As summer rolls in, many Las Vegas homeowners are gearing up for much-needed vacations. Whether you’re heading to the beach or visiting family out of town, it’s important to add one more thing to your travel checklist: preparing your home’s plumbing.

At Vegas Valley Plumbing, we’ve seen too many homeowners return from relaxing getaways only to face water damage, leaks, or foul odors. A few simple steps can go a long way in protecting your home while you’re away.

1. Turn Off the Main Water Supply

One of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent a plumbing disaster is to shut off your home’s main water valve before you leave. This ensures that no water is flowing through your pipes, eliminating the risk of leaks or burst pipes while you’re gone.

Pro Tip: After turning off the main valve, run the faucets to drain any remaining water from the system. This reduces pressure and helps prevent damage.

2. Adjust Your Water Heater Settings

Your water heater doesn’t need to keep running at full power if no one’s home. Lowering the temperature or switching the unit to “vacation mode” helps save energy while also reducing the risk of problems like overheating or pressure buildup.

Note: If you’ll be gone for an extended period, consider shutting it off completely—but only if it’s safe and recommended for your system.

3. Check for Leaks or Drips

Before you leave, do a quick inspection of your plumbing fixtures and appliances. Look for slow leaks under sinks, behind toilets, or around your water heater. Even minor drips can worsen into costly damage if left unattended for several days or weeks.

Tip: If you’re unsure what to look for, schedule a quick maintenance check with a Vegas Valley Plumbing professional.

4. Clean Drains to Prevent Odors

Nothing ruins the feeling of coming home like being greeted by foul smells from stagnant water. Clean your drains before you leave by flushing them with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, followed by hot water. For garbage disposals, toss in a few lemon peels for freshness.

Bonus: Cover rarely used drains with stoppers to keep sewer gasses from rising into your home while you’re gone.

5. Inspect Outdoor Plumbing and Irrigation Systems

Las Vegas summers are hot and dry, which means your irrigation system might be running on a schedule. Double-check timers, valves, and sprinkler heads for leaks or misalignment. Make sure everything is set up to water efficiently while you’re away—no surprises on your water bill.

Enjoy Your Vacation—We’ve Got Your Plumbing Covered

Taking just a few preventative measures can save you the stress (and expense) of returning to a plumbing problem. If you’re unsure where to start or want peace of mind, Vegas Valley Plumbing is here to help.

Schedule a quick pre-vacation inspection with our team, and travel confidently knowing your home is protected. Call us today or book online to get started!

Also read: The Importance of Drain Cleaning in Las Vegas