Heading on vacation? Don’t let plumbing or HVAC issues ruin your return. Follow these essential prep tips. 

There is nothing quite like the feeling of locking your front door, suitcase in hand, knowing that relaxation is finally within reach. But as you pull out of the driveway, a nagging thought creeps in: Did I turn off the water? Is the AC going to run for two weeks straight?

The last thing any homeowner wants is to return from a dream vacation to a flooded living room or a sky-high utility bill. Fortunately, learning how to prep your home’s plumbing and HVAC systems before vacation is simple if you follow a strategic checklist.

At Keith Lawson Services, we have been protecting homes since 1980. Whether you are flying out of Tallahassee International Airport or driving to the coast, use these professional vacation plumbing tips and energy-saving hacks to ensure your home stays safe while you are away.

Part 1: The Ultimate Vacation Plumbing Checklist

Water is the biggest threat to an empty home. A small leak can turn into thousands of dollars in damage if it runs undetected for a week. Here is how to prevent that nightmare.

1. Shut Off the Main Water Supply

This is the golden rule of vacation prep. If no water is flowing into the house, nothing can flood it. Locate your main shut-off valve (usually in the garage, basement, or near the water heater) and turn it off before you leave. 

2. Drain Your Pipes (Optional but Recommended)

If you are leaving during the winter months, simply turning off the water isn’t enough. Cold snaps can cause standing water in pipes to freeze and burst. After shutting off the main valve, turn on all the faucets (both hot and cold) to drain the remaining water pressure from the system. 

3. Manage Your Water Heater

If you shut off the main water supply, you should also turn your water heater to “Vacation Mode.” This setting keeps the pilot light on (preventing bacterial growth) but stops heating the tank, saving significant energy. 

4. Don’t Forget the Kitchen and Laundry

• Ice Makers: Turn off the ice maker and lift the arm. The supply line to the ice maker is a common failure point.
• Washing Machines: Turn the water supply valves off for your washing machine. The rubber hoses are under constant pressure and are notorious for bursting.

5. Clear the Drains

Running the garbage disposal or flushing a toilet right before you leave is fine, but make sure there are no slow drains. A slow-draining sink could back up while you are away, causing an awful smell or water damage. 

Part 2: Smart Vacation Thermostat Settings

Your HVAC system doesn’t need to work hard if no one is home. However, you should never turn it off completely, especially in Florida. Here is how to balance humidity control with energy savings.

Summer Settings (The Tallahassee Heat)

When the Florida sun is blazing, your AC’s primary job is not just cooling, it’s dehumidification. High humidity leads to mold and mildew.

• Recommended Setting: Set your thermostat to 85°F (29°C).
• Why: This is hot enough to save significant money on electricity, but cool enough to keep the humidity in your home below 60%, preventing mold growth on furniture and walls. 

Winter Settings

• Recommended Setting: Set your thermostat to 50-55°F (10-13°C).
• Why: You want to keep the home warm enough to prevent pipes from freezing, but you don’t need to heat it for comfort. 

Programmable Thermostats

If you don’t have one yet, consider a smart thermostat. These devices let you monitor your home’s temperature and humidity remotely from your phone. If a cold front isn’t in the forecast, you can adjust the heat before the pipes freeze.

Part 3: Why You Need an “Emergency Plumbing in Tallahassee” Plan

You have followed all the steps. The water is off, and the AC is set to 85. But what if something goes wrong with the sewer line or a tree root decides to invade your pipes while you are gone?

Even with the water off, sewage backups or gas leaks are emergencies that can’t wait.

This is why having a reliable emergency plumbing contact in Tallahassee is essential. Before you leave, ensure you have the number for a trusted local plumber saved in your phone.

At Keith Lawson Services, we understand that plumbing disasters don’t take holidays. Whether it is a sudden gas leak or a clogged main line, having a professional on standby ensures that a neighbor or property manager can get the issue resolved immediately, minimizing damage to your home. 

Part 4: The Final Walkthrough Checklist

Before you lock the door for the last time, run through this final 5-minute checklist:

• Main water valve: Is it closed?
• Water heater: Is it set to “Vacation” mode?
• Thermostat: Is it set to 85°F (Summer) or 55°F (Winter)?
• Toilets: Ensure the handles aren’t stuck, which would cause them to run constantly until you shut the water off.
• Neighbor: Did you tell a trusted neighbor you are leaving? (Ask them to check the porch and look for water leaks.)
• Phone: Do you have Keith Lawson’s number saved for emergencies?

Conclusion

Taking ten minutes to prep your home before vacation saves you thousands of dollars and a massive headache. By following these vacation plumbing tips and adjusting your vacation thermostat settings, you can enjoy your time off with true peace of mind.

When you need professional service, whether it is an urgent fix before you fly out or a water heater checkup upon your return, Keith Lawson Services is just a call away.

Have a great vacation, and travel safely!

Contact Us

When it comes to dependable HVAC and plumbing services in Tallahassee, Keith Lawson Services is the name homeowners trust. If your air conditioning isn’t cooling efficiently, your heating system needs maintenance, or you’re dealing with plumbing concerns, our experienced team is ready to help. Call 850-562-2600 or visit www.keithlawson.com to schedule service.

As an American Standard Customer Care Dealer, Keith Lawson Services has proudly provided professional home maintenance services for over 45 years. From AC repair and HVAC maintenance to expert plumbing repairs and system upgrades, we deliver reliable solutions designed to keep your home comfortable, safe, and energy-efficient year-round.

Serving Tallahassee, Woodville, Bradfordville, Ochlocknee, Midway, Centerville, Capitola, Meridian, Hilliardville, and surrounding areas, Keith Lawson Services is your trusted local partner for complete HVAC and plumbing care.