How to Prepare Your Plumbing for a Long Vacation

Heading out for an extended trip means your home sits unattended for days, sometimes weeks. Most people remember to stop the mail and water the plants, but plumbing prep often gets skipped. A few simple steps before you leave can keep your plumbing in Atlantic City, NJ in good shape while you’re gone.

Shut Off the Water at the Main

This cuts water pressure to the entire house, so if a pipe or fitting fails, there’s no active water source to flood the space. The main shutoff is usually near the water meter, in a utility area, or along the front foundation wall. Turn it clockwise until it stops, then open a faucet to release any remaining pressure in the lines.

Drain Your Pipes After Shutoff

After the main is off, open the lowest faucet in the house to drain residual water from the lines. This is especially worth doing in fall or winter, when frozen pipes are a concern. Data shows that frozen and burst pipes are among the leading causes of homeowner water damage. Draining lines removes the water that would otherwise freeze and expand.

Don’t Forget These Often-Skipped Spots

Consider handling each of these before you head out:

• Water heater: Turn it to “vacation mode” or power it down entirely
• Washing machine hoses: Shut the supply valves behind the unit
• Outdoor hose bibs: Disconnect garden hoses and close interior shutoff valves
• Ice maker line: Turn off the supply if your fridge has one
• Sump pump: Check that it’s running and the outlet pipe is clear

Scheduling plumbing services before you leave is a good way to catch problems you might have missed on your own.

Set Your Thermostat to at Least 55 Degrees

If you’re leaving during colder months, keep your heat on. Experts recommend keeping indoor temperatures at or above 55 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent pipes from freezing. Cabinet doors under sinks along exterior walls should be left open to help warm air circulate around the pipes.

Consider a Water Leak Detector

Smart leak sensors placed near the water heater, under sinks, or near appliances can alert you via phone to a drip or pooling water.

FAQ

Q: Should I drain my water heater before a long trip?

A: For trips under two weeks, switching to vacation mode is enough. For longer absences, draining it is worth the effort and can extend its lifespan.

Q: Can I leave a slow leak until I get back?

A: No. Even a small drip can worsen over days, especially with no one there to catch it. Have a plumber assess it before you leave.

Q: What if my home uses a well instead of municipal water?

A: Turn off the well pump at the breaker and drain the pressure tank. The process is slightly different from shutting off a city supply line.

Q: Is a main shutoff enough if I have a sprinkler system?

A: Not always. Irrigation systems often have their own dedicated shutoff. Check with your installer or look for a separate valve near the system’s controller.

Before You Go, Call the Team That’s Been Doing This Since 1993

Barron Plumbing & Heating has been handling residential and commercial plumbing across New Jersey for over 30 years. Our highly trained plumbers back every job with warrantied work and a satisfaction guarantee. If anything comes up while you’re away, we offer emergency plumbing so your home isn’t sitting with an unresolved issue. Book a pre-vacation inspection before your next trip. Call us today.