The Plumbing Checks Every Homeowner Should Do Before Going Away

The Plumbing Checks Every Homeowner Should Do Before Going Away

Going away for a few days should not mean worrying about what is happening back at home.

Most homeowners remember to lock the doors, turn off appliances and ask someone to collect the mail. But plumbing often gets forgotten until something goes wrong.

A small leak under a sink, a worn toilet inlet valve, a split washing machine hose or a hot water system issue can cause a lot of damage if nobody is home to notice it early.

The good news is that a few simple plumbing checks before you leave can reduce the risk of coming home to water damage, mould, flooding or an expensive repair.

Here is a practical plumbing checklist for North Lakes and Moreton Bay homeowners before going away.

Check Under Sinks for Slow Leaks

Start with the kitchen, bathroom vanities and laundry sink.

Open the cupboards and look for signs of moisture. You do not need to be a plumber to notice when something is not right.

Look for:

• damp timber
• swollen cabinet panels
• water marks
• mouldy smells
• corrosion around fittings
• small puddles
• dripping from flexible hoses
• stains on the shelf below the trap

Slow leaks are easy to miss when you are home because the water may dry between uses. But if a fitting worsens while the house is empty, it can become a much bigger problem.

If you see moisture under a sink before going away, do not ignore it. A small leak is usually easier and cheaper to fix before it becomes water damage.

Inspect Flexible Hoses

Flexible braided hoses are commonly found under sinks, vanities, toilets, dishwashers and washing machines.

They are convenient, but they do not last forever. Over time, they can corrode, bulge, fray or weaken.

Before going away, check visible flexible hoses for:

• rust marks
• kinks
• bulging
• frayed stainless steel braid
• water droplets near the connection
• green or white corrosion
• dampness around the valve

A burst flexible hose can release a large amount of water very quickly. If nobody is home, the damage can spread through flooring, cabinetry and nearby rooms.

If a hose looks old or damaged, it is worth having it replaced before you leave, especially if the home will be empty for more than a few days.

Look at the Toilets

Toilets are another common source of hidden water waste and leaks.

Before going away, flush each toilet and listen to what happens after the cistern refills.

A healthy toilet should refill and then stop. If the cistern keeps making noise, hissing, trickling or refilling again later, water may be leaking into the bowl.

Common warning signs include:

• water constantly running into the toilet bowl
• the cistern refilling by itself
• a hissing sound after flushing
• water around the base of the toilet
• movement when sitting on the toilet
• stains or dampness near the pan collar

A running toilet can waste a lot of water while you are away. A leak around the base can also cause damage to flooring if left unchecked.

Check Taps and Outdoor Fixtures

Walk through the home and check every tap.

This includes bathroom taps, kitchen taps, laundry taps, garden taps and any taps connected to hoses or irrigation.

Look for:

• dripping from the spout
• leaking around the handle
• water pooling near the base
• stiff handles
• taps that do not turn off properly
• hose connections under pressure

Outdoor taps are especially worth checking because they are often forgotten. A leaking garden tap may not seem urgent, but it can waste water and create soggy areas around the home.

If you have hoses connected outside, it is usually best to turn the tap off at the wall rather than leaving the hose under constant pressure.

Check the Washing Machine Hoses

Washing machine hoses are easy to forget because they are usually hidden behind the machine.

If possible, check the hoses before going away.

Look for:

• cracks
• bulging
• dampness
• rust on connections
• old rubber hoses
• tight bends
• signs of leaking behind the machine

If you are going away for more than a few days, consider turning off the washing machine taps at the wall.

A failed washing machine hose can cause serious internal flooding, especially if the laundry is upstairs or near timber flooring, carpet or cabinetry.

Check the Dishwasher Connection

The dishwasher is another appliance connected to water.

Before going away, check around the base of the dishwasher and inside the neighbouring cupboard if the plumbing connection is accessible.

Signs of a problem may include:

• dampness under the sink
• water near the dishwasher base
• musty smells
• swelling in nearby cabinetry
• intermittent leaking after a wash cycle
• loose or ageing hoses

If your dishwasher has been leaking occasionally, going away is not the time to hope it sorts itself out. Intermittent leaks usually get worse, not better.

Inspect the Hot Water System

Your hot water system should also be checked before you leave.

Walk around the unit and look for obvious warning signs.

Check for:

• water leaking from the tank or fittings
• rust marks
• pooling water
• unusual noises
• error codes
• a pilot light issue on gas systems
• water discharging constantly from the relief line
• signs that the unit is leaning or unstable

Some discharge from a relief valve can be normal depending on the system, but constant water flow or pooling around the unit should be checked.

If the hot water system is old and already showing signs of failure, do not leave it until after the trip. A failing hot water system can quickly become an urgent problem.

Clear Visible Drains and Grates

Before going away, check outdoor drains, stormwater grates and areas around downpipes.

This is especially important in North Lakes and surrounding Moreton Bay suburbs where heavy rain can hit quickly.

Clear away:

• leaves
• mulch
• dirt
• grass clippings
• plastic
• debris around grates
• blocked downpipe outlets

A blocked stormwater grate can cause water to pool around the house during heavy rain. If the water has nowhere to go, it may move towards patios, garages, low doorways or garden beds near the slab.

You do not need to solve every underground drainage issue before going away, but visible grates and drain openings should be clear.

Check Gutters and Downpipes if Heavy Rain Is Forecast

Plumbers do not replace roof gutters in the same way roofers do, but stormwater drainage around the home still matters.

If heavy rain is forecast while you are away, look for obvious signs that water may not drain properly.

Warning signs include:

• overflowing gutters during rain
• blocked downpipes
• water pooling near the slab
• garden beds washing out
• stormwater pits full of silt
• downpipes disconnected from stormwater drainage
• water flowing towards the house instead of away from it

If your yard already floods during heavy rain, it is worth having stormwater drainage checked before a longer trip.

Consider Turning Off the Main Water Supply

For some homes, turning off the main water supply before going away can reduce the risk of internal flooding from a burst hose or failed fitting.

This can be a sensible option if:

• the home will be empty for an extended period
• no irrigation system needs mains water
• no appliances need water while you are gone
• nobody is staying at the property
• you are concerned about older fixtures or hoses

However, do not turn off the water without thinking it through. Some systems, irrigation setups, pool top-up systems, water filters or appliances may rely on water supply.

If you are unsure, ask a plumber what is appropriate for your home.

Do Not Ignore Small Leaks Before Leaving

A leak that seems minor while you are home can become a serious issue while the house is empty.

Small leaks can damage:

• vanity cabinets
• kitchen cabinetry
• skirting boards
• flooring
• plasterboard
• carpet
• timber framing
• nearby electrical areas

The issue is not just the amount of water. It is the time the leak has to spread before anyone notices.

If you are already aware of a leaking tap, toilet, hose, valve, sink waste or hot water issue, get it checked before going away.

Ask Someone to Check the Home

If you are away for more than a few days, ask someone you trust to check the property.

They do not need to inspect every fitting. Even a quick walk-through can help.

Ask them to look for:

• water on floors
• toilets running
• unusual smells
• wet carpet
• water around the hot water system
• pooling near outdoor drains
• taps left dripping
• stormwater issues after heavy rain

Catching a problem early can make a big difference.

When to Book a Plumbing Check Before Going Away

A pre-holiday plumbing check is worth considering if:

• the home has older flexible hoses
• the hot water system is ageing
• you have noticed low water pressure
• toilets keep running
• taps are leaking
• stormwater drains overflow in heavy rain
• you have had previous water damage
• the property will be empty for a while
• you are preparing a rental or Airbnb-style property

A licensed plumber can inspect the obvious risk areas and deal with small issues before they become expensive ones.

The Bottom Line

Before going away, most homeowners think about security, power and pets.

Plumbing deserves a place on that checklist too.

A few simple checks can reduce the risk of water damage while your home is empty. Look under sinks, check flexible hoses, inspect toilets, turn off appliance taps where appropriate, clear outdoor drains and look over the hot water system.

If something is already leaking, noisy, loose, corroded or not working properly, it is better to fix it before you leave than hope it holds on until you get back.

Need a Plumbing Check Before You Go Away?

RJT Plumbing & Gas can inspect your taps, toilets, flexible hoses, hot water system and visible plumbing risks before you leave.

Servicing North Lakes, Mango Hill, Griffin, Kallangur, Murrumba Downs, Narangba and surrounding Moreton Bay suburbs.