7 Plumbing Checks to Make Before Your Summer Holiday 

Nobody wants to come home from a relaxing break to a soaked kitchen floor or a water bill twice the size it should be. Yet a small leak or a dripping tap left running for a week or two can do exactly that. 

The good news is that most of these problems take only a few minutes to spot. Here are seven simple plumbing checks worth doing before you lock the door and head off for your summer holiday. 

1. Check for Leaking Taps 

Walk around the house and test every tap, including those in the kitchen, bathrooms, utility room and outside. Make sure each one turns off fully, and look underneath sinks for any signs of moisture. 

A slow drip wastes more water than you might think, and it often points to a worn washer or seal that needs replacing. 

2. Look for Leaks Around Toilets 

Check around the base of each toilet for water, damp flooring or staining, and listen for water that keeps running after a flush. 

A constantly running toilet can waste a surprising amount of water over a fortnight away, and it usually comes down to a faulty flush valve, inlet valve or another part inside the cistern — a common plumbing repair for homeowners. Any movement, leaking or unusual noises are worth sorting before you travel. 

3. Inspect Visible Pipes and Connections 

Take a quick look at any pipework you can see, particularly beneath sinks, behind toilets and around your boiler. Keep an eye out for: 

• Water droplets or damp patches 
• Rust or corrosion 
• Green or white deposits 
• Loose connections 
• Signs of mould 

Even a small amount of moisture can be the first sign of a slow leak. 

4. Check Your Boiler for Warning Signs 

You may not need heating in summer, but your boiler will usually keep providing hot water, so it is worth a glance. 

Check the display for warning lights or fault codes, and make sure the pressure sits within the recommended range. For many systems that is around 1 to 1.5 bar when the boiler is cold, though it is always best to check the manufacturer’s instructions. Have a look underneath for any drips too. If you are not sure what to look for, our guide to the warning signs your boiler needs a service goes into more detail. 

If the boiler is losing pressure, making odd noises or showing an error code, book a service or repair before you go. 

5. Check Your Washing Machine and Dishwasher Hoses 

Both appliances connect to the water supply through flexible hoses, and these can crack, loosen or wear out over time. Inspect the connections for bulges, splits or moisture, and make sure nothing is left mid-cycle when you leave. 

For longer trips, turning off the appliance valves gives you that extra bit of peace of mind. 

6. Inspect Outdoor Taps and Hosepipes 

Outdoor taps get more use in warm weather, so summer is a sensible time to check them. Make sure the tap closes fully without dripping, then disconnect any hosepipes, sprinklers or pressure washers and check the connection is not leaking. 

Left unchecked, a leaking outdoor tap can quietly cause damp around an external wall. 

7. Consider Turning Off Your Water Supply 

If the property will be empty for several days or weeks, you might choose to turn off the mains at the stopcock. It is one of the best ways to limit damage if a pipe, hose or fitting fails while you are away. 

First, make sure you know where the stopcock is and that it turns freely — never force it if it feels stiff or damaged. Some boilers and heating systems have specific requirements, so check with a professional if you are unsure whether shutting off the water suits your home. 

A Few Extra Checks Before You Leave 

Alongside the plumbing, a few last-minute habits go a long way: 

• Clear food and debris from sink wastes 
• Empty the washing machine and dishwasher 
• Check that no plugs have been left in sinks or baths 
• Ask a trusted neighbour to look in during a longer trip 
• Keep the number of a local plumber handy, just in case 

Need Help Before Your Holiday? 

If you have spotted a leak, a dripping tap, low boiler pressure or anything else that does not look right, it is far easier to deal with before you travel than after you get back. 

Abbey Plumbing and Heating provides reliable plumbing, boiler and central heating services for homeowners across Nottingham and the surrounding areas. Get in touch today to arrange an inspection or repair before your summer break.