Holiday Plumbing Checklist London

Heading Off on Holiday? Here's How to Protect Your Home from Plumbing Problems

Whether it's a weekend in the Cotswolds or a summer getaway abroad, the last thing anyone wants is to return home to a plumbing disaster. At RARE Plumbing London, we've seen it all — flooded kitchens, burst pipes, and hidden leaks that caused serious damage while homeowners were away.

Here's your simple, expert-approved guide to preparing your plumbing and water systems before going on holiday — especially if you'll be gone for more than 30 days.

Holiday Plumbing Checklist: How to Avoid Leaks & Damage

Before locking the door and heading to the airport, make sure your home's plumbing is set up to handle your absence:

1. Turn Off the Water Supply

For shorter trips, shutting off your internal stopcock can dramatically reduce risk. This stops water from flowing to internal pipes, reducing the chance of leaks or burst pipes while you're away. The internal stopcock is typically under the kitchen sink or in a ground-floor cupboard — if you don't know where yours is, find it now rather than in an emergency.

2. Drain Down Systems If Away for Longer Than a Month

If you're going away for more than 30 days, especially in colder months, consider draining your water system entirely. This includes tanks, cylinders, and pipework. It prevents stagnant water from becoming a breeding ground for bacteria, including Legionella — a genuine health concern in properties left vacant for extended periods.

3. Set Your Boiler to Holiday Mode

Many modern combi and system boilers have an eco or holiday setting. This maintains low background heating to prevent pipe freezing, without heating your full system unnecessarily. If your boiler doesn't have a holiday mode, setting the frost protection thermostat to 8°C achieves the same effect. Never turn the boiler off completely in cold weather — a single freeze event can split a pipe and cause tens of thousands of pounds in water damage.

4. Check for Leaks Before You Leave

Inspect under sinks, around toilets, boilers, and radiators. Even a slow drip can turn into a major issue after a few days unattended. Check that your overflow pipes aren't actively running — this is a sign of a fault in your cistern or header tank that should be addressed before you leave.

5. Clear Gutters and Drains

Blocked gutters can overflow and cause damp issues that often go unnoticed while you're away. Make sure all outdoor drainage is clear, particularly if you're leaving in autumn when leaves are falling.

Water Hygiene: What to Do If You're Away for 30+ Days

Water that sits still in your pipes or cylinders for weeks becomes stagnant — and potentially unsafe. Legionella bacteria thrive in water stored between 20°C and 45°C, and stagnant systems in unoccupied properties can quickly reach problematic contamination levels.

If you're away for over a month: turn off the water at the mains and consider draining all systems. On return, flush all taps and showers for several minutes to clear any build-up. Run hot water systems at 60°C or above for at least an hour to help neutralise any bacteria. If you use a Megaflo or unvented cylinder, we recommend a professional servicing and flush before and after long-term vacancy.

For landlords or homeowners leaving properties vacant, we offer professional drain-down, disinfection, and recommissioning services.

Services to Keep Your Home Safe While You're Away

RARE Plumbing London can help prepare your property for safe long-term vacancy. We offer drain-down and system isolation, stopcock servicing and upgrades, pre-travel plumbing checks, Legionella control and water hygiene services, and 24/7 emergency support — ideal for managing agents or second-home owners.

Serving Central London's Finest Homes

We regularly assist homeowners across Hampstead, Mayfair, Marylebone, Primrose Hill, St John's Wood, and Knightsbridge. Our team is known for discretion, respect, and exceptional care — whether it's a quick pre-holiday check or full property preparation for an extended absence.

A simple pre-holiday plumbing check can save you thousands in water damage — and keep your home safe, warm, and dry for your return.