So you’ve ticked off all the boxes on your vacation prep checklist. You’ve locked all the doors and windows, made sure the stove and coffee maker are turned off, and checked the alarm system.

But have you given any thought to safeguarding your home’s plumbing system while you’re gone? It’s something that most people don’t think about, but if you were to have a plumbing disaster while you’re away, the damage to your home could be extensive by the time you return. That’s especially true in the winter when pipes can freeze and burst, requiring major plumbing repairs.

Read on for some helpful tips to protect your plumbing system and appliances while you’re away.

Plumbing Do’s & Don’ts While On Vacation

• Do shut off your water. One of the easiest ways to avoid frozen pipes and catastrophic leaks is to eliminate the water in your system. Shut off the flow of water into your home at the main valve, and turn on all the faucets to drain the water from the lines.
• Don’t forget your sump pump. The last thing you want is to come home to a flooded basement. Make sure the pump is operating correctly and that any dirt and debris is cleared away to prevent clogging. If your basement is prone to moisture and flooding, consider adding a battery backup in case of a power outage.
• Do set your water heater lower. On the temperature setting dial, you’ll find a setting that says “low” or even “vacation mode.” This keeps your water heater running but at a level that saves a lot of energy. Or you can simply turn it off if you prefer.
• Don’t leave water sitting in your appliances. Make sure to drain the water out of your dishwasher and clothes washer to prevent the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew, which can cause stains and bad odors.
• Do disinfect your toilets and drains. You don’t need to drain your toilet or dry out your drains, but it’s a great idea to disinfect the water in them before you leave. Pouring a cup of bleach or vinegar in your drains and toilet bowl will stop the buildup of bacteria and algae which can cause very unpleasant smells as well as leave a ring around your toilet bowl.
• Don’t neglect your outdoor plumbing. If you’re vacationing during the winter months, make sure to disconnect, drain and properly store all of your hoses to prevent freezing and bursting. Also make sure the water is shut off to your outdoor spigots, which may have their own valve that’s separate from your home’s main water valve, and drain the spigots.
• Do keep your home’s temperature above freezing. You’ll want to lower the heat while you’re away to save energy, but don’t set it at less than 50 degrees to avoid the risk of frozen pipes.

Contact Knight’s Mechanical in Elizabethtown, Glasgow and Bowling Green, Kentucky, with any questions or concerns about your home’s plumbing system.