You’ve planned your vacation, packed your bags, and you’re ready to enjoy some time away from Winnipeg. But before you head to the airport, there’s one thing that could turn your dream vacation into a nightmare homecoming: your washing machine.
A few minutes of preparation can prevent thousands of dollars in water damage.
Why This Matters: The Vacation Flood Scenario
Picture this:
- You leave for two weeks in Mexico
- Day 3: A washing machine hose bursts
- Your home floods continuously for 11 days
- You return to: destroyed floors, ruined furniture, water-damaged walls, mold starting to grow
This isn’t hypothetical—it happens to Winnipeg homeowners every year.
The Essential Pre-Vacation Checklist
1. Turn Off the Water Supply
This is non-negotiable.
Locate the hot and cold water taps behind your washing machine and turn them fully clockwise (right) until closed.
How to verify they’re off:
- Close both taps
- Try to start a fill cycle on the washer
- The machine should display an error or fail to fill
- If water still flows, the tap may not be fully closed or may be faulty
2. Run a Final Cycle
Before turning off water:
- Run the last load you need
- Or run an empty cycle to clear residual water
- This ensures no dirty water sits stagnant while you’re away
3. Leave the Door Open
Prevent mold and musty odors by leaving the door or lid slightly ajar. If you have pets or concerns about the open door, at least leave it cracked.
4. Clean the Gasket and Drum
For longer trips (1+ weeks):
- Wipe down the door seal
- Run a quick cleaning cycle before leaving
- Ensure no moisture is trapped
5. Consider Unplugging
While not essential, unplugging your washer:
- Protects against power surge damage
- Eliminates any standby energy use
- Adds an extra layer of safety
For Longer Trips (2+ Weeks)
Additional Steps
Clean more thoroughly:
- Run a full cleaning cycle with washer cleaner
- Clean the drain filter
- Wipe all surfaces dry
Check hose condition:
- If hoses look worn, replace them before leaving
- A new $30 hose pair is cheap insurance
Consider a house sitter:
- Even occasional check-ins can catch problems
- Someone who can respond to alerts
Smart Protection
Water leak sensors:
- Place near the washer
- Alert your phone if water is detected
- Some can call a designated contact
Smart water shut-offs:
- Automatically close water supply if leak detected
- Can be controlled remotely
- Best protection short of turning off water manually
Winter Vacation Considerations
Leaving Winnipeg during winter adds extra concerns:
Keep the Heat On
- Maintain at least 15°C (60°F) throughout the home
- Ensure the laundry area stays warm
- A frozen pipe that bursts when it thaws is devastating
Insulate Vulnerable Pipes
- Pipes near exterior walls
- Laundry areas in unheated spaces
- Use pipe insulation or heat tape
Extra Water Precautions
In extreme cold:
- Consider shutting off main water supply (and draining)
- At minimum, close washer taps
- Have someone check on the house
What to Do If Something Goes Wrong
You Get an Alert (Smart Sensor)
- Don’t panic
- Call your house sitter or neighbor immediately
- Guide them to turn off water at the washer or main valve
- Contact a water damage restoration company
- Notify your insurance
You Come Home to a Flood
- Don’t enter standing water near electrical sources
- Turn off electricity to the area if safe
- Turn off water at the main valve
- Document everything with photos and video
- Contact your insurance immediately
- Call water damage professionals
- Call us for washer assessment and repair
The 2-Minute Pre-Trip Routine
Add this to your vacation departure checklist:
Before leaving:
- ✅ Turn off water supply taps
- ✅ Leave washer door ajar
- ✅ Quick wipe of door seal
- ✅ Take photo of closed taps (peace of mind/proof)
After returning:
- ✅ Turn water taps back on slowly
- ✅ Check for leaks
- ✅ Run a short test cycle
- ✅ Resume normal laundry
Vacation-Proofing Your Whole Home
While you’re at it:
- Check other water sources: Ice maker, dishwasher, toilet supply lines
- Lower water heater temperature (saves energy, reduces risk)
- Know your main water shut-off location for emergencies
Need Pre-Vacation Service?
If your hoses are old, connections look questionable, or you want peace of mind before a big trip, we can help:
- Inspect connections and hoses
- Replace aging hoses
- Install water detection devices
- General washer maintenance
Contact us today for a pre-vacation washing machine check-up in Winnipeg. Travel with confidence that your home is protected.