Plettenberg Bay is a premier holiday destination, and for many, owning a vacation home here is a cherished dream. It represents a place of escape, relaxation, and family memories. However, leaving a property unattended for extended periods comes with its own responsibilities, and plumbing maintenance should be at the top of your list. A simple plumbing failure in an empty house can lead to devastating water damage, turning your dream retreat into a nightmare.
Whether you’re a local heading off on your own vacation or a homeowner who rents out your property, preparing your plumbing before you leave is a non-negotiable part of responsible homeownership in Plettenberg Bay. This essential checklist will help you protect your property and ensure you return to a home that is just as you left it.
The Pre-Departure Plumbing Checklist
Before you lock up and leave, run through these crucial plumbing checks:
- The Main Water Shut-Off: Your First Line of Defense
This is the single most important step you can take. Shutting off the main water supply to your home eliminates the risk of a major flood from a burst pipe or a faulty appliance. Locate your main water shut-off valve—usually found on the boundary of your property near the water meter—and make sure you know how to turn it off. If you have an irrigation system, it may have a separate shut-off valve.
- Drain Your Pipes
After turning off the main valve, open the taps at the highest and lowest points of your house to drain any remaining water from the pipes. This relieves pressure in the system and, during the colder winter months, helps prevent pipes from freezing and bursting—a real risk in some parts of the Garden Route.
- Check Your Geyser
Your geyser is one of the most common sources of household leaks. Before leaving, check for any signs of drips or corrosion around the unit and its fittings. For extended absences, it’s a good idea to switch off your geyser at the main electrical board to save electricity and reduce wear and tear. Some modern geysers also have a holiday mode, which keeps the water at a low temperature to prevent freezing without using excess energy.
- Inspect All Taps and Toilets
Do a final walkthrough of your home. Check every tap, showerhead, and toilet for drips or leaks. A slowly dripping tap can waste hundreds of litres of water over a few weeks, and a running toilet can be even more wasteful. Pay close attention to the area around the base of your toilets for any signs of water seepage.
- Clear Your Drains and Gutters
Ensure all your drains are clear and free-flowing to prevent backups. This is also a good time to clear your gutters of leaves and debris. Blocked gutters can cause rainwater to overflow and seep into your walls and foundation, leading to serious structural damage.
- Inform a Trusted Neighbour or Property Manager
Give a key to a trusted neighbour, friend, or your property management company. Ask them to check on your home periodically while you’re away. In the event of an emergency, having someone who can grant access to a plumber is invaluable.
The Smart Solution: Remote Monitoring
For the ultimate peace of mind, consider installing a smart water monitoring system. These devices, which we’ve discussed in a previous post, can detect leaks and even shut off your water automatically. They allow you to monitor your home’s plumbing from anywhere in the world via your smartphone, providing an unparalleled level of security for your holiday home.
Enjoy Your Holiday with Confidence
By taking these simple preventative steps, you can head off on your holiday with the confidence that your Plettenberg Bay home is safe and secure. If you’re unsure about any aspect of your plumbing system or would like a professional pre-holiday inspection, don’t hesitate to call the experts.
Louw Bros offers comprehensive plumbing inspections and maintenance services for holiday homes throughout the Plettenberg Bay area. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and ensure your peace of mind is part of your vacation plan.
