Pre-Holiday Plumbing Checklist: Protect Your Empty Home
Heading out of town for the holidays? Nothing ruins a vacation faster than coming home to a flooded house, burst pipes, or a massive water bill from a leak that ran for days. A few minutes of preparation before you leave can save you thousands in emergency repairs.
Since 2008, ProSkill Services has helped Phoenix families recover from preventable plumbing disasters—and we’d rather help you avoid them altogether.
Here’s your complete pre-holiday plumbing checklist to protect your home while you’re away enjoying time with family and friends.
Why Empty Homes Are Vulnerable
When you’re home, you notice problems immediately—a dripping faucet, a running toilet, water pooling under the sink. When you’re gone for a week or two, small problems become catastrophic. Consider these risks:
Water Damage Compounds Quickly: A pinhole leak releasing just 1 gallon per hour creates 168 gallons of water damage in one week. A burst pipe? That’s 400+ gallons per hour.
No One Hears Alarms: Water heater failures, sump pump malfunctions, and fixture leaks go undetected until you walk through the door.
Temperature Swings: Even in Phoenix, overnight temperatures can drop enough to stress older pipes, especially in unheated areas like garages.
Insurance Complications: Many policies have clauses about unoccupied homes. Preventable damage from neglected maintenance may not be fully covered.
Your Complete Pre-Holiday Plumbing Checklist
Complete these tasks before you leave—your future self will thank you.
1. Know Your Main Water Shutoff Location
Why It Matters: If a pipe bursts while you’re gone, shutting off the main water supply is the only way to stop the flooding. But that only helps if someone can actually find and operate the valve.
Before You Leave:
– Locate your main shutoff valve (usually near the water meter or where the main line enters your home)
– Test it to make sure it turns freely—valves that haven’t been used in years can seize up
– Tag it clearly so a neighbor or house-sitter can find it quickly
– Show a trusted neighbor how to shut it off in an emergency
ProSkill Pro Tip: If your main shutoff valve is corroded, stiff, or leaking, have it replaced before you leave. A $150-200 valve replacement beats a $15,000 water damage claim.
Consider This: For extended trips (2+ weeks), consider shutting off the main water supply entirely. It’s the safest option for an empty home.
2. Inspect Under Every Sink and Around Toilets
Why It Matters: Supply line failures and slow leaks are the most common causes of water damage in homes. These hidden spots rarely get checked until something goes wrong.
Before You Leave:
– Open cabinet doors under every sink (kitchen, bathrooms, laundry)
– Look for moisture, water stains, mold, or musty odors
– Check supply line connections for corrosion or bulging
– Inspect toilet supply lines and the base of each toilet for moisture
– Feel the floor around water heaters and washing machines
Red Flags That Need Immediate Attention:
– Braided stainless steel supply lines that are bulging or discolored
– Any active dripping, no matter how slow
– Soft or warped cabinet floors
– Rusty shut-off valves
ProSkill Reality Check: Flexible supply lines have a lifespan of 8-10 years. If yours are older or you don’t know when they were installed, replacement before your trip is cheap insurance.
3. Check Your Water Heater
Why It Matters: Water heaters hold 40-80 gallons of water under pressure. A tank failure in an empty home is catastrophic. Plus, there’s no reason to pay to keep water hot when no one’s using it.
Before You Leave:
– Check around the base of the tank for moisture, rust, or mineral deposits
– Look for corrosion on connections and the pressure relief valve
– Note the age of your water heater (check the serial number—most tanks last 8-12 years)
– Set the temperature to “Vacation” mode or the lowest setting
For Extended Trips:
– Consider turning off the water heater completely (flip the breaker for electric, turn the gas valve to “pilot” or “off” for gas)
– If you shut it off completely, follow proper restart procedures when you return
Warning Signs Your Water Heater Needs Attention Before You Leave:
– Rumbling or popping sounds during heating
– Rusty water from hot taps
– Visible rust or corrosion on the tank
– Water pooling underneath (even small amounts)
– Unit is 10+ years old and has never been serviced
ProSkill Honest Advice: If your water heater is showing its age, schedule an inspection before your trip. We’d rather tell you it’s fine than have you come home to a flooded garage.
4. Address Running Toilets and Dripping Faucets
Why It Matters: A running toilet can waste 200+ gallons per day—that’s 1,400+ gallons during a week-long trip. Beyond the water bill, constant running stresses components and can lead to failures.
Before You Leave:
– Listen to each toilet after flushing—it should fill and stop completely within 2-3 minutes
– Check for “phantom flushes” (toilet randomly refilling)
– Test each faucet for drips after turning it off firmly
– Don’t forget outdoor faucets and hose bibs
Quick Fixes vs. Professional Help:
– A worn flapper is a $10 DIY fix and takes 15 minutes
– A dripping faucet may just need a new washer
– If the toilet won’t stop running or the drip persists after tightening, call a plumber before you leave
ProSkill Pro Tip: If you’re not comfortable making repairs yourself, we can knock out multiple small fixes in a single service call. It’s more cost-effective than scheduling separate visits.
5. Prepare Your Garbage Disposal and Drains
Why It Matters: Food residue left in disposals and drains will rot, creating terrible odors and potentially attracting pests. Slow drains can back up while you’re gone.
Before You Leave:
– Run the garbage disposal with cold water to clear any remaining food
– Grind ice cubes and citrus peels to clean the blades and freshen the drain
– Pour a cup of baking soda followed by hot water down each drain
– Make sure all drains are flowing freely—address slow drains now
Don’t Forget:
– Run water in infrequently used sinks, showers, and tubs (this refills the P-trap and prevents sewer gas from entering your home)
– If you have a floor drain in the basement or laundry room, pour a cup of water down it
For Extended Trips (3+ Weeks):
– Consider pouring a small amount of mineral oil in drains to slow evaporation of the water seal in P-traps
– Ask someone to run water through the drains weekly if possible
6. Disconnect Hoses and Protect Outdoor Plumbing
Why It Matters: Even in Phoenix, winter nights can dip into the 30s. A hose left connected can trap water that freezes and expands back into the faucet, cracking pipes inside your walls.
Before You Leave:
– Disconnect all garden hoses from outdoor faucets
– Drain hoses and store them in the garage
– Turn off shut-off valves for outdoor faucets if you have them (usually located inside, near where the pipe exits the wall)
– Open outdoor faucets briefly to drain any remaining water after shutting off the interior valve
Extra Protection for Cold Snaps:
– Insulated faucet covers cost a few dollars and provide peace of mind
– If your area has irrigation systems, consider having them winterized or at least drained
Phoenix-Specific Note: We don’t get extreme freezes often, but when we do, plumbers are slammed for weeks. A little prevention goes a long way.
7. Check Your Washing Machine
Why It Matters: Washing machine supply line failures are one of the leading causes of residential water damage claims. These hoses are under constant pressure, even when the machine isn’t running.
Before You Leave:
– Inspect hot and cold supply hoses for cracks, bulges, or wear
– Check connections for corrosion or moisture
– Feel along the entire length of the hoses for soft spots or bubbles
– Look behind the machine for any signs of previous leaks
Best Practice: Turn off the supply valves to the washing machine when you leave. This removes the constant pressure from the hoses.
Upgrade Recommendation: If you have rubber supply hoses, consider upgrading to braided stainless steel with an auto-shutoff feature. These detect sudden pressure drops (like a burst hose) and automatically shut off water flow. For about $30-50, it’s excellent insurance.
ProSkill Pro Tip: Washing machine hoses should be replaced every 5 years, regardless of appearance. The rubber deteriorates from the inside, and you can’t see the damage until it fails.
Emergency Preparation: Hope for the Best, Plan for the Worst
Even with perfect preparation, emergencies happen. Set yourself up for the fastest possible response:
Give a Trusted Neighbor or Friend:
– A key to your home
– Your contact information (cell phone, hotel, alternative contact)
– Location of the main water shutoff
– ProSkill’s phone number: 1 (623) 551-7473
– Permission to authorize emergency repairs if they can’t reach you
Consider Smart Water Monitoring:
– Smart water leak detectors ($20-50) send alerts to your phone when they detect moisture
– Place them near water heaters, under sinks, behind toilets, and near washing machines
– Smart main water shutoffs (professional installation) can automatically stop water flow if a leak is detected
Document Before You Leave:
– Take photos of areas around water fixtures
– Note your water meter reading before you leave
– Check the reading when you return—if it’s higher, you have a leak somewhere
Know Your Insurance Policy:
– Review coverage for water damage
– Understand requirements for unoccupied homes
– Know your deductible and claims process
Quick Reference: The 10-Minute Pre-Trip Plumbing Walk-Through
Short on time? At minimum, complete this quick checklist before you walk out the door:
Essential Tasks (Do These No Matter What):
– Turn off water supply to washing machine
– Disconnect outdoor hoses
– Set water heater to vacation mode
– Check under all sinks for moisture
– Listen for running toilets
– Run garbage disposal to clear food
– Know where your main shutoff is located
– Give a neighbor your contact info and a key
For Extended Trips (1 Week+):
– Consider shutting off main water supply
– Turn off water heater completely
– Pour water down infrequently used drains
– Set thermostat to maintain minimum 55°F
– Have someone check the house periodically
– Install water leak detectors near high-risk areas
– Take photos/note water meter reading
– Review homeowner’s insurance coverage
Pre-Holiday Plumbing Inspection from ProSkill
Peace of mind before you leave town—we’ll make sure your plumbing is travel-ready.
Our Pre-Trip Inspection Includes
– Complete visual inspection of all accessible plumbing
– Water heater safety and condition check
– Supply line assessment throughout the home
– Toilet and faucet function verification
– Water pressure evaluation
– Main shutoff valve testing
– Outdoor plumbing winterization review
What You Get
– Honest assessment of any concerns
– Priority list of repairs if needed
– Up-front pricing before any work
– Same-day repairs for most issues
– Written report of our findings
– Recommendations for while you’re away
– Peace of mind to enjoy your trip
What To Do If You Come Home to a Problem
Despite best efforts, plumbing emergencies happen. If you come home to water damage:
Immediately:
– Shut off the main water supply
– Turn off electricity to affected areas (if safe to do so)
– Document damage with photos and video
– Call ProSkill at 1 (623) 551-7473
Important Notes:
– Don’t throw away damaged items until your insurance company documents them
– Start drying wet areas as soon as possible to prevent mold
– Keep receipts for any emergency expenses
While we’re not a 24/7 emergency service, we prioritize urgent calls and will get to you as quickly as possible during business hours. Our team can assess the damage, make necessary repairs, and provide documentation for insurance claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I turn off my water main when I go on vacation?
For trips of two weeks or longer, we recommend turning off the main water supply. It’s the most reliable way to prevent water damage in an empty home. For shorter trips, it’s optional but provides extra peace of mind. Just remember: if you have an ice maker, automatic irrigation, or other systems that need water, shutting off the main will disable those too. Weigh the risks and benefits for your specific situation.
Can pipes freeze in Phoenix?
Yes, though it’s less common than in colder climates. When temperatures drop into the low 30s or below—especially for extended periods—pipes in unheated spaces like garages, attics, and exterior walls are at risk. The pipes most vulnerable are outdoor faucets with hoses still attached, and any pipes in uninsulated areas. During cold snaps, keep cabinet doors open under sinks on exterior walls and let faucets drip slightly if temperatures drop below freezing overnight.
How do I turn my water heater to vacation mode?
Most water heaters have a “vacation” or “VAC” setting on the temperature dial—simply turn the dial to that position. If yours doesn’t have a vacation setting, turn it to the lowest temperature setting (usually around 80-90°F). For gas water heaters, you can also turn the gas valve to “pilot” which keeps the pilot light lit but stops heating. For electric water heaters, you can flip the breaker. Always follow manufacturer instructions and proper restart procedures when you return.
What temperature should I set my thermostat when away?
In Phoenix winters, setting your thermostat to 55-60°F is usually sufficient to prevent any pipe issues while saving energy. Never turn off heating completely during winter months, even in our mild climate—unexpected cold snaps do happen. If you’ll be gone during summer, setting the AC to 85°F prevents excessive heat buildup that can damage electronics, furniture, and strain the AC when you return.
Are water leak detectors worth it?
Absolutely. Basic water leak detectors cost $20-50 and can alert you via smartphone the moment water is detected. For a home that will be empty for days or weeks, that early warning could be the difference between a minor cleanup and a major restoration project. Place them near water heaters, under sinks, behind toilets, near washing machines, and anywhere else leaks could occur. Smart water shutoff valves (professionally installed on your main line) take it a step further by automatically stopping water flow when a leak is detected.
What should I do about my ice maker when I leave?
If you’re turning off the main water supply, your ice maker will stop making ice. Empty the ice bin before you leave to prevent stale ice and odors. If you’re leaving the water on, the ice maker will continue operating—just empty old ice when you return as it can absorb freezer odors. Some refrigerators have an ice maker on/off switch; turning it off during extended trips is a good practice to prevent any supply line issues.
How often should washing machine hoses be replaced?
Standard rubber washing machine hoses should be replaced every 3-5 years. Braided stainless steel hoses last longer (8-10 years) but should still be inspected regularly. If you don’t know when your hoses were installed, replace them—it’s inexpensive insurance against one of the most common causes of home water damage. And always turn off the water supply valves when leaving for extended periods, regardless of hose age or type.
Why Phoenix Families Trust ProSkill for Plumbing
Honest Service Since 2008
When brothers Tyler and Travis Ringe founded ProSkill, they built the company on a simple principle: treat every customer’s home like it’s our own. That means honest assessments, fair pricing, and never selling services you don’t need.
We’re your neighbors. We live here, we raise our families here, and we understand the unique challenges of Phoenix home ownership. When you need plumbing help—whether it’s a pre-trip inspection or an unexpected repair—we’re here to help.
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