Snowbird Plumbing Tips: Protecting Your Home While You’re Away
As a snowbird, you get to enjoy the best of both worlds—warm Florida winters and cooler summers up north. But while you’re enjoying life away from your Cape Coral home during the off-season, your plumbing system can become vulnerable to issues like leaks, clogs, or even water damage.
At Affordable Air & Plumbing, we’ve helped many seasonal residents protect their homes before heading out of town. Here are some expert plumbing tips to give you peace of mind while you’re away.
💧 1. Shut Off the Main Water Supply
This is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent water damage. If a pipe bursts or a leak develops while you're gone, shutting off the main water supply ensures that no water is flowing into your home to cause damage.
Bonus tip: After shutting it off, open a few faucets to drain any remaining water from the lines.
🚽 2. Drain and Flush Toilets
Once the water is off, flush all toilets to remove water from the bowl and tank. This minimizes the chance of stagnant water causing odors or mineral buildup. Some homeowners even fill the bowl with RV antifreeze as an extra precaution—especially if temperatures might dip near freezing.
🚰 3. Empty and Clean Sinks, Tubs, and Traps
Clean and dry sinks and tubs thoroughly, then pour a small amount of mineral oil or RV antifreeze down each drain to slow evaporation in the traps. This helps prevent sewer gases from entering your home.
🛠️ 4. Fix Leaks Before You Leave
Even a minor drip from a faucet or under the sink can become a major problem if left unattended. Have a plumber inspect your home for any leaks or signs of corrosion before you head north. A quick fix now can save you from a major headache later.
🌀 5. Run the Garbage Disposal and Dishwasher One Last Time
Make sure the disposal is clean and clear, and that there’s no food left in your dishwasher. Run them both with hot water before you leave, and leave the dishwasher door slightly open to prevent musty odors.
🧯 6. Check Your Water Heater Settings (or Turn It Off)
If you’re gone for months at a time, consider shutting off your water heater entirely—or at least setting it to “vacation” or “low” mode. This reduces energy use and eliminates the risk of a leak or pressure issue while you're away.
🧼 7. Clean and Inspect Outdoor Plumbing
Disconnect and drain garden hoses, and make sure outdoor faucets aren't dripping. If your property has an irrigation system, turn it off unless it’s needed and make sure it’s free of leaks or broken heads.
📷 8. Consider Installing a Leak Detection System
Smart leak detectors can alert you to plumbing issues in real time—even if you're hundreds of miles away. Many systems also allow you to remotely shut off the water supply if a leak is detected.
👀 9. Ask a Neighbor or Property Manager to Check In
Even with all precautions, nothing beats having someone check on your property now and then. Ask a trusted neighbor or hire a professional to stop by periodically and look for signs of leaks, mildew, or water damage.
✅ Let Affordable Air & Plumbing Help You Get Snowbird-Ready
Whether you're preparing your home for a few weeks or an entire season, Affordable Air & Plumbing can help ensure your plumbing system is in top shape before you go. From leak inspections to water shut-off valve installations, we’ve got your back.
Before you pack your bags, Contact Us to schedule a plumbing checkup and leave your Cape Coral home with confidence.
Affordable Air & Plumbing – Keeping your home safe, even when you’re away.
