How to Protect Your Home While You Travel: A Practical Checklist for Long Trips
There is nothing quite like the excitement of leaving for a long trip. But for homeowners, that excitement can come with a nagging worry: what if something goes wrong while you are away? From burst pipes to basement flooding, the damage that can accumulate during an extended absence is often far worse than what would have happened if someone had been home to catch it early.
The good news is that most home emergencies during travel are preventable with a little preparation. Here is a practical checklist to protect your home before you head out the door.
Inspect for Water Vulnerabilities Before You Leave
Water damage is the number one cause of home insurance claims, and it is also the most likely to go undetected when no one is home. Before any extended trip, do a walk-through specifically looking for signs of moisture: water stains on ceilings, damp spots in corners, musty smells in the basement, or cracks in the foundation walls.
If you have noticed any of these warning signs, it is worth consulting home waterproofing and basement repair specialists before you travel. A small crack or slow leak can become a flooded basement after a heavy rainstorm. Catching it before you leave is significantly cheaper than returning to a major repair.
Shut Off the Main Water Supply
If you are leaving for more than a week, shutting off the main water valve is one of the simplest and most effective things you can do. This eliminates the risk of a burst pipe, a running toilet, or a failed appliance hose causing flooding while you are gone. Just remember to drain the pipes afterward if you live in a cold climate where freezing is a concern.
Set Up a Trusted House Checker
Ask a neighbour, friend, or family member to check in every few days. Give them a key and a short list of what to look for: any unusual sounds like dripping or running water, any visible leaks under sinks or around appliances, the sump pump running more than usual, or any signs of moisture in the basement.
A human set of eyes is irreplaceable. Smart home sensors can detect leaks and temperature drops, but they still need someone nearby who can act quickly when an alert goes off.
Maintain a Consistent Indoor Temperature
Even if you are trying to save on heating or cooling costs while away, keeping the thermostat at a reasonable level matters. In winter, temperatures below 13 degrees Celsius (55 degrees Fahrenheit) risk frozen pipes. In summer, excessive heat and humidity can promote mold growth, especially in basements and crawl spaces.
Set a programmable thermostat to maintain a stable temperature range and you eliminate both risks at minimal cost.
Check Gutters and Downspouts
Clogged gutters are a surprisingly common cause of water intrusion into basements and crawl spaces. When gutters overflow, water pools against the foundation rather than draining away from the house. Clean them out before a trip, and make sure downspouts direct water at least two metres away from the foundation.
Secure and Document Your Home
Beyond water concerns, take photos of each room before you leave. This creates a visual record for insurance purposes if anything does go wrong. Double-check that all windows and doors are locked, pause mail and newspaper delivery to avoid obvious signs of absence, and consider a smart doorbell or outdoor camera for added peace of mind.
Come Home to a House, Not a Disaster
Travel is one of life's great pleasures. The goal of all this preparation is simple: to leave with confidence and come home to the same house you left. A little time spent on prevention before your trip is always worth it compared to the stress, cost, and disruption of coming home to water damage.
When in doubt about the structural integrity of your basement or foundation before a long absence, a professional inspection gives you the clarity to travel without worry.
