How to Keep Your Home Safe and Dry While You’re Away: 6 Essential Tips

The first time I came back from a week-long trip, I walked into a house that didn’t feel like mine anymore. The air was damp, a faint smell of mildew hung in the hallway, and in the basement I found a dark patch spreading across the wall. What looked like a harmless drip before I left had turned into thousands of dollars in repairs. If you’ve ever worried about what could go wrong while your house sits empty, you know that water damage isn’t just a nuisance—it can wreck walls, floors, and even your peace of mind.

That’s why I’ve put together six quick fixes you can do before you lock the door and head out. They don’t take much time, but they can save you from the nightmare of coming home to a soaked carpet or a collapsed ceiling. Because let’s be honest—you deserve to return to the home you left behind, not a disaster waiting for an insurance claim.

Have you ever come back from a trip to find something in your house went wrong while you were gone?

Why Water Damage Strikes When You’re Away?

The frustrating thing about water damage is that it often happens when no one’s around to catch it. I’ve seen tiny drips turn into soaked floors, or a frozen pipe crack wide open during a cold snap. By the time you return, the problem has already spread and the repair bill is waiting.

The most common culprits include:

• Frozen pipes that burst when temperatures drop
• Hidden leaks under sinks or behind walls that stay unnoticed
• Faulty appliances like dishwashers or washing machines
• Storm runoff and clogged gutters that push water into your home (the EPA notes that blocked outdoor drainage is a major trigger for water issues).

When you think about it, even a small leak can run thousands of gallons of water over the course of a week. That’s why homes left empty are at the highest risk—you’re not there to see the warning signs.

Quick Fix #1: Shut Off the Main Water Supply

One of the simplest ways to avoid a water disaster is to shut off your main water supply before you leave. If water isn’t flowing, it can’t leak or burst.

Here’s how to do it:

• Find the valve: It’s usually near where the water line enters your house—basement, garage, or utility area.
• Turn it clockwise until it’s fully closed.
• Drain leftover water: Open a faucet for a minute to release pressure in the pipes.

Want even more security? Install a smart shutoff valve. These devices let you control your water from your phone and even send alerts if a leak is detected. I know homeowners who avoided a flooded basement just because their system caught the problem in time.

Shutting off the water takes less than five minutes, but it can save you from months of cleanup. Honestly, would you rather return from vacation to unpack your suitcase—or to mop up gallons of standing water?

Quick Fix #2: Clear Gutters & Downspouts

Clogged gutters might not seem like a big deal, but when rainwater can’t flow properly, it has only one option—spill over the edges and seep into your walls or foundation. I’ve seen basements flood simply because leaves blocked the downspout. The truth is, water always finds a way, and if it’s not being guided away from your house, it’s heading straight inside.

Here’s a quick pre-trip checklist to keep your gutters clear:

• Remove leaves and twigs that pile up after storms
• Check for nests or other blockages in the downspout
• Flush with a hose to confirm water is flowing freely
• Inspect joints and seams for leaks or cracks

According to Angi, clogged gutters are one of the most overlooked causes of home water damage, yet regular cleaning is a simple and cost-effective fix. Ten minutes on a ladder can save you thousands in foundation or basement repairs.

Quick Fix #3: Inspect & Reinforce Appliances

Some of the worst water damage doesn’t come from storms—it comes from inside your own home. Dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters are notorious for leaking when you least expect it. And if one of them bursts while you’re away, the water won’t stop until you get back.

Here’s what I always recommend before leaving:

• Check hoses on washing machines and dishwashers for cracks or brittleness
• Replace old hoses with braided stainless steel versions (they’re far less likely to fail)
• Inspect your water heater for rust or small leaks near the base
• Unplug appliances if you’ll be gone for more than a week

Washing machine hose failure can release hundreds of gallons of water in just an hour. Replacing a $20 hose now is a lot cheaper than tearing up soaked flooring later.

Quick Fix #4: Adjust Thermostat & Insulate Pipes

One of the biggest risks when you leave home in colder months is frozen pipes. When water inside a pipe freezes, it expands and often causes the pipe to crack. Once it thaws, that crack becomes a steady leak—and if you’re not there, it can run for days before anyone notices.

To keep pipes safe while you’re away:

• Set your thermostat to at least 55°F. Even if you’re not home, the steady heat prevents freezing.
• Insulate exposed pipes in basements, attics, and garages with foam sleeves or heat tape.
• Use faucet covers outside to keep cold air from reaching the line.

The American Red Cross specifically recommends keeping indoor heat steady and wrapping pipes to reduce freezing risk. Spending a few dollars on insulation now can save you thousands in emergency plumbing repairs later. If you’re leaving during the colder months, it’s worth reading our guide on winter-proofing your home before you travel to make sure freezing temperatures don’t catch you off guard.

Quick Fix #5: Install Leak Detection & Smart Tech

Technology has made it easier than ever to protect your home, even when you’re miles away. Small leak detectors placed under sinks, near the water heater, or behind the washing machine can pick up the first sign of a drip. Many models connect to your phone, so you’ll get an alert before the leak turns into a flood.

Some reliable options include:

• Flo by Moen – a smart system that monitors your entire water line
• Honeywell Lyric Wi-Fi Water Leak Detector – sends alerts directly to your phone
• Standalone sensors – inexpensive, battery-powered devices for key spots

Quick Fix #6: Ask a Neighbor or Hire a House Check

Sometimes the best protection isn’t a gadget—it’s another set of eyes. Giving a spare key to a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member can make all the difference when you’re away. If something goes wrong, they’ll notice it before it spirals out of control.

If no one nearby is available, there are also services that provide paid check-ins. These professionals stop by your home to do a quick sweep, making sure everything is in order.

Here’s a simple checklist you can give them:

• Check the water heater for leaks or pooling
• Look under sinks in the kitchen and bathrooms for drips
• Walk through the basement for damp spots or musty smells
• Glance at ceilings and walls for new stains or bubbling paint

It only takes a few minutes, but these small check-ins can prevent you from returning to a costly mess.

Extra Layer of Protection: Insurance & Documentation

Even with all the right precautions, water damage can still happen. That’s why it’s smart to review your home insurance policy before you leave. Some policies cover water damage from sudden leaks or pipe bursts, while others don’t. Knowing what’s included helps you prepare financially and avoid surprises during a claim.

A few simple habits can also make the claims process smoother if you ever need it:

• Take photos of your home before you leave, especially high-risk areas like the basement or near appliances
• Keep receipts for repairs, appliances, and maintenance—you may need them for proof
• Store documents safely, either in the cloud or a waterproof folder

Think of this as your safety net. You hope you’ll never need it, but if you do, you’ll be glad you took ten minutes to prepare. And in case water damage ever does occur, our step-by-step guide on repairing water damage before it ruins your home can help you act quickly and limit the long-term impact.

Mistakes to Avoid Before Leaving

Even with the best intentions, homeowners often overlook small details that can lead to major problems. Before you head out the door, make sure you don’t fall into these traps:

• Forgetting to test the sump pump — a broken pump can mean a flooded basement after heavy rain.
• Leaving windows cracked open — even a tiny gap invites rainwater and moisture inside.
• Ignoring small leaks — that drip under the sink won’t stay small for long.
• Not cleaning gutters — debris buildup turns one storm into a flood risk.
• Turning off heat completely — this increases the chance of frozen pipes. If frozen pipes are a worry in your area, you’ll also find our article on preventing frozen water pipes in winter especially useful.
• Skipping an appliance check — loose hoses or old water heaters often fail when no one’s watching.

Catching these mistakes takes minutes, but fixing the aftermath can take months.

Quick Recap Checklist

Here’s a condensed list of the six quick fixes so you can double-check before leaving:

Use this list as your final walkthrough before locking up.

Final Takeaway

It doesn’t take much to protect your home—just a few small steps before you leave. Ten minutes of prep can save you from facing repairs that cost more than $10,000. The peace of mind you get is worth every bit of effort.

I’d love to hear from you: What’s your go-to tip for keeping your home safe while you’re away? Share your experiences in the comments below—I bet other readers could use them too.

And if you want more practical guides like this one, check out Build Like New, where we share smart, real-world home tips that actually work. Your house deserves it, and so do you.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional advice. Always consult licensed contractors, plumbers, or insurance providers for guidance specific to your home and situation.