How to Prepare Your Plumbing Before Leaving for Summer Vacation: A Must-Read Guide for Canadian Homeowners

With summer kicking into gear and temperatures rising all across the country, many Canadians are finalizing their summer travel plans.  For some this may involve heading camping or to the cottage for an extended period while others may be exploring other Canadian and International destinations.

However, leaving your home unattended for an extended period of time puts you at a greater risk of coming home from vacation to a host of  plumbing issues that are expensive and stressful to fix. Unnoticed leaks, burst water lines, or overworked systems can cause major damage while you’re away, turning your relaxing vacation into a financial nightmare.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through essential steps to protect your plumbing before you leave, so you can enjoy peace of mind on your vacation knowing your plumbing system is safe and protected.

1. Shut Off the Main Water Supply

First and foremost, always shut off your main water valve before a trip.

Even during summer, a small leak left unattended for a week or two can cause extensive damage while you’re away, regardless of whether you live in Victoria, Ottawa, Montreal, or any other Canadian city.

How to do it:

• Locate your main shut-off valve. It’s typically found in the basement or utility room where the water line enters your home.
• Turn the valve clockwise to close it completely.
• After shutting off the water, open a faucet in the lowest part of your home to drain remaining water and relieve pressure in the system.

This simple step could save you thousands of dollars and the heartache of coming home to a flooded house.

2. Drain and Protect Your Pipes (Especially in Summer)

Even though freezing isn’t a concern in summer, extended heat waves and increased demand on municipal water systems can sometimes cause unexpected pressure surges or minor leaks that worsen while you’re away.

Drain your pipes:

• After shutting off your water supply, open all taps and flush toilets to empty water from the lines. This helps minimize pressure inside your plumbing during your absence.
• Pay special attention to exposed outdoor pipes and irrigation lines, which may still be vulnerable to damage from intense sun, root growth, or sudden system failures.

In areas where heat waves are common, this precaution offers additional peace of mind.

3. Adjust Your Water Heater

Leaving your water heater running at full power while you’re away is unnecessary and wasteful.

Set your water heater to ‘Vacation Mode’ or adjust the thermostat down:

• Most modern units have a setting specifically designed for when you’re away.
• If your heater doesn’t have a vacation setting, lower the temperature to around 50°C (122°F).
• If you plan to be away for several weeks and have shut off your main water, you can also turn off the heater entirely.

For those living in energy-conscious regions like those in British Columbia, this is a smart way to reduce energy consumption and lower your utility bills while you’re gone.

4. Check for Leaks Before You Leave

Before you even think about heading to the airport, do a thorough inspection of your home’s plumbing system.

Look for:

• Leaky faucets and dripping taps.
• Damp spots under sinks or near appliances.
• Water stains on ceilings or walls.
• Slow drains that may indicate developing clogs.

If you notice anything unusual, call your plumber before you leave. A minor issue could become a major flood by the time you return if left unattended.

5. Inspect and Prepare Outdoor Plumbing

If you’re leaving for a summer road trip or a cottage vacation, don’t forget your outdoor plumbing.

Steps to take:

• Shut off and drain outdoor faucets.
• Disconnect garden hoses and store them indoors.
• Drain and inspect irrigation or sprinkler systems, ensuring timers and valves are functioning properly. If you’re using automatic watering systems during your absence, check for leaks or misaligned sprinkler heads.

Intense summer heat in cities like Calgary or Toronto can place strain on outdoor systems, so ensure they’re functioning correctly to avoid water wastage or unnoticed exterior leaks while you’re away.

6. Install Leak Detection Devices

Technology has made home protection much easier, and smart leak detectors are an excellent investment for vacationing homeowners.

Consider installing:

• Water leak sensors: Place them near appliances, sinks, and water heaters.
• Smart shut-off valves: These can automatically turn off your water supply if a leak is detected.
• Temperature monitors: While freezing isn’t an issue in summer, some smart monitors can still alert you to abnormal humidity levels or heat-related risks inside your home.

These devices offer valuable protection while you relax on vacation knowing you’ll be alerted immediately if any issues arise.

7. Notify a Neighbour or Friend

No matter where in Canada you live, having someone you trust check on your home while you’re away can save you from disaster.

Ask them to:

• Visit every few days.
• Look for signs of leaks, dampness, or unusual noises from the plumbing system.
• Check your irrigation systems and outdoor taps to ensure they’re not malfunctioning during periods of intense summer heat.

Having someone monitor your home provides an extra layer of reassurance, especially during longer summer absences.

8. Review Your Home Insurance Policy

Insurance regulations vary by province, but nearly all Canadian policies have specific clauses related to water damage during extended absences.

Review your policy for:

• Required frequency of home checks while you’re away.
• Coverage exclusions if water issues occur while the home is unattended.
• Clauses related to unattended plumbing failures.

If you’re leaving for an extended vacation, understanding your policy gives you peace of mind—and helps ensure you’re covered if the unexpected happens.

9. Hire a Professional Inspection (Optional, but Wise)

If you’re heading out on a long trip — say, leaving for a month-long cruise — consider hiring a professional plumber to do a comprehensive inspection before you leave.

They can:

• Check for hidden leaks or weak spots.
• Test sump pumps, backflow valves, and water heaters.
• Inspect outdoor plumbing and irrigation systems to ensure they’re prepared for summer operation.

This proactive step is particularly valuable for older homes, where aging pipes may be more vulnerable to issues during your absence.

Bonus: A Pre-Trip Plumbing Checklist

Here’s a quick checklist you can print and use before your next vacation:

• Shut off main water supply.
• Drain water lines.
• Turn water heater to vacation mode.
• Check for leaks under sinks, around appliances, and near water heaters.
• Shut off and drain outdoor taps and hoses.
• Inspect and verify irrigation systems.
• Install or check smart leak detection devices.
• Notify a trusted friend or neighbour to check your home.
• Review insurance policy for requirements.

Conclusion

Vacations are meant to be a time of relaxation and enjoyment — not worrying about the possibility of a burst pipe or flooded basement at home. If you’re living in cities like Victoria, Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, Hamilton, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal or Halifax, taking a few simple plumbing prevention steps before you leave can give you peace of mind to fully enjoy your summer adventures with family and friends.

At The Super Plumber, we’ve helped countless Canadian homeowners safeguard their plumbing systems before vacations, long weekends, and extended absences. If you need assistance preparing your home for your next trip, don’t hesitate to call. Our experienced team is here to ensure you can leave with confidence, knowing your home is safe and secure.