Protect Your Home's Plumbing While on Vacation: Essential Tips from Cypress Kitchen and Bath

Oct 18

Written By Cassie Kwong

Smart Technology: Your First Line of Defense

The latest advancement in home protection is automatic water shutoff systems. These smart devices can:

Detect unusual water flow patterns
Automatically shut off your home's water supply if a leak is detected
Send real-time alerts to your smartphone
Prevent catastrophic water damage and flooding

Essential Pre-Vacation Checklist

1. Main Water Valve

Locate your home's main water valve
Consider shutting it off completely for extended trips
If you have an automatic sprinkler system, consult a professional about appropriate settings

2. Water Heater

For trips longer than 3 days, switch your water heater to "vacation" mode
For gas heaters, set to pilot mode
For electric heaters, adjust temperature to the lowest setting

3. Indoor Precautions

Check all faucets for drips
Inspect visible pipes under sinks for signs of wear
Clear all drains to prevent stagnant water
Run garbage disposal to clear any debris

4. Seasonal Considerations

Winter Travel:

Keep indoor temperature above 55°F to prevent pipe freezing
Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air circulation
Consider pipe insulation for exposed plumbing

Summer Travel:

Set air conditioning to control indoor humidity
Check basement or crawl space for moisture issues
Ensure outdoor drainage systems are clear

Investment Protection

Installing an automatic water shutoff system typically costs between $500-1,500, but can save thousands in potential water damage repairs. At Cypress Kitchen and Bath, we recommend and install leading brands that offer:

Easy smartphone integration
Battery backup systems
Temperature monitoring
Professional installation and support

Peace of Mind

With proper preparation and the right technology in place, you can enjoy your vacation without worrying about plumbing emergencies.

Cassie Kwong