7 November 2026 · 1 min read · By the Plumbees team
A leak when you are home is a nuisance. A leak when you are away for two weeks can be a disaster, because nobody notices until the damage is widespread. A little preparation before you leave makes a big difference.
Before you go
- Look for drips, damp patches and stains. Fix small leaks first.
- Check that your stopcock works and know how to turn it off.
- Consider turning off the water at the stopcock if you will be away for more than a few days. Open a tap to drain the pipes if you do.
- Turn off washing machine and dishwasher taps, or isolate them.
- Leave a key with someone you trust and tell them where the stopcock is.
- In cold weather, make sure the property will not freeze, and insulate exposed pipes and tanks.
Insurance matters
Some home insurance policies set conditions for properties left empty for a certain period. Check your policy so that you are not caught out.
If you rent out your property
For short lets and holiday lets, check the plumbing between each guest. A routine look at taps, toilets and drains takes a few minutes and protects the property.
When you return
- Turn the water back on slowly
- Run each tap for a minute to flush out stale water
- Check under sinks and around the toilet for leaks
- Look at ceilings and walls for any new stains
If you find a problem, our emergency plumber service can help, or request a quote for something less urgent.