The Plumbing Checklist Every San Antonio Homeowner Needs Before Vacation Season

San Antonio is a city that loves to explore. Whether you’re heading down to the coast for a long weekend or planning a month-long international trek, the “Vacation Season” of 2026 is officially upon us. But as you’re double-checking your flight times and packing your bags, there is one family member you might be neglecting: your home’s plumbing. At Tiger Home Services, we have been serving the San Antonio community since 1978, and we’ve seen it all, from homeowners returning to a “backyard lake” caused by a burst irrigation line to families greeted by the unmistakable smell of sewer gas in their beautiful Hill Country homes.

A house sitting idle in the South Texas heat is a house at risk. Without regular water flow, small issues can escalate into major disasters. This guide provides the essential plumbing checklist tailored specifically for the San Antonio climate, ensuring that the only thing you bring home from vacation is good memories, not a restoration bill.

The San Antonio “Hard Water” Factor

Before you leave, you have to understand who you’re dealing with: the Edwards Aquifer. Our water is famous for its mineral content, averaging 15 to 20 grains per gallon (gpg). While this mineral-rich water is safe to drink, it is incredibly aggressive toward your plumbing fixtures when it sits still.

When water stops moving in your pipes, the calcium and magnesium begin to settle. This “Scale Stagnation” can clog aerators, seize up shut-off valves, and cause your water heater’s heating elements to work harder than they should. If your water softener isn’t in peak condition before you leave, you might return to “milky” water or fixtures covered in a white, chalky crust. A pre-vacation flush of your system isn’t just a luxury; in San Antonio, it’s a necessity for preserving your home’s infrastructure.

Step 1: The Main Shut-Off (Your #1 Defense)

If you aren’t leaving behind a house sitter to water your indoor plants, the single most effective thing you can do is turn off your main water shut-off valve.

• Locate the Valve: In many San Antonio homes, this is located near the water meter at the street or where the main line enters the house (often in the garage or a dedicated closet).
• The “To-Do” List: Once the main valve is off, go to the highest point in your house and turn on a faucet, then go to the lowest point and do the same. This drains the pressure out of your lines. If a pipe were to weaken while you were gone, there would be no pressure to force thousands of gallons of water into your walls.
• Exceptions: If you have an automatic pool-fill system or an irrigation system that isn’t on a separate “deduct” meter, you may need to leave the main valve on. In this case, we recommend at least shutting off the individual valves to your washing machine and toilets, the two most common “burst” points in a home.

Step 2: The Water Heater “Vacation Mode”

Your water heater is a massive energy consumer. In 2026, with energy efficiency at the forefront of everyone’s mind, heating 50 gallons of water to 120°F for a week while no one is home is simply throwing money away.

Most modern water heaters have a “Vacation” setting on the thermostat dial. This keeps the pilot light lit (for gas units) but lowers the water temperature significantly, saving you a noticeable amount on your CPS Energy bill. If you have an older tank, don’t just “guess” at the setting; look for the “VAC” label. If you have a tankless unit, you can simply turn the power off. 

Pro Tip: If you haven’t flushed the sediment out of your tank in the last year, do it before you leave. Stagnant sediment can lead to a “rotten egg” smell if bacteria is allowed to grow in the warm, still water.

Step 3: Stagnant Water & Odor Prevention

Nothing ruins a vacation high faster than walking into a house that smells like a swamp.

• The Garbage Disposal: Your disposal is a haven for organic matter. Before you leave, run the disposal with plenty of cold water and a handful of ice cubes to “scrub” the blades. Follow it up with a half-cup of baking soda and vinegar.
• Dry P-Traps: Your drains have a “P-trap” designed to hold a small amount of water that acts as a seal against sewer gases. In the dry San Antonio heat, this water can evaporate in as little as a week, especially in guest bathrooms. Before you leave, pour a tablespoon of vegetable oil into rarely used drains. The oil sits on top of the water and prevents evaporation, keeping the “funk” where it belongs; in the sewer.

Step 4: Outdoor Plumbing & Irrigation

The San Antonio sun is relentless on outdoor plastics and rubbers.

1. Disconnect Hoses: If a hose is left connected and pressurized, the water inside can expand in the 100-degree heat, putting immense pressure on your outdoor faucet (hose bib). This can cause an internal leak that drips behind your siding or into your foundation.
2. Smart Irrigation: Check your SAWS (San Antonio Water System) settings. Ensure your timer is updated for the current 2026 watering restrictions. A malfunctioning timer can lead to an expensive “Water Waster” citation or, worse, a massive bill from a leak you didn’t know you had.
3. The Pool Check: If you have an auto-fill feature on your pool, check the float valve. If it’s stuck “open,” your pool will constantly overflow while you’re gone, spiking your bill by hundreds of dollars.

The Tiger Home Services “Peace of Mind” Inspection

At Tiger Home Services, we believe that “an ounce of prevention is worth a gallon of restoration.” Our technicians are San Antonio locals who understand the specific stresses of our hard water and shifting soil.

Before you head out, consider a Professional Vacation Audit. We use advanced leak detection technology to find the “silent” drips that haven’t manifested as puddles yet. We check your water softener’s salt levels and cycle settings, and we ensure your water heater is venting correctly. We operate on a Flat-Fee Pricing model, so you’ll know exactly what the bill is before we ever pick up a wrench. Since the Mollgaard family founded this business in 1978, our goal has always been to treat your home like our own.

Travel with Confidence

Your vacation should be about relaxing, not worrying about the state of your guest bathroom. By following this “Tiger-Approved” checklist, you are taking control of your home’s health. A few minutes of preparation in March or April can save you a lifetime of headaches in June or July. Reclaim your peace of mind and ensure that your San Antonio home is just as you left it—safe, dry, and comfortable.

Don’t leave your home’s safety to chance. Contact Tiger Home Services today to schedule your pre-vacation plumbing inspection and travel with total “Tiger” confidence!