Owning a vacation home in Bend or Redmond, Oregon offers the perfect escape to the high desert’s beauty, from snowy winter retreats to sunny summer adventures. But whether you use your vacation property a few weekends a year or for extended seasonal stays, plumbing maintenance is one of the most important — yet often overlooked — aspects of protecting your investment.
Vacation homes face unique challenges because they are often left unoccupied for long stretches of time. That means frozen pipes, hidden leaks, water damage, and inefficient systems can quickly turn into costly problems.
Here’s a detailed guide to the best plumbing practices for your Bend or Redmond vacation home, based on trusted guidance from the EPA’s seasonal water tips and the local expertise of Einstein Pros.
1. Shut Off the Main Water Supply When You’re Away
If your vacation home will be empty for more than a week, shutting off the main water supply is one of the simplest ways to prevent leaks and flooding. Even a small drip from a supply line can cause thousands of dollars in damage if left unnoticed for weeks.
- Locate your main shut-off valve and test it regularly to ensure it works.
- After turning it off, drain the lines by opening a faucet at the lowest point in the home.
- This practice is especially important in the winter when frozen pipes are more likely.
If you’re unsure where your shut-off valve is located, Einstein Pros’ plumbing inspection services can help you find and label it.
2. Winterize Your Plumbing
Central Oregon’s winters can bring sub-zero temperatures. That’s why pipe insulation and winterization are crucial for vacation homes.
- Insulate exposed pipes in crawl spaces, garages, and exterior walls.
- Disconnect and drain garden hoses.
- Install frost-proof outdoor faucets.
- Consider adding heat tape or a smart home temperature monitoring system that alerts you if indoor temperatures drop too low.
The EPA’s winterization recommendations stress that prevention is always less expensive than repairs.
3. Install a Smart Leak Detection System
Modern leak detection devices can monitor your plumbing 24/7, even when you’re hundreds of miles away. Many systems can automatically shut off your water supply if a leak is detected.
Benefits for vacation homes:
- Protects against slow leaks that cause mold and structural damage.
- Reduces insurance risk and claims.
- Gives peace of mind when you’re not onsite.
4. Use EPA WaterSense Fixtures
Since your vacation home may be used by multiple guests or renters, water efficiency matters for both conservation and utility cost savings. Look for WaterSense-labeled faucets, showerheads, and toilets.
According to the EPA WaterSense program, these products can save thousands of gallons of water per year without sacrificing performance.
Einstein Pros can install WaterSense fixtures that blend efficiency with style, perfect for modernizing your vacation property.
5. Schedule a Pre-Season Plumbing Inspection
Before peak usage seasons — winter holidays or summer vacation months — schedule a professional plumbing inspection to check for:
- Leaks in supply lines.
- Sediment buildup in water heaters.
- Proper function of sump pumps and drainage.
- Outdoor irrigation system efficiency.
A pre-season check-up from Einstein Pros in Central Oregon ensures your plumbing is ready for guests and extreme weather.
6. Maintain Your Water Heater
If your vacation home is used seasonally, your water heater may sit unused for months, leading to sediment buildup, inefficiency, or even tank damage.
- Drain and flush your water heater once a year.
- Set the temperature to 120°F for safety and efficiency.
- If your home is unused for long periods, turn the water heater off or put it on “vacation mode.”
For tankless systems, maintenance is just as important to prevent mineral buildup, especially in areas with Central Oregon hard water.
7. Protect Outdoor Plumbing Systems
Vacation homes often have outdoor kitchens, irrigation systems, or hot tubs. These require special attention when left unused:
- Winterize sprinkler systems to prevent cracked pipes.
- Check outdoor kitchen plumbing for leaks before use.
- Keep hot tub water chemically balanced, or drain it completely when not in use.
Following EPA outdoor water guidelines helps protect your property and the environment.
8. Keep Drains Clear
Guests may not treat your vacation home’s drains as carefully as you do. To prevent clogs:
- Use drain strainers in sinks and showers.
- Avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper.
- Educate renters or guests with a simple “Plumbing Do’s and Don’ts” card in bathrooms.
If a clog does happen, avoid chemical drain cleaners, which can damage pipes and harm the environment. Professional drain cleaning is safer and more effective.
9. Consider a Plumbing Maintenance Plan
For peace of mind, many vacation homeowners in Bend and Redmond sign up for a plumbing maintenance plan with a trusted local provider. This ensures your system gets regular check-ups, even when you’re away.
Einstein Pros offers preventive maintenance services tailored for vacation properties, which can extend the life of your plumbing and reduce emergencies.
Final Thoughts
Taking the time to follow these best plumbing practices for your Bend or Redmond vacation home will save you money, prevent damage, and keep your property guest-ready year-round. By combining local expertise from Einstein Pros with proven EPA seasonal water tips, you can enjoy your vacation home worry-free — no matter the season.
Whether it’s winterizing before the snow hits, installing WaterSense fixtures, or setting up smart leak detection, proactive care is the best investment you can make for your vacation property’s plumbing system.