Hosting Guests or Leaving Town This Summer? Don’t Skip This Plumbing Checklist
Summer is the season for celebration and relaxation. Whether you’re hosting backyard barbecues, welcoming family for a long weekend, or heading out on a much-needed vacation, your plumbing system is probably the last thing on your mind. However, your plumbing deserves a moment of attention before the festivities begin.
Small plumbing issues can quickly turn into big headaches when your home is under extra stress or left unattended. Toilets that run nonstop, water heaters that struggle to keep up, or slow drains in high-traffic areas can throw a wrench in your plans—not to mention what a leak might do while you’re out of town.
Fortunately, a quick walk-through with this simple plumbing checklist can help you prevent problems before they start. Here’s how to make sure your home is ready for whatever summer throws at it—whether you’re staying in or stepping away.
If You’re Hosting: Your Guest Bathroom Needs a Dress Rehearsal
Your plumbing system is built for everyday use, but when guests roll in, your water and drainage systems take on a heavier load.
From extra showers and flushes, to more cooking and dishwashing, it’s easy for small issues to surface when demand increases.
Check the Sinks, Showers, and Smells
Start by testing sinks, toilets, and showers in any guest bathrooms you plan to use.
Are drains moving quickly?
Are faucets leaking or dripping?
Does the toilet refill as it should?
Even a minor issue—like a slow drain or a handle that sticks—can become frustrating when used more frequently.
If anything seems off, it’s worth a closer look. Sometimes, a little cleaning or a new flapper can solve the issue. If a toilet runs constantly or backs up even occasionally, it may be time to have it professionally inspected before your guests arrive.
Keep the Hot Water Drama-Free
There’s nothing like the stress of running out of hot water when guests are showering back-to-back. If your water heater is older or hasn’t been flushed in a while, it could be working harder than necessary—or struggling to keep up altogether.
Flushing your tank helps remove sediment that builds up over time, improving both efficiency and temperature consistency. If your hot water has been inconsistent or lukewarm lately, that’s also a good reason to have it checked.
Elite Plumbing offers water heater maintenance and replacements throughout Pasadena, Glen Burnie, and surrounding areas—so if you’re concerned, it’s an easy fix before things get busy.
Avoid Mid-Dinner Drain Drama
If summer entertaining means more cooking at home, your kitchen sink and garbage disposal will see extra action. Test for drainage issues, odd smells, or weak grinding sounds. These are often early signs that the disposal is struggling.
To keep things running smoothly, avoid putting starchy foods, fibrous peels, or grease down the drain. If your disposal is older or frequently jams, it might be worth replacing with a newer, more efficient model.
A Drip Outside Can Soak Your Summer Budget
Don’t forget about outdoor spigots and hoses. Check for dripping faucets, low water pressure, or signs of leakage at the base. Hose bibs can crack over the winter and not show symptoms until turned on for the season.
You don’t want a slow leak running all weekend—or a hose that fails when guests are over.
A quick inspection now can save time, money, and cleanup later.
If You’re Traveling: Leave Your Home Worry-Free
Heading out of town for a few days (or weeks)? Before you pack your bags, give your plumbing system a once-over using this guide:
What to Look (& Listen) for Before You Leave
A dripping faucet may not seem urgent, but over several days—or weeks—it adds up fast. Walk through your home and listen closely for running toilets or drips. Check under sinks for signs of moisture, and run your hand along exposed pipes to detect hidden leaks.
Address anything suspicious before you leave. If you’re unsure what you’re looking for, scheduling a quick inspection is always a safe bet.
Lower the Heat, Raise the Savings
For longer trips, consider turning your water heater to “vacation” mode or lowering the temperature to save energy.
If it’s showing signs of wear—like strange noises or rust-colored water—it might be worth having it serviced while you’re away.
Elite Plumbing’s licensed professionals can inspect and flush your system to help extend its life and prevent emergencies while you’re out of town.
Drain Problems Love Empty Houses
No one wants to return to bad smells or backed-up sinks.
If your home has slow drains, get them cleaned out ahead of time. Unused plumbing can trap stagnant water and odors, so clearing out buildup before you leave keeps things fresh and functional.
Just in Case: Don’t Make Your House-Sitter Guess What to Do
If someone is house-sitting or checking in while you’re away, leave them with the number for your local plumber—just in case.
If you’re in the Pasadena, Annapolis, or Severna Park area, keep Elite Plumbing’s contact info handy for reliable, local support.
A Little Prep, A Lot Less Stress
Plumbing issues don’t always wait for a convenient time. When you’re hosting guests, or travel far from home, even a minor problem can become stressful, and fast.
Taking a few minutes to walk through this summer plumbing checklist can give you peace of mind—and save you from costly surprises.
If you do run into something that needs attention, don’t hesitate to call a licensed professional. Elite Plumbing & Home Services is here to help with trusted service, honest pricing, and fast response times across Anne Arundel County.
Already got a quote from another plumber? Upload it to us. We’ll inspect the issue and do our best to offer a better price with a better quality of service. Straightforward support from a team that’s proudly family-owned and local to your community.
Check It Off, Then Check Out
Whether your summer plans involve cookouts or quiet getaways, your plumbing shouldn’t be part of the drama.
From drain cleaning and water heater tune-ups to leak inspections and fixture repairs, Elite Plumbing & Home Services has your back—before and after your plans.
📞 Call (443) 343-2284 or visit eliteplumbingmd.com to schedule a pre-trip or pre-guest inspection today. Because when your plumbing’s taken care of, the rest of your summer flows easier.
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