Preventing Plumbing Issues During Summer Vacations: What Every Homeowner Should Know

Summer in Kennesaw is made for beach getaways, mountain retreats, and family road trips. But before you throw your bags in the car and head out of town, there’s one crucial thing to check off your list—your plumbing.

Even small plumbing problems can turn into major headaches if they’re left unattended while you’re away. A slow leak today could mean water-damaged floors or mold growth by the time you return. Fortunately, with a few proactive steps, you can leave home with peace of mind.

Here’s a practical, homeowner-friendly checklist to help you avoid plumbing disasters during your summer vacation—straight from the experts at Integrated Plumbing Solutions, trusted providers of plumbing services in Kennesaw, GA.

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1. Shut Off the Main Water Supply (If You’ll Be Gone for Several Days)

This is your single best defense against unexpected water damage. Turning off your home’s main water valve cuts off the supply of water to sinks, toilets, appliances, and pipes—reducing the risk of leaks or bursts while you’re away.

How to do it:

• Locate your main water shut-off valve (often found near the water meter, basement, crawlspace, or utility room)
• Turn the valve clockwise until it stops
• Test by turning on a faucet—no water should come out

If you plan to keep your sprinkler system or refrigerator’s ice maker running, you can shut off individual supply lines to isolate interior plumbing. Not sure what you’re looking at? One of our pros can walk you through it.

2. Inspect for Leaks Before You Leave

Small leaks can fly under the radar—but given a few days or weeks, they can lead to soaked cabinets, warped flooring, or mold growth.

Before you leave:

• Check under sinks and around faucets
• Look behind the toilet and around the base
• Inspect your water heater for pooling or rust
• Listen for dripping or running water behind appliances

If you spot any red flags or aren’t sure what to look for, schedule a quick pre-vacation leak inspection with Integrated Plumbing Solutions. We’ll catch problems early and help you leave stress-free.

3. Clear Out and Clean Your Drains

Drains in guest bathrooms, laundry rooms, or basements can dry out and start to smell if they’re not used regularly. That musty odor? It’s often sewer gas seeping through a dry trap.

Before your trip:

• Run water down every sink, shower, and floor drain to refill the traps
• Pour a natural enzyme-based cleaner or a mix of baking soda and vinegar down slow drains
• Consider a professional drain cleaning if you’ve had recurring clogs or gurgling sounds

This step is especially important in humid Georgia summers, where bacteria grows fast and odors linger longer.

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4. Set Your Water Heater to Vacation Mode

If your water heater has a vacation setting, use it. This lowers the temperature to save energy without completely turning it off.

If your model doesn’t have a vacation mode and you’re shutting off your main water valve, it’s best to turn off the unit entirely. Leaving it on without water flowing through can damage the tank or heating elements.

For help prepping your system, schedule water heater maintenance before you leave. We’ll make sure your unit is set safely and efficiently.

5. Ask a Neighbor or Friend to Check In

Having someone stop by mid-trip can make a big difference. Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to:

• Walk through the house once or twice
• Check for musty smells, puddles, or damp floors
• Listen for any hissing or dripping sounds

Give them our number in case anything looks or sounds suspicious. If there’s a plumbing leak in Kennesaw, GA, we’re just a call away with emergency service.

6. Know the Signs of a Plumbing Problem When You Return

Even with the best prep, it’s smart to do a quick plumbing check when you get home—especially if you didn’t shut off the main valve.

Be on the lookout for:

• Musty or moldy smells
• Discolored water from taps
• Low water pressure or noisy pipes
• Stains on ceilings or walls
• Warped or damp flooring

If you notice anything out of the ordinary, don’t wait. Call Integrated Plumbing Solutions right away. We’ll perform a full home check and fix any hidden issues before they get worse.

Bonus Tips: Prep Bathroom & Kitchen Fixtures

In bathrooms:

• Test toilet flushes and check for slow tank refills
• Inspect under-sink shutoff valves for signs of rust or leaks
• Make sure all taps are turned off tightly

If you’ve had past issues with a leaky faucet or running toilet, check out our bathroom plumbing services before your next trip.

In the kitchen:

• Clear out garbage disposals and rinse sink strainers
• Check for any moisture under the sink or around the dishwasher

If your faucet’s been acting up or your dishwasher line has leaked before, it’s worth browsing our kitchen plumbing services.

Enjoy Your Vacation Without Worry

Summer vacations are meant for relaxing—not worrying about what’s happening back home. With a few smart plumbing precautions, you can head out knowing your home is protected.

From quick inspections to emergency repairs, Integrated Plumbing Solutions in Kennesaw has your back. Whether you need help prepping your plumbing before a trip or fixing a surprise leak when you get home, our licensed team is ready to help.

Call us today to schedule a pre-vacation plumbing inspection and leave with peace of mind.

Call Now (678) 627-1067