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Prepping Your Home for Holiday Travel

Holiday travel brings excitement, but it also places your Northern Colorado home at risk if you leave without preparing your plumbing system. Low winter temperatures, extended time away, and unnoticed leaks can create serious issues that surprise you when you return. Affordable Home Services helps homeowners protect their property with professional plumbing guidance that keeps everything safe while you enjoy time with family. Simple steps taken before you leave safeguard your pipes, fixtures, and water systems from costly damage during winter travel.

Homeowner shutting off main water valve before leaving for winter holiday travel

Protecting Your Home by Shutting Off the Water

One of the most effective ways to prevent holiday plumbing disasters is to turn off your home’s main water supply before you leave. Stopping the flow of water eliminates the risk of leaks, burst pipes, and unexpected flooding that can occur during freezing conditions. Homeowners who take this step dramatically reduce the chance of coming home to water damage that may have been running for days. 

Safeguarding Pipes From Freezing Temperatures

Northern Colorado’s winter temperatures can fall quickly, especially during overnight hours. Pipes exposed to cold air in basements, crawl spaces, garages, or exterior walls are vulnerable to freezing, which leads to dangerous pipe expansion and potential bursts. Preparing your plumbing with a few preventive measures gives your home added protection while you are away.

  • Open cabinet doors under kitchen and bathroom sinks to allow warm air to circulate
  • Keep your thermostat set no lower than 55 degrees to maintain indoor warmth
  • Insulate exposed pipes in unconditioned spaces for added freeze protection
  • Repair any drafts around windows, doors, or foundation areas
  • Disconnect outdoor hoses and shut off exterior hose bibs

These small steps help maintain safe temperatures around your plumbing and reduce the likelihood of frozen pipes.

Securing Drains, Fixtures, and Water Heaters

A smooth return home depends on leaving your plumbing fixtures in proper working condition. Clearing and securing drains prevents foul odors, clogs, and slowdowns that may worsen when left unattended. Running water through sinks and tubs before leaving helps push debris through, and checking each drain for adequate flow alerts you to any problems that need attention.

Checking for Leaks Before You Leave

A leak that goes unnoticed during the holiday season can escalate quickly. Before traveling, homeowners should inspect areas around appliances, fixtures, and visible pipes for any signs of moisture. Look behind toilets, under sinks, around the washing machine, and near the water heater. Early signs include damp spots, corrosion, mold, or the sound of running water when no fixtures are on. We can provide a professional inspection that ensures your home leaves no leak unaddressed before you begin your trip.

Using Professional Support for Peace of Mind

Traveling without worry becomes much easier when your plumbing system has been checked and secured by a qualified professional. We provide detailed plumbing evaluations that strengthen home protection during your holiday absence. This level of care prevents emergencies and ensures you return to a comfortable, fully functioning home.

Affordable Home Services delivers expert support that helps your household enjoy the holidays without the worry of unexpected plumbing issues waiting when you return.

Where quality and integrity meet… it’s not cheap, it’s Affordable. 

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