Summer in Michigan is the perfect time to take a well-earned vacation. Whether you’re heading north to a cottage on the lake or flying across the country for a week in the sun, there’s one thing many homeowners forget to do before locking the front door—prepare their plumbing.
Unexpected plumbing problems can ruin more than just your floors or walls—they can ruin your peace of mind, especially if you’re hundreds of miles away when something goes wrong. Thankfully, with a little preparation, you can prevent plumbing-related disasters from happening while you’re gone.
Here are five essential plumbing precautions to take before leaving on vacation this summer.
1. Turn Off the Main Water Supply
One of the most effective ways to prevent water damage while you’re away is to simply shut off your home’s main water valve. If no one will be using water in your home, there’s no reason to leave the supply on—especially if a pipe bursts or a fixture starts leaking while you’re gone.
Why It Matters
A small leak can cause major damage over time. A pipe under your sink might drip slowly, but over the course of a week, that could add up to gallons of water pooling into your cabinets and floors. Worse yet, if a pipe bursts, it could run continuously for days before anyone notices.
How to Do It
- Locate the main water shut-off valve. It’s usually found in your basement, crawlspace, or utility room, where the main water line enters your house.
- Turn it clockwise to shut off. If it’s a ball valve, turn the handle perpendicular to the pipe.
- Test by turning on a faucet. If water stops flowing after a few seconds, you’ve successfully shut it off.
If you’re only going to be gone for a few days and want to keep water on for landscaping, check with your plumber about localized shut-offs. For example, you can keep the irrigation system on while turning off indoor plumbing.
2. Check for Leaks Before You Go
Even if you shut off the main water, there could still be water in your pipes—and leaks could continue to drip. It’s a good idea to inspect your home for any existing leaks or vulnerabilities before heading out.
Areas to Check
- Under sinks: Look for drips, corrosion, or moldy smells.
- Around toilets: Check for wetness at the base or constant running sounds.
- Water heater: Inspect the area around it for moisture, rust, or bulging.
- Hose bibs and outdoor faucets: Even a slow drip here can waste a lot of water and create wet spots near your foundation.
- Basement plumbing: Look for dampness or signs of past flooding.
What to Do if You Find a Leak
If you discover a leak—even a small one—it’s best to get it repaired before you leave. Small leaks can grow under pressure or worsen over time. Calling a professional plumber now can save you from major water damage later.
3. Drain Appliances and Insulate Pipes if Needed
If you’re planning an extended vacation, especially if you’ll be gone more than a week, it might be smart to take additional steps with major plumbing appliances like your water heater, dishwasher, or washing machine.
Water Heater
- Turn off or set to vacation mode. Most modern water heaters have a “vacation” setting that keeps the pilot light on but prevents full heating, saving energy while you’re away.
- For longer absences, consider draining it. If you’ll be gone several weeks, draining your water heater can prevent sediment buildup and reduce the risk of corrosion or leaks. This is best done by a plumber unless you’re confident in doing it yourself.
Dishwasher and Washing Machine
- Turn off the water supply lines. These machines have their own shut-off valves. Closing them reduces the risk of a burst hose.
- Leave doors ajar. Prevent mold and musty odors by letting them air out while you’re gone.
Pipe Insulation (For Spring/Summer Travel in Michigan)
While frozen pipes are usually a winter concern, Michigan weather can be unpredictable. If you’re traveling in early summer and temps are still dipping low at night, you may want to insulate exposed pipes—especially if you’ll be away for several weeks and your home will be left unheated.
4. Clear Drains and Garbage Disposals
The last thing you want to come home to is a sour-smelling sink or a clogged drain. Leftover food particles and standing water in your disposal or pipes can lead to odors, bacteria, and clogs.
Sink and Garbage Disposal
- Run cold water and the disposal. Let it run for 30–60 seconds to flush out any remaining food waste.
- Toss in citrus peels or ice cubes. This will help clean the blades and freshen the disposal.
Floor and Shower Drains
- Pour water and a little vinegar down unused drains. This will help prevent dry traps, which can allow sewer gases to escape into your home.
- For smelly drains: Pour half a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of white vinegar. Let sit for 10–15 minutes, then flush with hot water.
Keeping your drains clean while you’re gone can make a big difference in keeping your house smelling fresh and avoiding future clogs.
5. Ask a Friend or Neighbor to Check In
Even if you’ve taken all the proper steps, it’s always a good idea to have someone check on your home while you’re away. A trusted friend, family member, or neighbor can give you peace of mind—and help catch any issues early.
What to Ask Them to Do:
- Walk through your home every few days. Have them check for damp spots, drips, or signs of flooding—especially in the basement and around appliances.
- Flush toilets and run water. This keeps water moving and traps from drying out.
- Check the sump pump (if you have one). Summer storms can cause power outages or flooding—your sump pump is your first line of defense.
Leave Emergency Info
Be sure to:
- Leave the name and contact of your plumber.
- Show them where the main shut-off valve is.
- Give them your vacation contact info, just in case.
Bonus Tips for Summer Plumbing Peace of Mind
If you want to go above and beyond, here are a few more ways to ensure your plumbing is in good shape before a summer getaway:
Install Smart Leak Detectors
These devices can detect moisture and send alerts to your smartphone. Place them near the water heater, sinks, or basement plumbing. Some advanced systems can even shut off your water remotely.
Clean Out Gutters and Downspouts
Heavy summer rains in Michigan can lead to backups or basement flooding. Make sure gutters and downspouts are clean and directing water away from your home’s foundation.
Inspect Your Sump Pump
If your home has a sump pump, test it by pouring water into the pit. Make sure it turns on, pumps the water out, and turns off again. A malfunctioning sump pump can mean a flooded basement during a summer storm.
Don’t Let Plumbing Worries Ruin Your Vacation
Summers in Michigan are short—and you deserve to enjoy every minute of your time away without worrying about your home. By following these five simple precautions, you can prevent the most common plumbing disasters that strike when no one’s home to stop them.
And if you’re ever unsure about your plumbing system before a trip, don’t hesitate to call your local plumbing professionals. A quick inspection can catch issues before they cause damage—and give you peace of mind while you’re enjoying your vacation.
Need help prepping your home’s plumbing before your next trip? Aspen Plumbing Services is here to help! From inspections and leak repairs to emergency service and sump pump maintenance, we’ve got you covered. Call us today to schedule a pre-vacation plumbing check-up.
