Before you lock the door and jet off with your belongings, it’s important to be sure your house is prepared for your departure.

Taking a summer vacation provides you with a much-needed break. But if you’re not careful, your peaceful trip could end in disaster when you arrive back home.

Plumbing disasters can strike when you least expect, and their consequences can be much more severe if you’re not home to remedy the issue immediately.

Here’s how you can prepare your plumbing for vacation:

1. Check for leaks

When was the last time you did a thorough check of all the pipes inside your home? You might be surprised to find that some have small leaks that are contributing to rising utility costs and minor water damage. If you do spot even the smallest leak, don’t assume it’ll be fine when you come home. Be sure to fix it immediately, or you could be trudging through water when you return.

2. Shut off the water valve

A surefire way to avoid a major water issue is to shut off the main water valve of your home. You likely won’t need the water while you’re away, so turning it off shouldn’t be an issue. Different homes have water valves in different places, so it’s important to know where yours is located!

3. Check your water heater

Before you go, check up on your water heater. Many have a “vacation mode” you can utilize while you’re away. Not only will this keep your home functioning at an efficient level, it could also save you money.

4. Adjust the temperature

Another way to save on your energy bills is to adjust the temperature of your water heater while you’re away. There’s no need to keep it set high, costing you money, if you’re not even using it!

5. Check Drains

Drains are the root of many plumbing issues. As you prepare your plumbing for vacation, be sure nothing is clogging your drains. Any leftover moisture can create odors. Besides, your drains could probably use a good cleaning anyway.

6. Have a neighbor check in

There’s also peace of mind in knowing you can count on someone if there’s an emergency inside your home. Give a trusted neighbor a key to your home and have them check up on it every so often to be sure there are no emergencies.

If you’ve spotted something that needs repair before you leave, or if you’re in need of emergency plumbing, contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. Our punctual plumbers are available 24/7 to assist you with plumbing issues and are trained experts in their fields. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a service!