Planning a Trip? That’s fantastic news, you deserve it! But before you lock up, we wanted to walk you through a quick checklist for your plumbing and heating systems. Returning home to a burst pipe or a cold house is stressful, and we want to make sure you have complete peace of mind while you’re traveling.
We’re your professional, reliable plumbing and heating partners here in Westchester, and we understand the worry that comes with leaving your home empty. So, let’s go through these steps together.
Water Safety: Your Go-To Plumbing Shut-Downs
Water damage is honestly the biggest, scariest threat to an empty home. Taking these simple steps is your best defense!
1. Shut Off Your Water Supply
Please shut off your home’s main water valve (or individual fixtures) to prevent leaks while you’re away. This is a huge step because if any little hose or pipe decides to fail, shutting off the main line stops the disaster instantly. It eliminates the risk of a catastrophic flood while you’re gone and that alone is worth the two minutes it takes!
Expert Tip: After shutting off the main valve, briefly open the highest faucet (like a second-floor sink) and the lowest faucet (like a basement tub) for a minute to release residual pressure in the pipes, which is an important step for protecting fixture seals.
2. Don’t Ignore Small Drips
Before you leave, check quickly for any slow drips, running toilets, or small leaks. They worsen quickly when a home is unattended. A toilet that runs periodically or a minor leak under the sink might seem small now, but if it runs for a week straight, it costs you a fortune and can cause serious damage. Addressing it now is much easier.
3. Test That Sump Pump
If your home has a basement (especially here in flood-prone Yonkers!), you really should test your sump pump. Just pour a bucket of water into the basin to make sure the pump kicks on and drains successfully. We’ve seen too many issues where a pump failure leads to immediate flooding during a sudden snowmelt or heavy rain.
Protecting Against Winter Freeze-Outs
Since we’re in Westchester, leaving your heating off is a massive risk. We need a smart strategy to protect your pipes without wasting energy.
4. Use a Safe Temperature, Not OFF
Set your thermostat to a safe temperature (around 60–65°F in winter) to prevent frozen pipes. That minimal heat level is cheap insurance! It uses far less energy than letting the house get ice-cold and then trying to reheat it when you return, all while protecting your plumbing. If you have a smart or programmable thermostat, schedule the temperature to increase gradually about 8 to 12 hours before your return to avoid a massive energy surge upon arrival.
5. Seriously, Keep That Heat ON
Never turn your heat completely off especially if you live in one of the older Westchester homes. Many older houses just don’t have the modern insulation needed, and a sudden drop in outside temperature can freeze pipes against exterior walls in a matter of hours. A low baseline temperature is essential for preventing burst pipes.
6. Swap Out That HVAC Filter
Replace your HVAC filter before leaving to avoid system strain and improve efficiency. Since your furnace will be running consistently to maintain that 60°F temperature, a clean filter ensures it doesn’t struggle or overheat, helping to prevent an unexpected breakdown while you’re enjoying your vacation.
7. Manage Your Water Heater
If you have a conventional water heater, set it to “Vacation Mode” (if available) or turn the temperature to the lowest setting. There’s no need to constantly heat a full tank of water while you’re gone, and this simple adjustment saves energy costs immediately.
8. Help the Warm Air Move Around
Insulate exposed pipes or open cabinet doors during winter travel to keep warm air circulating. The pipes under sinks on exterior walls are the most vulnerable spots. Just opening those cabinet doors allows the heat from the house to reach them and significantly lowers the chance of a freeze.
A Simple Suggestion from the Experts
We want to give you the highest level of confidence when you lock the door.
Consider a quick pre-vacation plumbing or heating checkup to catch issues early. Our expert technicians can pop over to check boiler pressure, test furnace ignition, and look for those subtle leaks. It’s a small, proactive investment that gives you maximum peace of mind.
We’re here to be your local plumbing experts, so you can focus on enjoying your trip!
Don’t let a heating or plumbing emergency spoil your well-deserved vacation. Call Flotechs Plumbing and Heating today to schedule a quick inspection or address any minor issues before you travel.
