Snowbird Plumbing Checklist to Protect Your Sarasota Home

Step 1: Turn Off the Main Water Supply

One of the most important steps in preparing your Florida home for summer vacancy is shutting off the main water supply. Locate the shut-off valve, which is typically near your water meter or where the main line enters your home, and turn it clockwise until it stops. Afterward, briefly open a faucet to confirm the water has been fully shut off.

This simple step reduces the risk of leaks, burst pipes, or unnoticed water damage while you’re away.

Step 2: Shut Off the Water Heater (Critical!)

Many homeowners forget this step, but it’s essential.

If you turn off the water main for vacation but leave your water heater powered on, it can continue heating an empty tank. This may burn out the heating element, leading to expensive repairs or replacement.

What to do:

Turn off the breaker for your electric water heater at the electrical panel
For gas units, switch the heater to “vacation” mode or turn it off completely

Step 3: Drain Excess Water from Plumbing Fixtures

After shutting off the water supply, it is a good idea to relieve pressure in your system by running faucets briefly and flushing toilets to remove most of the remaining water. You can also drain outdoor spigots and any exposed lines to minimize standing water while the home is vacant. This helps minimize standing water that could cause issues over time.

Step 4: Protect Drains and Toilets with Antifreeze

In Florida’s heat, water in drains and toilet bowls can slowly evaporate. When this happens, it can break the seal that blocks sewer gases from entering your home.

Prevent this by pouring non-toxic (RV) antifreeze into:

Toilet bowls
Sink drains
Shower and tub drains

This keeps seals intact and prevents unpleasant odors or potential pest intrusion. If your drains are already slow or prone to buildup, professional drain cleaning before you leave can help prevent issues while your home is vacant.

Step 5: Set Your Humidistat Correctly

Humidity control is crucial when your home is vacant for months. Improper settings can lead to mold growth or unnecessarily high energy bills.

Recommended humidistat settings for an empty house:

Set humidity between 55%–60%
Pair with your thermostat set around 78–82°F

This balance helps prevent mold and mildew without overworking your HVAC system. Scheduling AC maintenance before you leave ensures your system can properly manage humidity while your home is unoccupied.

Step 6: Check for Leaks Before You Leave

Before you leave, take a few minutes to inspect your home for any signs of leaks. Check under sinks, around appliances, and near your water heater for drips, corrosion, or moisture. Catching even a small issue now can prevent significant damage while you are away.

Step 7: Clean and Prepare Appliances

Preparing your appliances is another important step before closing up your home. Empty and clean your refrigerator, and if you plan to unplug it, leave the doors slightly open to prevent odors. You should also turn off and disconnect washing machine hoses if possible, and run your garbage disposal with water to clear out any debris.

Step 8: Consider a Home Watch Service

Even with a thorough snowbird home watch checklist, having someone periodically inspect your property adds peace of mind.

A professional home watch service can:

Check for leaks or HVAC issues
Ensure humidity levels are stable
Catch problems early before they escalate

Quick Printable Checklist

Before You Leave:

☐ Turn off main water supply

☐ Shut off water heater breaker or gas setting

☐ Run faucets and flush toilets

☐ Add non-toxic antifreeze to drains and toilets

☐ Set humidistat to 55–60%

☐ Set thermostat to 78–82°F

☐ Inspect for leaks

☐ Prepare appliances

☐ Arrange home watch service

FAQs

What happens if I forget to turn off my water heater?

If the water supply is off but the heater remains on, it can overheat and burn out the heating element, leading to costly repairs or replacement.

Do I really need antifreeze in Florida?

Yes. Even without freezing temperatures, evaporation can dry out drain traps and toilet seals, allowing sewer gases into your home. Non-toxic antifreeze prevents this.

What are the best humidistat settings for an empty house?

For most Sarasota homes, setting humidity between 55% and 60% strikes the right balance between mold prevention and energy efficiency.

Should I turn off the water main for vacation every time?

If you’ll be gone for an extended period, turning off the main water supply is strongly recommended to reduce the risk of leaks or flooding.

Schedule Your Pre-Departure Plumbing Check with Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air

Leaving your seasonal home unattended doesn’t have to be stressful. By following this step-by-step checklist, you can protect your plumbing, maintain indoor air quality, and avoid costly surprises when you return.

Need help preparing your home before you head out for the season? Contact Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air today to schedule a professional inspection and ensure your Sarasota home is fully protected while you’re away.

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