Leaving your home empty for a few days does not stop plumbing problems from happening.
A leaking washing machine hose, water heater, or pipe can continue leaking while nobody is home to notice it.
Before you leave, a few simple checks can reduce the risk of coming home to unexpected water damage.
1. Know Where Your Main Water Shut-Off Is
Before leaving, make sure you know where your home's main water shut-off valve is located.
If a serious leak happens, being able to quickly stop the water can limit the amount of water entering your home.
If you are unsure how your home's main valve works, take a few minutes to identify it before your next trip.
2. Check Washing Machine Hoses
Washing machines use pressurized water lines that can develop leaks or fail over time.
Check the hoses for:
- Cracks
- Bulges
- Corrosion
- Loose connections
- Signs of previous leaking
If a hose looks damaged, replace it before leaving.
3. Check Under Sinks and Around Appliances
Look underneath kitchen and bathroom sinks.
Also check areas around:
- Dishwashers
- Refrigerators with water connections
- Toilets
- Water heaters
Look for moisture, stains, corrosion, or small drops of water.
4. Consider Water Leak Detection
You cannot always see a leak before it becomes a problem.
A water leak sensor can monitor areas where leaks are more likely to occur and alert you when water is detected.
For more complete protection, multiple sensors can be placed around different risk areas of the home.
5. Consider Automatic Water Shut-Off Protection
A leak alert is useful, but it still requires someone to respond.
An automatic shut-off system can respond by closing the main water supply when a leak is detected.
The AIWSH Q20 Pro combines leak detection and automatic water shutoff to help protect the home even when nobody is there to manually turn off the water.
6. Ask Someone to Check Your Home
If you are going away for an extended period, consider asking a trusted person to check your home.
They can look for:
- Unexpected water
- Plumbing leaks
- HVAC problems
- Unusual smells
- Other signs of damage
Before You Leave
A simple checklist can make your next trip easier:
✓ Check plumbing connections
✓ Inspect washing machine hoses
✓ Check under sinks
✓ Know your main shut-off location
✓ Place leak sensors near high-risk areas
✓ Consider automatic water shutoff
You cannot predict every plumbing problem, but you can reduce how long a leak goes unnoticed.
