Heading away this summer? 3 quick plumbing checks before you go

Summer is for switching off, getting out of town, and enjoying time with family - not for worrying about what might be happening at home while you’re away.

As a local Porirua plumber, we see a lot of avoidable callouts that happen while people are on holiday - often called in by a panicked house sitter or neighbour! The good news? A few small checks before you leave can make a big difference.

Here are three simple things you can do before you lock the door and head away. And if you’re heading to the family bach for the break, it’s worth doing these simple checks before you leave to head back home.

1. Turn off your water at the toby

It might seem extreme but this is the single best thing you can do before going away.

If a pipe bursts, a flexi hose fails, or a fitting gives way while no one’s home, water can run for hours - sometimes days - before it’s discovered. Turning the water off at the toby removes that risk almost entirely.

If you’re not sure where your toby is, locate it using this handy guide - it’s worth finding it ahead of time rather than rushing on departure day. Most are located near the front boundary of the property.

Tip: If you have irrigation or an automatic watering system, check whether it’s on a separate supply before turning everything off. If it’s from your main line, you’ll need to keep your toby on.

2. Fix small leaks now, not later

That dripping tap or toilet that occasionally runs might not feel urgent, but small plumbing issues rarely fix themselves.

Before you head away, do a quick walkthrough of your home:

• Check under sinks and vanities for moisture

• Make sure toilets aren’t constantly running

• Look for any signs of dampness or staining

Catching these early can save you from coming home to damage, mould, or an unexpected bill that’s turned from something minor into something major.

3. Clear gutters and outdoor drains

Even in summer, Porirua and the wider Wellington region can get sudden heavy rain. If gutters or outdoor drains are blocked with leaves and debris, water has nowhere to go.

Clearing them before you leave helps prevent:

• Overflowing gutters

• Water pooling near foundations

• Flooding around garages and entryways

It’s a quick job that can save a lot of stress while you’re away.

Heading away? Leave with peace of mind

If you’d rather head off knowing everything’s been checked properly, we’re happy to help. We’ll give you honest advice, tidy workmanship, and no unnecessary upsell - just careful plumbing, done right.

Book a service with one of our team before you head away and we’ll do a quick pre-holiday check of your plumbing to make sure everything’s as it should be before you head away.