Plumbing: Prepare Your Brunswick, Home for Vacation

You’ve booked the flights, packed the bags, and counted down the days until your summer vacation. But before you head out for that well-earned break, there’s one more thing to check off your list:

Prepping your home’s plumbing.

It may not be the most exciting part of vacation planning, but following these plumbing tips from Gene’s Refrigeration, Heating & Cooling & Plumbing before you leave can prevent unpleasant surprises like leaks, flooding, or smelly drains when you return.

Here’s how to protect your home’s plumbing while you’re away, so you can truly relax and enjoy your time off.

Turn Off the Main Water Supply If You’re Gone Over 10 Days

This is the number one rule of vacation plumbing prep. If you’re leaving for more than a week, it’s a smart move to shut off your Brunswick, home’s main water valve.

Why? Even a small leak can cause major water damage if it goes unnoticed for several days. A burst pipe, dripping hose bib, or leaking toilet tank can lead to soaked floors, mold growth, or worse—all while you’re lounging on a beach unaware.

Turning off the water at the main valve prevents water from flowing into your home at all. It’s a simple way to avoid catastrophe. Don’t forget to run the faucets afterward to release any pressure left in the pipes.

Leave One Fixture On If You Have an Automatic Sprinkler System

If you rely on a sprinkler system to keep your lawn green while you’re gone, you might need to leave the main water on. In that case, consider installing a smart leak detector or shut-off valve that can alert you (or shut off water automatically) if a leak is detected while you’re away.

Inspect for Any Visible Leaks Ahead of Time

Before heading out, walk through your home and inspect common leak-prone spots:

• Under sinks and behind toilets
• Around water heaters
• Washing machine hoses
• Refrigerator water lines

Even a slow drip can worsen over time, so fix any issues before you lock up. If you notice corrosion or moisture around fittings, this is the time to schedule a plumber—not after the damage is done.

Drain and Clean Unused Drains

If you’re leaving for more than a few days, stagnant water sitting in unused drains can start to smell. To prevent musty odors from greeting you at the door, flush seldom-used drains (like guest bathrooms or utility sinks) with a mixture of hot water and vinegar.

You can also pour a small amount of mineral oil down the drain afterward to slow evaporation in the trap, which helps block sewer gases from escaping into your home.

Turn Off the Water Heater (or Set It to Vacation Mode)

If no one will be using hot water while you’re gone, there’s no need to keep the water heater running at full blast. Many models have a “vacation” or “low” setting, which reduces energy use without turning the unit off completely.

Alternatively, if you shut off the main water supply, go ahead and power down your water heater entirely—especially if it’s electric. For gas water heaters, consult the manual to ensure safe shut-off procedures.

This one step can help you save energy and extend the life of the unit.

Secure Outdoor Hoses and Spigots

Summer’s intense sun and heat can cause hoses to crack, especially when they’re left under pressure. Before you leave:

• Disconnect and drain all hoses
• Check outdoor spigots for drips or damage
• Make sure hose bibs are shut off tightly

If you’ve had issues with hose bibs leaking before, consider installing frost-free or anti-siphon models for added protection.

Use a Smart Leak Detector (Optional but Smart!)

If you’re tech-savvy—or just like peace of mind—installing a smart leak detector can be a game-changer. These devices monitor water flow and alert you via your phone if something’s wrong. Some advanced models can even shut off the water automatically if a major leak is detected.

It’s a small investment that can save you from a big, expensive disaster.

Ask a Neighbor or Friend to Check Your Home

Even with the best prep, it’s helpful to have someone you trust stop by your home if you’re away for an extended time. They can check for unusual smells, visible water damage, or dripping faucets and let you know if something seems off.

If you leave the water on (for sprinklers or a house sitter), give them a quick plumbing checklist and show them where the main shut-off valve is—just in case.

Don’t Forget Appliances

Appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and refrigerators with water dispensers are connected to your plumbing system. Before you go:

• Run and empty the dishwasher and washing machine
• Shut off their supply valves if possible
• Empty the fridge’s ice bin to prevent stale ice from building up
• These small steps help avoid unexpected drips and unpleasant odors from stagnant water.

Prepare Your Plumbing Before You Vacation!

Vacation is your time to unwind, not to worry about what’s happening at home in Brunswick, OH. A quick plumbing check before you leave can help ensure that you return to your house just as you left it—dry, clean, and free of costly surprises.

So, as you plan your summer getaway, take a few minutes to prepare your plumbing. You’ll thank yourself later—preferably with a cold drink in hand, back home, and stress-free.

Call Gene’s Refrigeration, Heating & Cooling & Plumbing at 330-238-8441 or request service online if you need professional plumbing services before you leave.