Plumbing Checks To Make Before Heading On Holiday This Summer
Plumbing and drains might not be something you’d automatically think about before heading away on holiday.
Though thanks to our professional plumbing partners, these smart, practical checks will help you avoid returning to a damp disaster, a big water bill - or worse.
01 | Turn off the main water supply.
This is your best line of defence. Shutting off the stopcock (usually under the kitchen sink or near the water meter) cuts off supply to the whole house - massively reducing the risk of leaks or burst pipes while you're away.
02 | Set your boiler to summer mode or turn it off.
In July, you can safely turn your boiler off — or switch to hot water only if needed. If you're turning off the water supply too, it's safest to switch the boiler off entirely to prevent damage.
03 | Run a final cycle through the washing machine and dishwasher.
Once everything's clean and dry, leave appliance doors. This prevents mould, mildew, and unpleasant smells from developing. Unplug them if sockets are accessible.
04 | Check for leaks — including radiators, taps, and under sinks.
Greenish residue, corrosion, or slow drips need attention now. Run your finger tips over and under joints in case water isn’t visible yet. A small leak can become a big problem in a short time - especially with no one home to spot it.
05 | Clean and freshen all drains.
Pour a mix of baking soda and white vinegar down sinks and shower drains, followed by hot water just after their final use before you leave. It'll help prevent smells building from stagnant water.
06 | Clear gutters and outside drains.
A sudden summer storm can overwhelm blocked gutters or drains leaving rain water with nowhere to go. Remove debris to stop water pooling near your foundations or backing up into the house.
07 | Test your garden irrigation system.
If you’ve set a timer to keep plants healthy while you’re away, make sure it's working properly - no drips or leaks, and the battery has enough charge to last. A faulty system can flood your garden or leave it bone dry.
08 | Let the air flow.
Keep interior doors open and leave window trickle vents open. This will help air circulate around the house and prevent condensation and stale air.
09 | Leave a key with someone you trust.
Ask them to pop in, check for signs of leaks or smells, run a tap or flush a WC. This keeps everything ticking over - plus they're your backup if anything does go wrong.
10 | Take a spare portable carbon monoxide alarm with you.
If you’re staying in self-contained accommodation - perhaps a rustic cottage, villa or AirBnB - find the water or heating system when you arrive and if it’s powered by gas, leave your carbon monoxide alarm in close proximity. Remember to check there is a battery inside before you leave home and test it again when you’re there. It won’t take up much luggage space but it’ll pay dividends in peace of mind.
At Consider it Done, we maintain a carefully vetted network of outstanding professional tradespeople - the kind who provide a great service and sound advice for our clients.
If the idea of having access to this calibre of support for your property appeals, we’d be delighted to tell you more. Scroll below to Select a Day to chat with us.