Heading away this summer? Before you lock the door and start your holiday, take
a few minutes to make sure your home is ready too.
Don’t forget to ask a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on things. Recently, one of our
customers came home from holiday to a flooded house due to a defective flexible
hose. Thankfully their neighbour was checking on the cat every two days so the
water had not been running for two weeks. Still upsetting nevertheless.
A simple pre-holiday check can help prevent leaks, heating issues and costly repairs
while you’re away, giving you complete peace of mind.
Here are eight quick checks every homeowner should make before leaving.
1. Turn Off Your Water Supply
If your home will be empty for several days, turning off the mains water supply is one
of the best ways to reduce the risk of water damage.
A burst pipe or leaking appliance can cause significant damage if left unnoticed.
If you don't know where your stopcock is, it’s worth locating it before your next trip.
2. Check for Leaks
Walk around your home and inspect:
Kitchen taps
Bathroom taps
Toilets
Washing machine hoses
Dishwasher connections
Visible pipework
Fixing a small leak now could save you a much larger repair bill later.
3. Set Your Heating Correctly
Although your heating may not be needed during summer, don’t forget about your
boiler.
If you’re travelling during colder weather, avoid switching your heating off completely.
Instead, leave it on frost protection or at a low temperature to help prevent frozen
pipes.
4. Is Your Boiler Service Due?
Summer is the ideal time to arrange your annual boiler service before the busy
autumn and winter season.
A serviced boiler is more reliable, more efficient and less likely to develop problems
when you need it most.
Need a boiler service before you go away? Contact Christy Plumbing &
Heating to book an appointment.
5. Unplug Unnecessary Appliances
Reduce electrical risks and save energy by unplugging appliances you won’t be
using, such as:
TVs
Coffee machines
Kettles
Chargers
Games consoles
Leave essential appliances like your fridge and freezer switched on.
6. Test Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Before leaving, press the test button on your:
Smoke alarms
Carbon monoxide alarms
Replace batteries if required to ensure your home stays protected.
7. Check Outdoor Taps
Outdoor taps are easy to forget.
Make sure they’re turned off and disconnect any hoses or sprinklers before you
leave.
8. Do One Final Walk Around
Before setting off:
✔ Lock all doors and windows
✔ Set your alarm if you have one
✔ Ensure appliances are switched off where appropriate
✔ Double-check taps and water supply
✔ Leave a spare key with a trusted friend or neighbour if needed
A few extra minutes now can help avoid unwanted surprises later.
Enjoy Your Holiday with Peace of Mind
Nobody wants to come home to a leak, a boiler problem or water damage after a
relaxing break.
By carrying out these simple checks before you leave, you can enjoy your holiday
knowing your home is protected.
If you spot a plumbing or heating issue before your trip, Christy Plumbing &
Heating is here to help.
Whether it’s a leaking tap, boiler service, heating repair or general plumbing work,
our experienced team is ready to keep your home running smoothly.
Contact Christy Plumbing & Heating today to book your appointment before
you head off on holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I turn off my water before going on holiday?
If your home will be empty for several days, turning off the mains water supply can
help prevent serious water damage caused by leaks or burst pipes.
Should I switch my boiler off?
During summer, many people leave their boiler on to provide hot water. During
winter, it’s usually better to leave it on frost protection rather than switching it off
completely.
Is summer a good time for a boiler service?
Yes. Summer is often quieter than autumn and winter, making it an excellent time to
have your annual boiler serviced.