Winter Travel? How to Protect Your Plumbing While You’re Away
The winter season often means time away from home — whether you’re visiting family or escaping to warmer weather. Before you pack your bags, it’s a good idea to prepare your plumbing for cold weather and travel. A few simple steps can prevent frozen pipes, leaks, and costly damage.
1. Protect Exposed and Outdoor Pipes
Disconnect garden hoses, drain outdoor spigots, and insulate any exposed pipes in unheated areas like garages or crawl spaces. Even a small pocket of water can freeze, expand, and cause serious damage.
2. Keep the Heat On
Never turn your thermostat completely off. Keep it set to at least 55°F to prevent interior pipes from freezing — especially those near exterior walls or in colder areas of the home.
3. Prep Your Water Heater
If you’ll be gone a week or longer, switch your water heater to “vacation mode” or lower the temperature to save energy while preventing freezing.
4. Ask a Neighbor or Pro to Check In
If temperatures drop, a quick check-in can ensure your home stays safe and dry.
A little preparation goes a long way. Lucas Ltd. Plumbing wishes you a warm, worry-free season — and we’re always here if you need professional advice before you go.
