Simple Plumbing Tips When Going on Holidays, Your Aussie Holiday Plumbing Checklist

October 26, 2024
Patrick James

Heading out for a holiday is always exciting but do you ever consider the state of your home’s plumbing before you leave? It’s easy to overlook yet incredibly important to ensure everything stays in tip-top shape during your absence. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll go through 20 essential tips, starting with 10 key topics, to help prevent plumbing issues and keep your home safe while you are on your well-deserved break.

1. Check for Leaks

Before going on holiday, it’s crucial to inspect your home for potential leaks. This includes checking taps, showerheads, and toilet tanks for any dripping or puddles of water. Not only can leaks cause significant water waste over time, but they can also potentially lead to substantial water damage if not addressed immediately.

2. Inspect Pipe Insulation

Proper pipe insulation is critical in maintaining the temperature of water within. Especially if you’re going away in colder months, make sure all pipes are thoroughly insulated to prevent bursting due to freezing temperatures. Building materials such as foam pipe insulation are easily available should you require it.

3. Drain Your Water Heater

To avoid unnecessary wear and tear, consider draining your water heater before leaving. This process can rid the heater of any built-up sediment and scale, improving its performance and lifespan. Furthermore, turning off the water supply to the heater can prevent potential leaks or floods.

4. Clean Drainage Systems

A clean drainage system helps maintain a healthy home environment and minimise any blockages that could otherwise lead to backed up sinks or toilets while you’re away. Regular use of drain cleaner or a homemade solution may be beneficial in keeping your drains problem-free.

5. Fix Running Toilets

Check each toilet in your home to ensure none are continuously running. If you need to jiggle the handle or adjust the flapper for it to stop, you might want to consider getting it fixed before you leave. A running toilet can consume a considerable amount of water and inflate your bill.

6. Secure Loose Fittings

In the realm of hydraulic engineering, loose fittings can lead to serious repercussions. Be sure to inspect any apparent loose fixtures or fittings in your home’s plumbing system, securing them where necessary. This simple act can prevent water-related damages that could otherwise ruin your holiday mood.

7. Empty Dishwasher and Washing Machine

Leaving for an extended period? Make sure not to leave dirty dishes in your dishwasher or clothes in your washing machine. Remnants of food and dirty water can lead to unwanted smells and potential tool damage over time.

8. Routine Septic Tank Inspection

If your home runs on a septic system, be sure to schedule a routine inspection. You certainly wouldn’t want to come back from vacation to a lawn overrun with sewage because of an overflowing septic tank!

9. Flush Toilets Thoroughly

Ensure all toilets in your house are flushed thoroughly before leaving and the bowls are clean. This simple task doesn’t require much effort but can make your return home much more pleasant (and odourless!). Furthermore, consider closing the lid on all your toilets as an extra preventative.

10. Clear Food Disposal Units

Last but not least, don’t forget to clear and clean out any food waste disposal units, ensuring they are indeed empty before going on holiday. Stuck food particles left stagnant for too long can accelerate mould growth and emit unpleasant odours, compromising your home’s hygiene.

11. Ensure Proper Ventilation

Proper ventilation for your plumbing should fall at the top of your pre-holiday checklist. It ensures that water flows smoothly without any backflow and toilet clogs which could bring about wet wipe havoc. As experienced plumbers, we can’t stress enough how crucial this becomes when your home is left unattended for an extended period. Don’t risk returning to a damp, foul-smelling home and potential water damage, ensure your vents are not blocked before you depart.

12. Maintain Water Softeners

If hard water is common in your area, water softeners are most likely an integral part of your hydraulic engineering system at home. Regular maintenance promotes smooth flow in your pipes, preventing any buildup. Be certain that you topped up salt in the brine tank and performed necessary check-ups before leaving the house to prevent any issues whilst on holiday.

13. Check Water Pressure

Water pressure relates directly to the health of your domestic implements such as home appliances connected to your plumbing system. Absolutely check it before heading out for your vacation! If the pressure is too high, it could result in damage or leaks while you’re away. A simple visit from a licensed plumber could save you heaps of trouble later.

14. Use Strainers in Drains

This may sound overly simple but strainers are brilliant – they prevent unwanted objects from getting into drains and causing blockages. The last thing you’ll want after a holiday is to come home to clogged sinks or showers, needing a drain cleaner – superb plumbing wisdom right there!

15. Monitor Water Bill

An unseen leak in your plumbing system can cause a steady increase in your water bill over time. Monitoring your water bill closely before you leave for your holiday can alert you to potential problems. Save yourself unnecessary expenses by checking for leaks and fixing them prior to your travels.

16. Replace Old Pipes

Old pipes are often the culprit of plumbing issues in the home. If your building engineering includes old, rusty pipes, it might be high time to consider replacing them before leaving for a lengthy vacation. Reduce the risk of a plumbing disaster and replace them with new, more durable building materials designed for modern plumbing systems.

17. Update Outdated Fixtures

In addition to pipes, old and outdated fixtures are another potential source of trouble. From leaky taps to malfunctioning shower heads, such issues can escalate when you are away. Gifting your bathroom and kitchen an upgrade not only enhances their appearance, but it also prevents unforeseen water problems while you’re holidaying.

18. Seal All Cracks

Small cracks can equal big problems down the road especially when it comes to water seepage and potential mould development. This becomes increasingly important if you’re leaving your home during monsoon season, hence, examine your home thoroughly for any potential cracks and seal them before hitting the road.

19. Check Shower Heads

Your checklist isn’t complete without giving shower heads a once-over! Shower head drips may seem inconsequential but can lead to wastage over time resulting in larger water bills – unacceptable! Ensure they are properly fitted and not dripping when turned off. Call us, should you need help!

20. Monitor Outdoor Plumbing

Your external plumbing also needs attention – inspect outdoor taps and watering systems for leaks or signs of wear-and-tear before jetting off on your holidays. An unwanted open irrigation cycle could become a significantly pricer water bill whilst impacting negatively on your home’s environmental engineering cred.

Your Aussie Plumbing Wrap-up

Taking proper care of your plumbing system before setting off on holiday is essential. It not only ensures that you’ll return to a functional and damage-free home but can save money on potential repairs or increased bills. Remember, if tackling these tasks feels overwhelming, our team of experienced professionals at Dan’s Plumping is here to help with all your pre-holiday plumbing needs.

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Patrick James

The Blog Team at Dan's Plumbing
Dan’s Plumbing is a leading name in emergency plumbing across Australia. We ensure prompt and effective plumbing solutions for residents across Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and the Gold Coast.