How to Prepare Your Plumbing Before Going on Vacation

Don't Let a Plumbing Disaster Ruin Your Holiday

A burst pipe or undetected leak can cause tens of thousands of dollars in water damage while you're relaxing on a beach. Every year, Vancouver plumbers like HYDROPRO respond to emergencies caused by vacation plumbing neglect — flooded basements, warped floors, and mould growth that started with something completely preventable. Taking 30 minutes to prepare your plumbing before you leave can save you a devastating homecoming.

Step 1: Shut Off the Main Water Valve (Most Important)

The single most effective thing you can do before leaving on any trip longer than two days is to turn off your main water shutoff valve. This stops water from flowing into your home entirely, meaning any pipe that develops a crack or leak cannot cause flooding damage.

Your main shutoff is typically located near the water meter, which in most Vancouver homes is found in the basement, utility room, or on an exterior wall where the city water line enters the property. Turn the valve clockwise until it stops. Once it's off, open a tap briefly to release any residual pressure in the lines.

If you're unsure where your shutoff valve is or if it hasn't been turned in years (older valves can seize), call HYDROPRO before your trip. A seized valve that cannot close is a real liability when you're away.

Step 2: Turn Off or Set Your Water Heater to Vacation Mode

Once the main water supply is off, there's no point keeping your water heater running at full temperature. Most modern water heaters have a "vacation" or "pilot" setting that keeps the unit warm without burning gas or electricity to maintain full temperature. If your unit doesn't have this setting, turn it down to the lowest setting or switch it off entirely. This reduces your energy bill and prevents any risk of the unit running dry if there's a supply interruption.

Step 3: Check for Existing Leaks Before You Leave

A small drip under the kitchen sink becomes a major mould and water damage problem over two weeks. Before you pack your bags, walk through your home and inspect every fixture and visible pipe connection. Look under sinks, around the toilet base, behind the washing machine, and at the water heater connections.

If you spot anything suspicious, have it professionally inspected. HYDROPRO's leak detection and repair service can identify hidden leaks using advanced equipment before they become catastrophic. Don't leave a known issue unaddressed.

Step 4: Drain Pipes if Leaving in Winter

If you're leaving during Vancouver's cooler months (November through March), frozen pipes become a risk — particularly in older homes with pipes in exterior walls or crawl spaces. After shutting off the main valve, open all taps on the lowest floor to drain residual water from the pipes. Flush toilets to empty the tank and bowl as much as possible. Consider pouring RV antifreeze into toilet bowls and P-traps under sinks if the home will be unheated.

Step 5: Disconnect Washing Machine and Dishwasher Hoses

Washing machine supply hoses are one of the most common sources of catastrophic home flooding. Rubber hoses degrade over time, and the pressure behind them is constant when the shutoff is open. If possible, turn off the individual shutoff valves behind your washing machine and dishwasher, or disconnect the supply hoses entirely. This is especially important if your appliances are on an upper floor where a leak would damage multiple levels below.

Step 6: Set Your Thermostat Correctly

Never let your home fall below 10°C (50°F) during winter months. Even in Vancouver, cold snaps can push interior temperatures in poorly insulated homes low enough to freeze pipes. Set your thermostat to a minimum of 13°C (55°F) for a comfortable safety margin. Smart thermostats can alert you on your phone if the temperature drops unexpectedly — a worthwhile investment for frequent travellers.

Step 7: Clean Your Drains Before Leaving

Slow drains left unaddressed can become completely blocked while the home sits empty, especially if there's organic material partially obstructing the drain. Run hot water through all drains, use a drain cleaner if needed, and clear any visible hair or debris from shower drain covers. A clear, free-flowing drain system ensures there are no surprise backups waiting when you return.

Step 8: Ask Someone to Check on Your Home

For trips longer than a week, arrange for a trusted neighbour, friend, or property manager to check your home every few days. Give them the location of your main water shutoff and the number for a reliable 24/7 emergency plumber like HYDROPRO (604-652-4356). A set of eyes on your property regularly can catch a problem before it escalates from minor to catastrophic.

Smart Water Shutoff Valves: A Tech-Savvy Solution

For homeowners who travel frequently, a smart water shutoff valve is an excellent investment. Devices such as the Moen Flo, Phyn Plus, or LeakSmart can monitor your entire plumbing system remotely, detect unusual flow patterns that indicate a leak, and automatically shut off your water supply from wherever you are in the world via a smartphone app. These systems start at around $500-$800 installed and provide tremendous peace of mind for Vancouver homeowners with heritage or older homes where leaks are more common.

Your Pre-Vacation Plumbing Checklist

• Shut off the main water supply valve
• Set water heater to vacation or pilot mode
• Inspect all fixtures and pipe connections for drips or leaks
• Drain residual water from pipes if leaving in winter
• Disconnect or isolate washing machine and dishwasher supply hoses
• Set thermostat no lower than 13°C (55°F)
• Clean and clear all drains
• Arrange for a trusted person to check the home
• Leave the emergency plumber number with your home-checker: 604-652-4356

A little preparation goes a long way. If you'd like HYDROPRO to do a pre-vacation plumbing walkthrough of your home, call us at 604-652-4356 before your next trip. We serve Vancouver, Burnaby, and the entire Greater Vancouver area.