Going on vacation should be relaxing, but coming home to a plumbing disaster? That’s the fastest way to ruin it. If you’re planning to be away for more than a few days, it’s important to prepare your home’s plumbing system before you go. Issues like a drain clog in Greer, a leaky pipe, or a water heater problem can go from minor to major when left unattended. At Babb’s Plumbing, we’ve seen it all, and we know exactly what to check before locking the door and heading out of town.
This simple checklist will help protect your home from unexpected plumbing emergencies while you’re away, so you can enjoy your time off without worrying about what’s happening back home.
Shut Off Your Main Water Valve
This is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your home while you’re away. Turning off your water supply means that even if a pipe bursts or a leak develops, there won’t be any running water to cause damage. You can typically find your main shut-off valve in your basement, crawl space, or near the water meter. After you shut it off, open a faucet to release any pressure in the pipes. For more smart water-saving practices, the EPA WaterSense program offers useful tips.
Set Your Water Heater to Vacation Mode
Your water heater doesn’t need to keep heating water while you’re gone. Most newer models include a “vacation” setting that reduces energy use and helps prevent overheating. If your unit is older, you can turn it to the lowest setting, or off completely if you’ll be away for a while.
And if your system has been acting up lately, now’s the time to fix it. Our team at Babb’s offers expert Greer water heater installation, and we can install an energy-efficient unit that gives you peace of mind whether you’re home or away.
Inspect for Leaks and Drips
Take a quick tour of your home and check for any signs of leaks. Look under sinks, around toilets, near your
water heater, and in the basement. Even a small drip from a faucet or a damp spot under a pipe can become a
much bigger issue if left unchecked while you’re gone. Hidden leaks not only waste water but can also lead to
mold, wood damage, or even structural problems.
Test Your Sump Pump
If your home has a basement or crawl space, your sump pump protects you from heavy rains and groundwater flooding. Summer storms can lead to unexpected water damage. The National Weather Service offers helpful flood safety tips to keep your home protected. Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit. If the pump turns on and removes the water, you’re all set! If not, call in a professional to have it repaired before you leave. Sump pump failure during a summer storm is one of the most common sources of water damage in Greer homes, especially if no one’s around to catch it.
Clear Any Slow Drains
If you’ve noticed a sink or shower that drains slowly, don’t ignore it. A drain clog in Greer can develop quickly, especially if your pipes are already partially blocked. Once you’re away, buildup can harden and block the pipe completely, leading to backups or water damage.
Grease, hair, soap scum, and debris are often the culprits. You can try flushing with hot water or a natural cleaner, but for stubborn clogs, it’s best to call Babb’s Plumbing and get it professionally cleaned before you go.
Turn Off Outdoor Faucets and Irrigation Systems
Leaky outdoor spigots and automatic sprinklers can waste gallons of water and even flood your yard if something goes wrong while you’re away.
Before you leave:
- Shut off the water to outdoor faucets.
- Disconnect and drain hoses.
- Pause or disable irrigation timers.
This not only helps avoid damage but also keeps your water bill in check while you’re away.
Double-Check Toilets and Indoor Faucets
Make sure all indoor faucets are completely turned off and that your toilets aren’t running. A constantly running
toilet or a slow leak under a sink can waste water and lead to damage if left for days or weeks. Listen for drips or the sound of running water. If something seems off, it’s better to fix it now than return to a flooded bathroom or sky-high utility bill.
Freshen and Shut Off the Garbage Disposal
Before you leave:
- Run cold water
- Add a few lemon slices and ice cubes
- Turn on the disposal for 30 seconds
- Flip the power off at the breaker
This keeps the disposal clean and prevents odors from developing while you’re gone. It’s a simple step many homeowners forget.
Consider a Pre-Vacation Plumbing Inspection
If your home is older, or if you’ve experienced problems with Greer water heater installation, slow drains, or
leaky pipes in the past, it may be worth scheduling a quick plumbing inspection.
Babb’s Plumbing offers full-service checkups to ensure everything is in working order before you leave. It’s one
less thing to worry about, and gives you confidence your home will be just as you left it when you return.
Consider a Pre-Vacation Plumbing Inspection
Whether you’re headed to the beach for a weekend or flying overseas for a few weeks, you deserve to enjoy your trip without plumbing stress. Taking just 20–30 minutes to prepare your home can prevent major issues,
such as a drain clog in Greer, a broken water heater, or a flooded basement. And if you’d rather not handle it
yourself? That’s where we come in.
Contact Babb’s Plumbing at (864) 303-6541 to schedule a vacation-ready plumbing check, drain cleaning, or Greer water heater installation you can trust!
