Plumbing Red Flags to Check Before You Leave for Vacation

🚨 Plumbing Red Flags to Check Before You Leave for Vacation

Before you throw your bags in the car and head to the Cape (or anywhere!), take a moment to make sure your home’s plumbing isn’t going to throw a party while you’re gone.

Even a small leak or unnoticed issue can turn into a disaster if left alone for days. At In A Flash Heating & Plumbing, we’ve seen it all — and we’re here to help you avoid the mess.

Here’s a quick checklist of plumbing red flags you should check before leaving town:

🛠️ 1. Leaky Faucets or Visible Drips

That small drip under the sink might seem harmless, but over a week, it can waste gallons of water — or worse, cause real damage. Look under sinks, around your water heater, and near the toilet shutoff valves.

🚽 2. Slow Drains or Gurgling Sounds

Slow drains or bubbling noises can be early signs of a clog or even a sewer issue. If you notice any of this before leaving, it’s best to have it checked before you go — not after your home smells like a backed-up pipe.

🔥 3. Water Heater Red Flags

Notice any moisture around your water heater? Strange noises? Don’t ignore them. Consider turning your water heater to “vacation mode” if you’ll be gone for more than a few days — it saves energy and reduces pressure on the system.

💧 4. Know (and Use) Your Main Water Shut-Off

If you’re leaving for more than a few days, we strongly recommend turning off the main water supply to your home. It’s the most effective way to avoid a major leak while you’re gone. Make sure everyone in your household knows where it is!

⚠️ 5. Test the Sump Pump (If You Have One)

A quick check can save you from a flooded basement. Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit — it should kick on immediately. If not, give us a call.

🧼 Bonus Tip: Empty Your Trash

Not plumbing-specific, but worth a reminder — trash, compost, and food scraps left behind can start smelling fast, especially in summer. You’ll thank us when you get home.

✅ Need a Last-Minute Check? We’ve Got You.

If something feels off — or you just want peace of mind before you leave — give us a call. We offer fast, reliable service across Medford and surrounding areas.

📞 781-572-2575
📍 Medford, MA
🔧 In A Flash Heating & Plumbing