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A small leak can run for days while you are away. By the time you come home, it can mean soaked floors, damaged walls and a big insurance claim.
Before you leave, turn off the water at the mains, switch off your hot water system, check taps and toilets for leaks, clear your drains and gutters, and ask someone to check the property. This takes about 30 minutes and can save thousands in water damage.
Below is a simple checklist from the team at JG Wilson Emergency Plumbers, based on the problems Sydney homes commonly face when left empty.
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Quick Holiday Plumbing Checklist
| Task | Time needed | Why it matters |
| Turn off the main water supply | 2 minutes | Stops burst pipes and hose failures from flooding the home |
| Switch off the hot water system | 5 minute | Saves energy and reduces pressure-related faults |
| Check taps, toilets and showers for leaks | 10 minutes | Small drips grow while no one is home |
| Clear drains and gutters | 15 to 30 minutes | Prevents blockages and overflow in storms |
| Turn off washing machine and dishwasher taps | 2 minutes | Appliance hoses are a common cause of leaks |
| Arrange a property check | 5 minutes | Someone can spot problems early |
Why Plumbing Problems Are Worse When No One Is Home
When you are home, you notice a leak quickly. You hear it, see it or smell it. When the house is empty, water keeps flowing until someone finds it.
Plumbing failures in empty homes often come from:
- Ageing pipes and fittings
- Worn washing machine hoses
- Failing hot water system valves
- Blocked drains during heavy rain
- Water pressure changes in the supply
Sydney’s summer storms add to the risk. Heavy rain can overload gutters and stormwater drains while you are away.
1. Turn Off the Water at the Mains
Turning off the mains is the single most effective step. It cuts off water to the whole property, so a burst pipe or failed hose has nothing to leak.
How to do it:
- Find your main water shut-off valve. It is usually near the water meter or where the pipe enters the property.
- Turn it clockwise until it stops.
- Open a tap to drain the remaining water in the pipes.
- Label the valve so others can find it quickly.
If you cannot find it or it will not turn, do not force it. A seized valve can break. Ask a licensed plumber to inspect it before your trip.
2. Switch Off Your Hot Water System
Hot water systems heat and store water around the clock. If you are away for more than a few days, turn the system off.
- Electric systems: Switch off the power at the circuit breaker.
- Gas systems: Follow the manufacturer’s holiday or pilot setting.
- Solar systems: Check the booster settings in your manual.
If you are unsure, ask a plumber. Our guide to hot water system repairs and replacements in Sydney explains common faults to check before a long absence.
3. Check for Leaks Before You Leave
Many leaks stay hidden until they cause damage. Do a quick walk-through.
Taps and fittings
Look under sinks and around basins for moisture, stains or drips.
Toilets
Add a few drops of food colouring to the cistern. If colour appears in the bowl within 15 minutes, the toilet has a leak.
Water meter test
- Turn off all taps and appliances.
- Note the meter reading.
- Wait 30 to 60 minutes without using water.
- Check again. If the reading has moved, you may have a hidden leak.
A moving meter with everything off points to a leak. For this, book professional leak detection in Sydney before you travel.
Found a drip or a moving water meter?
Don’t leave it. Call JG Wilson Emergency Plumbers for fast, reliable help
4. Turn Off Appliance Taps and Check Hoses
Washing machines and dishwashers are a common source of home flooding. Their hoses sit under constant pressure.
- Turn off the taps behind the washing machine.
- Check hoses for cracks, bulges or rust at the connections.
- Replace rubber hoses that are old or worn. Braided hoses last longer.
- Unplug appliances you will not use.
5. Clear Drains, Gutters and Stormwater Outlets
Blocked drains cause overflows, bad smells and water damage. Summer storms make this worse.
Do this before you leave:
- Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downpipes.
- Clear grates and floor drains in the bathroom, laundry and garden.
- Pour hot water down kitchen drains to move grease.
- Avoid chemical drain cleaners, which can damage older pipes.
If water drains slowly or gurgles, there may be a deeper blockage. Our blocked drain service in Sydney can clear and inspect the line before you go.
6. Protect Against Burst Pipes and Pressure Problems
Sydney rarely freezes, but burst pipes still happen. The usual causes are corrosion, high water pressure and tree roots.
- Check for rust, green corrosion or damp patches on visible pipes.
- Listen for hissing or banging pipes.
- Ask a plumber to check your water pressure if taps spray or pipes rattle.
Our page on burst pipe repairs in Sydney lists the warning signs to look for.
7. Check Outdoor Plumbing
Outdoor taps, hoses and irrigation also fail while you are away.
- Turn off outdoor taps and irrigation timers.
- Disconnect hoses and store them out of the sun.
- Check outdoor taps for drips.
- Inspect sprinkler lines for broken heads.
8. Arrange Someone to Check the Property
Even with the water off, ask a trusted person to visit while you are away.
Give them:
- The location of the mains valve
- Your plumber’s contact details
- Permission to call a plumber in an emergency
If something does go wrong, a quick response limits the damage. For urgent problems outside business hours, see our after-hours plumbers in Sydney service.
9. Know Who to Call in a Plumbing Emergency
Keep an emergency plumber’s number on your fridge and phone. If you come home to a flood, or a neighbour finds one, do this:
- Turn off the water at the mains.
- Turn off power to affected areas if it is safe.
- Move belongings away from the water.
- Take photos for insurance.
- Call an emergency plumber.
JG Wilson Emergency Plumbers can respond to urgent call-outs across Sydney at any hour. Call 02 9622 4888 for help.
Plumbing emergency while you’re away?
Our team is available 24/7.
When to Book a Professional Pre-Holiday Plumbing Check
You can handle the basics yourself. Book a plumber if:
- Your hot water system is over 8 to 10 years old
- You have had recurring leaks or blockages
- Water pressure seems too high or too low
- You are away for more than two weeks
- Your home has older galvanised or copper pipes
- You have noticed damp patches, mould or musty smells
A licensed plumber can test pressure, inspect pipes and valves, and fix small faults before they turn into emergencies. This is especially useful before long trips, such as the summer school holidays.
Why Trust JG Wilson Emergency Plumbers
Our licensed plumbers handle urgent and routine plumbing across Sydney, including leaks, blocked drains, burst pipes and hot water faults. We explain the problem, quote clearly and fix it properly the first time.
FAQs
Should I turn off the water when I go on holiday?
Yes. Turning off the mains is the most effective way to prevent leaks and flooding while you are away. It is especially important for trips longer than a few days.
Should I turn off the hot water system when going away?
Yes, for trips of more than a few days. Switch off the power or gas as the manufacturer advises. This saves energy and reduces the risk of faults.
How do I check for leaks before leaving home?
Turn off all taps and appliances, then check your water meter. Wait 30 to 60 minutes and check again. If the reading has changed, you may have a hidden leak.
Can a washing machine hose burst while I am away?
Yes. Hoses are under constant pressure and wear out over time. Turn off the tap behind the machine and replace any cracked or bulging hoses.
How long can I leave my house without turning off the water?
There is no safe limit, because leaks can happen at any time. For any trip where nobody is home, turning off the mains is the safest option.
Do I need a plumber before going on holiday?
Not always. Book one if you have an older home, an old hot water system, ongoing leaks or low water pressure, or if you are away for a long period.
Who should I call for a plumbing emergency while I am away?
Call a licensed emergency plumber and ask a neighbour or friend to let them in. In Sydney, you can call JG Wilson Emergency Plumbers on 02 9622 4888.
Does home insurance cover water damage while I am on holiday?
It depends on your policy and the cause of the damage. Some policies exclude damage from poor maintenance or long vacancies. Check your policy or ask your insurer.
A short plumbing check before you leave protects your home and your holiday budget. Turn off the mains, switch off the hot water, check for leaks, clear the drains and arrange a property check
Don’t let a leak ruin your holiday
Call JG Wilson Emergency Plumbers for a pre-holiday check or 24/7 emergency help.
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