The worst version of a plumbing problem isn't the problem itself, it's the same problem left unnoticed and unaddressed for a week or two while a home sits empty. A small, slow leak that would normally get caught and fixed within a day can cause serious damage over an extended absence. None of the steps here take long, and they meaningfully reduce that risk.
Before You Leave
A Reasonable Pre-Trip Checklist
- Check under sinks and around the water heater for any early signs of moisture or a slow drip
- Know where your main water shutoff valve is, and consider whether it makes sense to shut it off entirely for a longer trip
- Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to check the house periodically if you'll be gone more than a few days
- Run water briefly in rarely-used drains, like a guest bathroom, to keep the trap seal from drying out and letting sewer gas into the home
- Set your water heater to a lower or vacation setting rather than leaving it at full temperature for an empty house
Should You Actually Shut Off The Main Water Valve
For trips longer than a week or two, this is genuinely worth considering, especially in a home with original 1950s plumbing where the risk of an undetected leak is real. Shutting off the main valve means that even if a supply line does fail while you're away, it won't actively flood the house, the worst case becomes a repair rather than a disaster.
The trade-off is that anything relying on water while you're gone, an automatic irrigation system, for example, would also lose water. If you have an irrigation system on a schedule, you'll need to weigh that against the leak-prevention benefit, or arrange for someone to check the property in person instead.
What A Neighbor Check Actually Catches
A neighbor doesn't need to do anything technical, just a quick look for standing water, an unusual sound, or a wet spot that wasn't there before. Catching a problem on day two of a two-week trip instead of day fourteen is the entire value of this step, and it costs nothing beyond asking someone you trust.
If You're Considering A Leak Detection Device
For homes with a documented history of leaks, or simply for extra peace of mind before extended absences, water-sensing alarm devices are available that alert you remotely if moisture is detected near a water heater, under a sink, or in a similar risk area. These are a reasonable supplement to the steps above, not a replacement for them, and we can advise on placement during any leak detection visit if you're interested.
When You Return
Do a quick reverse of the pre-trip check: look under sinks and near the water heater again, and if you shut off the main valve, turn it back on and check for any pressure or flow issues before assuming everything is fine. A few minutes of attention on both ends of a trip is a small price for the protection it provides.
Making It A Habit
None of this needs to feel like a chore. Once you've located your main shutoff valve and identified which drains rarely get used, the actual pre-trip routine takes only a few minutes, and it becomes second nature after doing it once or twice before future trips.
For Longer Absences
If you're leaving for a month or more, such as extended travel or a seasonal second home situation, it's worth having a more thorough conversation with a technician about your specific setup beforehand. What's reasonable for a two-week trip isn't always sufficient for a longer absence, particularly around water heater settings and irrigation scheduling.
Have A Question About Your Own Home?
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Common Questions
For a short trip, it's less critical, though checking for obvious signs of a developing leak beforehand is still worth the few minutes it takes.
No, a standard water heater is not harmed by having its water supply shut off temporarily. Just remember to turn the water back on before using hot water again upon your return.
A water-sensing alarm device, as mentioned above, is a reasonable alternative that can alert you remotely even without an in-person check, though it doesn't replace the value of a human catching something a sensor might miss.
Leaving Town Soon?
A quick pre-trip check can catch a problem before it becomes a disaster.
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