Your Plumbing Checklist for a Worry-Free Winter Vacation
Heading off for a winter vacation should be all about relaxing and making memories, not worrying about what’s happening back at the house. Unfortunately, an empty home in the middle of a Canadian winter can be vulnerable to plumbing disasters like burst pipes and flooding.
To make sure you come back to a house that’s just as you left it, we’ve put together a quick plumbing checklist to run through before you head out the door.
1. Keep the Heat On (Just a Little Bit)
It might be tempting to turn the heat completely off to save money, but this is a major gamble. A cold snap could cause pipes inside your walls to freeze and burst. You don’t need to keep it toasty, but we definitely recommend setting your thermostat to at least 15°C (60°F). This is warm enough to protect your pipes without running up a huge bill.
2. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat is a fantastic tool for any homeowner, especially when you’re away. It allows you to monitor and control your home’s temperature from your phone, no matter where you are in the world. Better yet, many models can send you alerts if there’s a power outage or if the temperature inside your house drops unexpectedly, giving you a chance to react before it becomes a disaster.
3. For Long Trips, Shut Off the Main Water Supply
If you’re going to be away for an extended period (say, a month or more), the most foolproof way to prevent a leak or flood is to shut off your home’s main water supply.
- Locate your main water shut-off valve (usually in the basement near the water meter).
- Turn the valve off completely.
- Open the taps on the lowest and highest levels of your home to drain any remaining water from the pipes.
4. An Important Extra Step: Turn Off Your Water Heater
If you’ve shut off the main water supply, you absolutely must turn off your water heater as well. An empty water heater that tries to turn on its heating element can be severely damaged and even become a fire hazard. For a gas heater, turn the switch to the “PILOT” setting. For an electric one, switch it off at your home’s breaker panel.
5. Ask a Friend or Pro to Check In
Peace of mind is priceless. It’s always a good idea to have a trusted friend, neighbour, or family member pop in every few days to make sure everything is okay. If you’re particularly concerned about your plumbing, you can even schedule a check-in with your local plumber. The team of expert plumbers in Brampton at Drain Experts Plumbing can provide a quick inspection to ensure your home is secure while you’re away.
