There is nothing better than heading off on holiday knowing you have left everything at home safe and secure. You lock the doors, turn off the lights, pack your bags and make your way to the airport.
But there is one thing many homeowners forget to check before they leave: their plumbing.
A small plumbing problem can quickly become a major issue when nobody is home to notice it. A dripping tap, leaking pipe or blocked drain might seem like a minor inconvenience today, but while you are away, that small problem could lead to water damage, mould, expensive repairs and a very unwelcome surprise when you return.
That is why plumbing maintenance should be part of your pre-holiday checklist to avoid having to deal with an emergency plumbing situation either while you are away or when you get back.
At GF James Plumbing, we recommend taking the time to inspect your plumbing before heading away. A professional plumbing maintenance check can help identify potential problems early and give you greater peace of mind while you are enjoying your holiday. Such a simple plumbing service can give you peace of mind and allow you to relax even more.
Why is plumbing maintenance important before a holiday?
Your plumbing system works every day, often without you giving it a second thought. Water is constantly flowing through pipes, taps, gas fittings, toilets, appliances and drainage systems.
When you are home, you can usually spot a problem quickly. You might hear a tap dripping, notice a damp patch under a sink or realise that a drain is taking longer than usual to empty.
When you are away, however, these warning signs can go unnoticed for days or even weeks.
A leaking pipe that would normally be discovered within hours could continue leaking while your home is empty. Even a relatively small leak can release a significant amount of water over time.
Regular plumbing maintenance helps identify these issues in your plumbing services before they have the opportunity to turn into costly emergencies.
Check for leaking taps and toilets
Before you leave, take a few minutes to inspect your taps, toilets and visible pipework.
A dripping tap may not seem like a serious problem, but it can indicate a worn component that needs attention. Likewise, a toilet that continues to run after flushing could be wasting water and may indicate an issue with the internal components.
Check around your sinks, toilets and appliances for signs of moisture, water stains or unusual smells.
If something doesn’t look or sound right, it is worth having it inspected before you go away to avoid calling emergency plumbing services when you get back.
Addressing minor issues as part of your plumbing maintenance routine can be much easier and less expensive than dealing with a major leak after returning from holiday.
Inspect your pipes for signs of leaks
Visible pipes under sinks, around hot water systems and in other accessible areas should also be checked before you leave.
Look for:
- Dampness or puddles
- Water stains
- Corrosion or rust
- Cracked or damaged pipes
- Unusual smells
- Mould or mildew
- Unexpected increases in your water usage
- smell of gas
Some plumbing leaks are not immediately obvious. If you have noticed any signs of a possible leak before your holiday, don’t simply assume it will be fine while you are away. Burst pipes can cause enormous amounts of costly damage to your home.
A professional plumber can assess the issue, carry out a leak detection investigation and determine whether repairs or further plumbing maintenance are required.
Don’t forget your drains
Blocked drains or slow-moving drains are another issue worth addressing before a holiday to avoid costly repairs.
If a shower, sink or floor drain is already draining slowly, the problem could become worse over time. A partial blockage can eventually become a complete blockage, potentially resulting in overflowing water or unpleasant odours.
Checking your drains with a scheduled maintenance plumbing check before you leave gives you an opportunity to deal with developing problems before they become emergencies.
Professional plumbing maintenance can also help identify recurring drainage issues and determine whether there is an underlying problem that needs attention. Through the use of drain camera inspections, a plumber can see deep into the pipes and detect any issues that could cause problems.
Check your hot water system
Your hot water system is another important part of your home’s plumbing.
Before heading away, check for unusual noises, leaks, temperature changes, hot water checks from the taps or signs of corrosion around the hot water heater. If your hot water system has been behaving differently recently, it is worth arranging an inspection before you leave. If you have a gas hot water system, it is worth getting it checked for an gas leaks before you go away.
If you are going away for an extended period, a plumber can also advise you on appropriate steps for your particular system and circumstances.
The key is not to ignore warning signs simply because your hot water system is still working.
Know where your main water shut-off valve is
Every homeowner should know where their main water shut-off valve is located.
If a serious plumbing problem occurs while you are at home, being able to quickly shut off the water can help limit potential damage.
If you are going away and someone will be checking on your property, make sure they know where the valve is as well.
Depending on your circumstances and plumbing system, your plumber may also be able to advise you on whether turning off your main water supply while you are away is appropriate.
Prevention can save you from an unwanted homecoming
Nobody wants to return from a relaxing holiday to discover water damage.
Unfortunately, plumbing emergencies don’t take holidays.
The good news is that many plumbing problems can be identified before they become emergencies. That is the real value of regular plumbing maintenance. Instead of waiting for something to go wrong, preventative maintenance gives you the opportunity to find potential problems early. Something as simple as leak and water pressure checks can be a plumbing life saver.
A pre-holiday plumbing inspection can be particularly worthwhile if your home has older plumbing and older gas services, you have recently experienced leaks or blockages, or you are going away for an extended period.
Commercial plumbing maintenance should not be overlooked
Commercial properties should be thoroughly inspected before being closed for extended periods to ensure the integrity, safety, and future readiness of the premises. Regular checks can prevent potential risks such as water damage from leaks, pest infestations, structural deterioration, and security breaches. Identifying and addressing these issues early can prevent costly repairs and potential liabilities. Additionally, ensuring that all systems, such as HVAC and fire safety mechanisms, are functioning correctly can mitigate the risk of emergencies and enhance the property’s value and appeal to future tenants or buyers. Routine inspections also provide an opportunity to make necessary upgrades, ensuring compliance with local regulations and enhancing energy efficiency, which can lead to long-term savings. Ultimately, diligent commercial plumbing maintenance and evaluation of commercial properties safeguard the owner’s investment and contribute to a safer, more secure environment.
Make plumbing maintenance part of your holiday checklist
Before you close the front door and head off on your next adventure, take a moment to think about your home’s plumbing.
A quick visual inspection can help, but professional plumbing maintenance can provide a more thorough assessment of your system and identify issues that may not be immediately visible.
At GF James Plumbing, we understand that the last thing you want to think about while you’re on holiday is a plumbing emergency. Taking preventative action before you leave can help protect your home, reduce the risk of unexpected problems and give you greater peace of mind.
So, before you pack your bags, lock the doors and head off, add one more item to your checklist:
Book your plumbing maintenance check.
It could be one of the most worthwhile things you do before your holiday.
