Going Away This Summer? Don’t Leave Your Drains Home Alone!

The suitcase is packed.

Passport? 

Sun cream? 

Sunglasses? 

Phone charger? 

But before you lock the front door and head off to enjoy a well-earned holiday, there’s one part of your home that often gets forgotten…

Your drains.

While you’re relaxing by the pool or exploring somewhere new, your drainage system is still hard at work. Spending just a few minutes preparing it before you leave can help prevent unpleasant smells, blocked drains and unwanted surprises when you get home.

Run Your Taps Before You Leave

If parts of your home aren’t used for a while, the water sitting in sinks, showers and baths can slowly evaporate, especially during warm summer weather.

That water sits in a U-bend (also known as a trap) and acts as a barrier, stopping unpleasant smells from your drainage system entering your home.

Before leaving, run every tap, flush every toilet and briefly run showers and baths to make sure each trap is topped up with fresh water.

Empty and Clean Your Dishwasher

It’s tempting to leave the dishwasher full and deal with it when you return, but food residue left sitting in a warm appliance for two weeks can quickly become unpleasant.

Run the final load before you go, clean the filter and leave the dishwasher door slightly ajar to allow air to circulate.

Your nose will thank you when you get home.

Don’t Forget the Washing Machine

Much like your dishwasher, washing machines can develop stale odours if left sealed with moisture inside.

Run a quick rinse if needed, empty the filter if it’s due for cleaning and leave the door slightly open before you leave.

It’s a simple job that can help prevent mould and musty smells.

Check Outside Drains and Gullies

Summer storms can arrive with very little warning.

Take a quick walk around your property and make sure outside drains and gullies aren’t covered with leaves, grass cuttings or garden debris.

A five-minute check now could save you returning to standing water after heavy rain.

Clear Your Gutters

If your gutters are already blocked before you leave, a summer downpour could send rainwater overflowing onto walls, patios and driveways while nobody is home.

Removing leaves, moss and debris before your holiday helps rainwater flow where it should.

A Little Water Goes a Long Way

If you’re planning to be away for several weeks, consider asking a trusted neighbour, friend or family member to pop in occasionally.

Running the taps for a minute and flushing the toilets every week or two helps keep water in the traps and freshens the plumbing throughout the house.

It’s also a good opportunity for someone to spot any unexpected leaks or issues before they become expensive problems.

Your Five-Minute Holiday Drain Checklist

✔ Run all taps, showers and baths.

✔ Flush every toilet.

✔ Empty and clean the dishwasher.

✔ Leave the dishwasher and washing machine doors slightly open.

✔ Check outside drains and gullies.

✔ Clear leaves and debris from gutters.

✔ Ask someone to pop in occasionally if you’re away for an extended period.

The Happy Drains Tip

Most people remember to water the plants and lock the windows before heading off on holiday. But very few think about their drains.

Giving your drainage system just five minutes of attention before you leave can help prevent unpleasant smelly drains, reduce the risk of blockages and make coming home just that little bit sweeter.

So, before you grab your suitcase and set off on your summer adventure…

Don’t forget your drains! They’ll still be looking after your home while you’re away.