What to Do Before Going on Holiday: A Plumbing Checklist
An empty house is far more vulnerable to plumbing problems going unnoticed - a small leak that would be caught in minutes when you're home can run for days while you're away. A few minutes of prep goes a long way.
Before you leave
- ✓ Know where your stopcock is, and consider turning off the water supply for longer trips
- ✓ Check for any dripping taps or slow leaks and get them fixed before you go
- ✓ In winter, leave heating on a low, constant setting rather than off, to prevent frozen pipes
- ✓ Ask a neighbour or family member to check the property periodically
- ✓ Fix your boiler pressure to the correct level before leaving
For longer absences
If you're away for several weeks or more, turning off the water at the stopcock and draining down the system (if you're comfortable doing so) removes the risk of an undetected leak entirely. This is particularly worth considering over winter, when frozen and burst pipes are most common.
If something does go wrong while you're away
Having someone check the property, and knowing they can reach an emergency plumber if needed, makes a big difference. Our emergency plumber line is available 24/7 if a neighbour or keyholder needs to call us on your behalf.
Need help now?
Our Swindon plumbing team is available 24/7.