valves to each appliance.
• Inspect hoses for cracks, bulges, or wear.
• Consider replacing old rubber hoses with braided stainless steel ones for extra protection.

8. Set Your Thermostat Wisely

Even though it’s not directly plumbing-related, temperature affects humidity levels, and too much humidity can lead to condensation and mold growth around pipes.

Best setting: Keep the thermostat around 78°F. If you have a smart thermostat, set it to vacation mode or program it to adjust temperatures while you’re gone.