Plumbing Tips for Summer Holidays: Keep Your Home Safe While You’re Away

Summer holidays are meant for relaxing—not worrying about plumbing disasters back home. Whether you're heading to the seaside for a long weekend or jetting off abroad for a few weeks, a little preparation can go a long way in keeping your home safe from leaks, water damage, and nasty surprises.

At Miguel Lopez Plumbing, we’ve put together some essential plumbing tips to help you enjoy your time away stress-free.

✅ 1. Turn Off the Main Water Supply

If no one will be using water in your home while you're away, it’s best to shut off the main water valve. This simple step prevents leaks or burst pipes from causing damage while you’re not there to notice.

🔧 Tip: Test the valve before you leave to ensure it turns off easily. If it’s stiff or corroded, we can help replace it.

✅ 2. Inspect for Leaks Before You Leave

Take a few minutes to check:

• Under sinks and around toilets

• Behind your washing machine and dishwasher

• Around your water heater

• 
  

Even a small drip can become a bigger problem when left unchecked for days or weeks.

🕵️ Bonus tip: Record your water meter reading before you leave. If it changes while you're away (and no one’s home), you likely have a hidden leak.

✅ 3. Drain Appliances Prone to Stagnant Water

Appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, and water filters can build up bacteria if left unused with water sitting inside.

💡 Run a rinse cycle, or drain these appliances before you leave to avoid foul smells or potential mold growth.

✅ 4. Set Your Water Heater to Holiday Mode

Many modern water heaters have a "vacation" or "eco" setting. This reduces energy usage while still protecting the system from freezing or overheating.

🔥 If your unit doesn’t have this feature, turn the temperature down to the lowest safe setting.

✅ 5. Ask a Friend or Neighbour to Check In

It’s always a good idea to have someone pop in once or twice while you're away. They can:

• Check for signs of leaks or water damage

• Run taps or flush toilets to prevent trapped air or stagnant water

• Contact you if anything goes wrong

👥 Give them your plumber’s contact info just in case—like ours!

✅ 6. Clear Gutters and Outdoor Drains

Blocked gutters or exterior drains can lead to flooding during summer storms. Before you leave:

• Remove leaves and debris from gutters

• Check that patio and driveway drains are clear

• Ensure downpipes direct water away from your home

• 
  

🌧️ One quick check can save thousands in water damage repairs.

✅ 7. Don’t Forget the Garden!

Timers on sprinklers or hoses are great, but make sure they’re functioning properly before you leave.

💦 A faulty hose connection or stuck timer could flood your garden or waste hundreds of litres of water.

Ready to Travel Worry-Free?

If you'd prefer a professional plumbing inspection before your summer getaway, Miguel Lopez Plumbing is here to help.

From leak checks to water heater settings and outdoor tap inspections, we’ll make sure everything’s secure before you head off.

📞 Contact us today on 07576 558698 to schedule your pre-holiday plumbing check-up!