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There’s something special about getting away for the weekend. The car’s packed, the playlist is on, and your only plan is to do absolutely nothing but relax. But while you’re off enjoying nature or sleeping in at a cozy Airbnb, your home could be quietly falling apart.

It’s the kind of stuff nobody wants to come back to — water pooling in the basement, a pungent smell from under the sink, or that dreaded squish under your feet when you walk through the door. Yep, it happens more than you think.
So before locking up and heading out, here’s a quick checklist to make sure your house stays chill while you’re gone.

Essential Tips to Keep Your Home Safe During a Weekend Getaway

1. Check for Sneaky Leaks

A quick walk around the house before leaving can save you from big trouble. Check under sinks, around the water heater, behind the washing machine — anywhere water quietly lurks.

Leaky fittings or hairline cracks might seem harmless, but let them drip for two days straight, and you’ve got a mini flood on your hands.

And if that happens, you’re suddenly making calls for emergency water restoration instead of sipping your morning coffee in peace.

2. Shut Off the Main Water Supply

If you’re gone for more than a night or two, consider turning off the main valve. This small step can keep busted pipes or faulty hoses from turning into a nightmare.

Most folks don’t think about this until it’s too late, like when they walk into a soaked kitchen and need full-on cleanup.

3. Clean Your Gutters

Sounds boring, but clogged gutters are a low-key villain. If rainwater can’t flow freely, it’ll spill over and soak into the foundation or leak into the basement.

A ten-minute ladder moment could keep your floors dry and your weekend worry-free.

4. Unplug Unused Electronics

Power surges can happen anytime. Unplugging TVs, gaming consoles, or small kitchen appliances not only saves energy but also avoids potential hazards.

Bonus: You come home to a slightly lower electric bill.

5. Give the Drains a Quick Flush

Pouring some hot water and vinegar down your drains clears minor buildup and helps prevent backups while you’re away.

Slow drains are often ignored until they overflow. Then, guess who’s calling for emergency water damage cleanup when the bathroom turns into a splash zone?

6. Ask a Neighbor to Keep an Eye Out

Even if you’re only gone for the weekend, having someone you trust swing by once can make a big difference.
They don’t have to babysit your house — just check that everything looks normal from the outside. If something’s off, they can give you a heads-up before it turns into a mess.

7. Double-Check Washer and Dishwasher Hoses

These old hoses tend to crack or burst when you least expect it. If they haven’t been replaced in a few years, consider doing that before your trip.

And whatever you do, don’t start a laundry or dishwashing cycle right before leaving. That’s just tempting fate.

Conclusion

A peaceful weekend starts with a little planning. Most of these tasks take just a few minutes, but they can save you hours of stress and dollars later. No one wants to walk in the door and smell mildew or hear that awful sound of leaking taps echoing from the basement. Take time to prep now and avoid the post-weekend chaos. And if anything ever does go wrong, at least you’ll know who to call. Fast help from the right emergency water restoration or emergency water damage cleanup team can keep a bad situation from getting worse.