5 Plumbing & Heating Checks to Do Before You Go on Holiday
Heading off on holiday should be relaxing — but returning to a water leak, burst pipe, or heating fault can undo all of that in seconds. Most property damage while you’re away is entirely preventable with a few simple checks.
At Pleasant Plumbers, we help London homeowners prepare their homes before travel to avoid unnecessary emergencies. Here are five essential plumbing and heating checks to give you peace of mind while you’re away.
1. Turn Off the Main Water Supply
If no one will be using the water while you’re away, shut off the main stopcock (usually located under the kitchen sink or near the front door). This stops fresh water from entering the system — and eliminates the risk of burst pipes or leaks.
Tip: After turning off the water, open a cold tap to release any pressure in the system.
2. Set Your Boiler to Holiday Mode (or Leave Heating on Low)
Modern boilers often have a holiday setting that keeps the system ticking over to prevent freezing or pressure drops.
If not, set your thermostat to a low constant temperature (12–15°C) — especially in winter — to avoid frozen pipes or system lockouts.
3. Check for Drips and Slow Leaks
Before leaving, inspect under sinks, toilet cisterns, around radiators, and under your boiler for any signs of dripping, rust, or water marks. Even a small leak can cause major damage if left unattended for a week or more.
4. Drain and Disconnect Outdoor Hoses
If you’re going away during colder months, remove and drain garden hoses, and shut off the isolation valve for the outside tap if one is fitted. Frozen outdoor plumbing is one of the most common causes of post-holiday leaks.
5. Check Boiler Pressure and Set Heating Timer
Make sure your boiler pressure is within the correct range (typically 1–1.5 bar).
Set your heating timer so the system runs occasionally while you’re away — this helps prevent seized pumps and maintains circulation.
Bonus Tip: Leave Emergency Contact Info
If someone is checking on your home while you’re away, make sure they know where the stopcock is — and how to reach a local plumber in case of an emergency.
Need Help Before You Travel?
If you're unsure about your plumbing or heating system before heading away, we can carry out a pre-holiday check or help with simple fixes to prevent problems while you’re gone.
📲 Call or WhatsApp 0800 046 1000
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