To reduce the risk of burst pipes while you are away, check accessible plumbing for leaks or damage, inspect flexible hoses and protect exposed pipes if freezing conditions are possible. Turning off the property’s water supply can limit flooding if a pipe fails, but it cannot prevent every rupture.
Before-you-leave checklist
- Check accessible plumbing: Look under sinks and around taps, toilets and exposed pipes for warning signs of a pipe leak or burst, including drips, corrosion, bulging, staining or unexplained moisture. Have damaged or leaking plumbing assessed by a licensed plumber.
- Inspect flexible braided hoses: Check connections to toilets, basins, washing machines and dishwashers. Do not leave kinked, rusted, frayed, bulging or leaking hoses in service. Follow the manufacturer’s replacement guidance.
- Locate the property isolation valve: Ensure it is accessible and show it to anyone monitoring the home. Do not force a seized, damaged or leaking valve.
- Check water-connected equipment: Follow manufacturer instructions for hot-water systems, pumps, irrigation controls and appliances. Do not attempt to drain the whole plumbing system without professional, system-specific advice.
- Arrange monitoring: During a longer absence, ask someone to inspect the property and consider leak sensors in areas such as laundries, kitchens and beneath hot-water units.
Should you turn off the mains water?
Turning off the property’s water supply is often a sensible damage-limitation step when a home will be unattended, provided connected equipment can safely remain without an incoming supply.
Check the instructions for hot-water systems, pumps, irrigation and other connected equipment first. If you are unsure how your system is configured, ask a licensed plumber.
When isolation is appropriate, close the clearly identified property isolation valve gently. Briefly open a cold tap to confirm the flow stops, then close the tap. Water can remain in pipes, tanks and appliances, so isolation reduces available flow but does not repair weak plumbing or guarantee against leaks.
Do not force valves, dismantle fittings or interfere with the water meter or utility-side equipment. In strata properties, confirm which valve serves your premises before operating it.
When exposed pipes need protection
Review which household pipes are most vulnerable, then protect exposed outdoor or unheated pipework if freezing conditions are forecast, the property is in a frost-prone location or pipes have frozen before. Conditions vary across Greater Sydney, particularly in colder inland areas.
Replace damaged or missing pipe insulation only where it is safely accessible and follow manufacturer instructions for exposed irrigation equipment. Do not leave taps running in an unattended property. If the isolation valve is seized or leaking, or vulnerable pipework needs professional attention, contact our burst-pipe plumbing team before you leave.