Vacation is meant for rest and relaxation—not for coming home to a flooded basement or a sky-high water bill. If you’re heading out of Billings or Laurel for a few days or weeks, taking a few preventative plumbing steps before you leave can help you avoid costly and stressful surprises.
At Brown Plumbing, we’ve seen how quickly an undetected leak or pipe issue can escalate while homeowners are away. With a little preparation, you can protect your home and enjoy your vacation with peace of mind.
1. Turn Off the Main Water Supply
If no one will be using water in your home, the safest move is to shut off the main water valve. This simple step can prevent potential disasters like burst pipes, running toilets, or leaking appliances. The main valve is typically located near your water meter—often in the basement or along an exterior wall.
If shutting off the water entirely isn’t practical—say, you’re keeping a sprinkler system running—consider shutting off individual supply valves to toilets, sinks, and appliances instead.
2. Drain the Pipes (Especially in Winter)
If you’re traveling in colder months and you’ve turned off the water, go one step further by draining the pipes. Open faucets and flush toilets after shutting off the main valve to remove as much water as possible. This prevents any remaining water from freezing and causing pipe damage during a Laurel or Billings cold snap.
3. Adjust Your Water Heater
If you have a traditional tank-style water heater, there’s no need to keep it heating water if no one’s home. Use the “vacation” or “pilot” setting, or manually turn the thermostat down to reduce energy use and minimize risk of overheating.
Tankless water heaters can typically be powered off or placed in standby mode.
4. Check for Leaks Before You Leave
Do a quick walkthrough of your home. Check under sinks, around toilets, near the water heater, and at hose bibs for any signs of active leaks or corrosion. A small drip left unattended can turn into a major leak over several days.
5. Consider a Smart Leak Detection System
For added protection, especially during longer trips, consider installing a smart water monitor. These devices can detect unusual water usage and even shut off the supply if a leak is detected—sending alerts to your phone in real time. It’s a great option for vacation homes or frequent travelers.
6. Ask a Neighbor or Friend to Check In
Have someone you trust stop by occasionally to make sure everything is in order. A quick walkthrough can catch early signs of water trouble that would otherwise go unnoticed.
Plan Now, Relax Later
Vacations should be worry-free, and at Brown Plumbing & Heating, we’re here to help make that happen. From pre-trip inspections to installing smart leak prevention systems, we’ve got Billings and Laurel homeowners covered.
If you’d like help prepping your plumbing before your next trip—or want to make upgrades to avoid future problems—visit https://brownplbg.com to schedule an appointment. Your home will be in safe hands while you’re away.