🏡 Heading Off on Holiday? Here’s How to Protect Your Home from Plumbing Problems
Whether it’s a weekend in the Cotswolds or a summer getaway abroad, the last thing anyone wants is to return home to a plumbing disaster. At RARE Plumbing London, we’ve seen it all — flooded kitchens, burst pipes, and hidden leaks that caused serious damage while homeowners were away.
Here’s your simple, expert-approved guide to preparing your plumbing and water systems before going on holiday — especially if you’ll be gone for more than 30 days.
💧 Holiday Plumbing Checklist: How to Avoid Leaks & Damage
Before locking the door and heading to the airport, make sure your home’s plumbing is set up to handle your absence:
1. Turn Off the Water Supply
For shorter trips, shutting off your internal stopcock can dramatically reduce risk. This stops water from flowing to internal pipes, reducing the chance of leaks or burst pipes while you’re away.
2. Drain Down Systems If Away for Longer Than a Month
If you’re going away for more than 30 days, especially in colder months, consider draining your water system entirely. This includes tanks, cylinders, and pipework. It prevents stagnant water from becoming a breeding ground for bacteria, including Legionella.
3. Set Your Boiler to Holiday Mode
Many modern combi and system boilers have an eco or holiday setting. This maintains low background heating to prevent pipe freezing, without heating your full system unnecessarily.
4. Check for Leaks Before You Leave
Inspect under sinks, around toilets, boilers, and radiators. Even a slow drip can turn into a major issue after a few days unattended.
5. Clear Gutters and Drains
Blocked gutters can overflow and cause damp issues that often go unnoticed while you’re away. Make sure all outdoor drainage is clear.
🦠 Water Hygiene: What to Do If You’re Away for 30+ Days
Water that sits still in your pipes or cylinders for weeks becomes stagnant — and potentially unsafe.
If you’re away for over a month:
- Turn off the water at the mains and consider draining all systems.
- On return, flush all taps and showers for several minutes to clear any build-up.
- Run hot water systems at 60°C or above for at least an hour to help neutralise any bacteria.
- If you use a Megaflo or unvented cylinder, we recommend a professional servicing and flush before and after long-term vacancy.
For landlords or homeowners leaving properties vacant, we offer professional drain-down, disinfection, and recommissioning services.
🛠️ Services to Keep Your Home Safe While You’re Away
RARE Plumbing London can help prepare your property for safe long-term vacancy. We offer:
- Drain-down and system isolation
- Stopcock servicing and upgrades
- Pre-travel plumbing checks
- Legionella control and water hygiene services
- Emergency support 24/7 (ideal for managing agents or second-home owners)
🧭 Serving Central London’s Finest Homes
We regularly assist homeowners across Hampstead, Mayfair, Marylebone, Primrose Hill, St John’s Wood, and Knightsbridge. Our team is known for discretion, respect, and exceptional care — whether it’s a quick visit or full property preparation.
💬 Final Tip from RARE Plumbing
Going away soon? Let us give you peace of mind while you’re gone. A simple pre-holiday plumbing check can save you thousands in water damage — and keep your home safe, warm, and dry for your return.
🖱️ Book Your Holiday Plumbing Check
