Holiday homes in Calpe and across the Costa Blanca need a different plumbing maintenance routine from full-time homes. When a property is empty for weeks or months, small issues can go unnoticed: slow leaks, dry traps, bad drain smells, limescale build-up, stuck valves, boiler faults, running toilets or stagnant water in unused pipework.
According to the team at 100% Plumbing, the best approach is to check the plumbing system before guests arrive, during periods of use, and before leaving the property empty again. A simple routine can help protect the home, reduce emergency callouts and keep bathrooms, kitchens, hot water systems and appliances working reliably.
100% Plumbing S.L. is based in Calpe, Alicante, and provides plumbing, repairs, installations and maintenance services across the Costa Blanca, with a 24-hour emergency helpline available for urgent issues.
For professional help, book a check through our professional plumbing services in Calpe and the Costa Blanca.
What Plumbing Maintenance Does a Holiday Home Need?
A holiday home should be checked for leaks, water pressure, hot water performance, running toilets, blocked drains, bad smells, limescale, appliance connections, outdoor taps and shut-off valves. Before arrival, flush taps and showers, test toilets, check the water heater and inspect visible pipework. Before leaving, turn off unnecessary water supplies, clean drains, check for leaks and leave the system safe for the next stay.
For homes that are empty for long periods, plumbing maintenance is especially important because water can sit unused in pipes, traps can dry out, and leaks may not be noticed until damage has already occurred.
Why Holiday Homes Need Extra Plumbing Checks
Holiday homes often have long periods of low or no water use. This can create plumbing issues that are less common in full-time homes.
Common risks include:
- Dry drain traps causing bad smells
- Stagnant water in unused pipework
- Limescale build-up in taps, showerheads and boilers
- Small leaks going unnoticed
- Running toilets wasting water
- Water heaters failing after long inactivity
- Outdoor taps or irrigation leaks
- Appliance hoses becoming brittle or loose
- Guests reporting problems only after arrival
Homes across the Costa Blanca can also be affected by hard water, which can leave limescale inside pipes, boilers, showerheads and appliances. For more detail, read our guide to how hard water affects pipes, boilers and appliances in Costa Blanca homes.
Holiday Home Plumbing Checklist: At a Glance
| When to check | What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Before arrival | Taps, toilets, drains, hot water, leaks | Ensures the property is guest-ready |
| During stay | Water pressure, smells, drainage, toilet function | Catches small issues early |
| Before leaving | Shut-off valves, appliances, visible leaks | Reduces risk while the home is empty |
| Seasonally | Boiler, water heater, pipework, limescale | Prevents long-term system problems |
| After storms or long vacancy | Outdoor taps, damp areas, drains, pumps | Finds damage or failures early |
This checklist is useful for homeowners, landlords, property managers and holiday rental owners who want a practical maintenance routine.
Before Arrival: Plumbing Checks Before You or Guests Enter
Before the property is occupied, do a full walk-through of bathrooms, kitchen, utility areas and outdoor water points.
1. Run All Taps and Showers
Run every tap and shower for a short period, starting with cold water and then hot water. This helps move water through pipework that may have been unused.
Pay attention to:
- Weak flow
- Cloudy or discoloured water
- Bad smells
- Spluttering taps
- Leaking handles
- Scale around taps or showerheads
If water pressure is weak throughout the home, the issue may involve valves, limescale, pipe restriction or the domestic supply. Our domestic water supply plumbing service can help diagnose the cause.
2. Flush Every Toilet
Flush each toilet and wait for the cistern to refill. A toilet should stop filling after a short time. If it keeps running, water may be leaking from the tank into the bowl or the fill valve may not be shutting off correctly.
Check for:
- Continuous running water
- Slow refilling
- Weak flush
- Water around the toilet base
- Sticking buttons or handles
For more detail, read our guide: toilet keeps running? simple checks before calling a plumber.
3. Check for Leaks Under Sinks
Open cabinets under sinks and look for signs of leaks.
Check:
- Damp wood
- Water stains
- Drips from traps or valves
- Musty smells
- Corrosion around fittings
- Loose waste connections
Small leaks under sinks can go unnoticed in holiday homes because nobody is present to hear dripping or notice dampness early.
4. Test the Hot Water System
Turn on hot taps and check how quickly hot water arrives. Listen for unusual noises from the boiler or water heater.
Warning signs include:
- No hot water
- Water only becoming lukewarm
- Hot water running out quickly
- Rumbling or popping noises
- Leaking near the water heater
- Error lights or pressure faults
- Rusty or discoloured hot water
If the system is unreliable, visit our hot water systems services in Calpe and the Costa Blanca.
5. Check Drains for Bad Smells
Bad drain smells are common in properties that have been empty. A dry trap can allow odours from the drainage system to enter the home.
Run water into:
- Bathroom sinks
- Showers
- Baths
- Kitchen sink
- Utility drains
- Floor drains
- Guest bathrooms
If the smell disappears after running water, the trap may have been dry. If it returns, there may be a blockage, vent issue, faulty seal or deeper drainage problem.
For diagnosis, read bad smells coming from drains: what they usually mean.
During the Stay: Simple Checks While the Home Is Being Used
During occupancy, small plumbing problems often become easier to spot because the system is under normal use.
6. Watch for Slow Drains
A slow drain may be an early sign of hair, soap scum, food waste, grease or limescale build-up.
Watch for:
- Shower water pooling around feet
- Kitchen sink draining slowly
- Gurgling sounds
- Bad smells after water drains
- Repeated blockages in the same fixture
For prevention advice, read our guide on how to prevent drain clogs in kitchen sinks and bathroom pipes.
7. Check Water Pressure
Low pressure may be caused by scale, blocked aerators, partially closed valves, supply issues or hidden leaks.
Check whether the problem affects:
- One tap only
- One bathroom only
- Hot water only
- Cold water only
- The whole property
If pressure drops suddenly or affects the whole home, it is worth arranging a professional inspection through our general plumbing repairs and maintenance service.
8. Look for Damp Patches
Damp patches can indicate a hidden pipe leak, roof or exterior water entry, appliance leak or drainage issue.
Check:
- Around toilets
- Under sinks
- Behind washing machines
- Near water heaters
- Around shower screens
- On ceilings below bathrooms
- Around exterior walls and terraces
If dampness appears without an obvious cause, read our guide to how to detect a slab leak before it damages your property.
9. Monitor Appliance Connections
Holiday homes often rely on washing machines, dishwashers, water heaters and outdoor equipment during short periods of high use.
Check:
- Washing machine hoses
- Dishwasher connections
- Water heater valves
- Outdoor taps
- Irrigation pipework
- Filter systems
- Pool-area water supplies, if applicable
If appliances have been unused for months, inspect them before heavy use.
Before Leaving the Property Empty
Before locking up the property, take steps to reduce the chance of water damage while nobody is there.
10. Turn Off Water Where Appropriate
If the property will be empty for a long time, consider turning off the main water supply or isolating individual appliances, depending on the property setup.
At minimum, check that you know where these are:
- Main water shut-off valve
- Toilet isolation valves
- Washing machine valves
- Dishwasher valves
- Outdoor tap controls
- Boiler or water heater isolation points
Do not force stiff valves. A stuck valve can break and cause a larger leak.
If old valves or pipework are difficult to operate, read our guide: should you repair or replace old plumbing pipes?.
11. Clean Visible Drains and Strainers
Before leaving, remove hair, food waste and visible debris from drains.
Focus on:
- Shower drain covers
- Bathroom basin plugs
- Kitchen sink strainers
- Utility sinks
- Outdoor drains
This helps reduce odours and blockages when the property is next used.
12. Check Toilets One Last Time
After flushing, wait for the toilet to stop filling. Listen for running water.
A running toilet in an empty holiday home can waste water for days or weeks. If it keeps running, isolate the toilet supply if safe and arrange repair before leaving.
13. Inspect the Water Heater or Boiler Area
Check the area around the boiler or water heater for:
- Drips
- Rust
- Pressure changes
- Error lights
- Damp flooring
- Unusual noises
- Signs of scale or corrosion
If your water heater is old or unreliable, read signs your water heater needs repair or replacement.
Seasonal Plumbing Maintenance for Costa Blanca Holiday Homes
A seasonal check is useful before summer rentals, after winter vacancy or before a long stay.
Seasonal Checklist
| Area | What to check |
|---|---|
| Bathrooms | Toilets, showers, taps, drains, seals |
| Kitchen | Sink, waste pipe, dishwasher, tap pressure |
| Utility area | Washing machine hoses, valves, floor drains |
| Hot water system | Temperature, pressure, leaks, noise |
| Outdoor taps | Leaks, corrosion, irrigation connections |
| Drains | Slow drainage, smells, gurgling |
| Pipework | Corrosion, scale, damp, old repairs |
| Water treatment | Filters, softeners, scale control |
| Emergency readiness | Shut-off valves and emergency contact details |
This is especially important for rental properties where guests expect everything to work immediately on arrival.
Special Issue: Stagnant Water in Empty Holiday Homes
When a property has been empty, water can sit in pipes, tanks, water heaters and unused outlets. This can affect smell, taste and water quality.
The CDC explains that stagnant or standing water in plumbing systems can increase the risk of growth and spread of Legionella and other biofilm-associated bacteria, particularly after prolonged shutdown or reduced operation. The CDC also recommends flushing low-flow piping runs and dead legs at least weekly in water management guidance.
For holiday homes, this does not mean every property has a serious problem, but it does mean that regular flushing and sensible maintenance are important, especially after long periods of non-use.
A practical approach is to:
- Run taps before occupancy
- Flush showers carefully
- Use all bathrooms periodically
- Avoid leaving outlets unused for months
- Arrange professional checks if the property has long vacancies
- Keep hot water systems maintained
Special Issue: Hard Water and Limescale in Calpe and the Costa Blanca
Hard water is a major reason holiday homes in the Costa Blanca need regular plumbing maintenance.
Limescale can affect:
- Taps
- Showerheads
- Boilers
- Electric water heaters
- Washing machines
- Dishwashers
- Pipework
- Valves
- Toilet mechanisms
If a property is only used occasionally, scale can become more noticeable when the system is restarted after weeks of inactivity. Showerheads may spray unevenly, taps may run slowly, and water heaters may take longer to perform.
For recurring scale issues, our water treatment systems service can help identify practical options.
Emergency Plumbing Signs in a Holiday Home
Call a plumber promptly if you notice:
- Water leaking onto floors
- No hot water
- A boiler or water heater fault
- Sewage smell that does not clear
- Multiple blocked drains
- Overflowing toilet or cistern
- Damp ceilings or walls
- Very low water pressure
- Water meter moving when everything is off
- A shut-off valve that does not work
If you are unsure whether the issue is urgent, read our guide on when to call a professional plumber.
For urgent problems, contact the team through the 100% Plumbing contact page or use the 24-hour emergency helpline.
Plumbing Maintenance for Holiday Rentals
If your Costa Blanca property is used as a holiday rental, plumbing maintenance is part of protecting guest experience and reviews.
Before each guest arrival, check:
- Toilets flush and stop filling
- Showers drain quickly
- Hot water works properly
- No bad smells from drains
- Kitchen sink drains well
- Outdoor taps are not leaking
- Washing machine and dishwasher connections are dry
- Emergency contact details are available
A small plumbing issue can become a guest complaint if it is discovered after arrival. Regular checks help prevent avoidable interruptions.
Plumbing Maintenance Support in Calpe and the Costa Blanca
100% Plumbing helps holiday-home owners, landlords, property managers and rental hosts in Calpe and across the Costa Blanca keep plumbing systems safe, reliable and ready for occupancy.
Our team can inspect bathrooms, kitchens, pipework, hot water systems, toilets, drains, outdoor taps, water treatment systems and visible signs of leaks or limescale. We can also advise whether a repair, maintenance visit or system upgrade is the most practical next step.
For tailored support, contact our team through the 100% Plumbing contact page.
FAQ About Plumbing Maintenance for Holiday Homes
What plumbing checks should I do before arriving at a holiday home?
Before arrival, run taps and showers, flush toilets, check hot water, inspect under sinks, look for leaks, check drains for smells and test water pressure. If anything seems unusual, arrange a plumbing inspection before guests arrive.
Should I turn off the water when leaving a holiday home empty?
If the property will be empty for a long time, it may be sensible to turn off the main water supply or isolate appliances, depending on the plumbing setup. Do not force stiff valves, and ask a plumber if you are unsure.
Why do drains smell in holiday homes?
Drains often smell in holiday homes because traps dry out when fixtures are unused. Smells can also come from food waste, hair, soap residue, blocked pipes, faulty seals or sewer gas issues.
How often should a holiday home plumbing system be checked?
A holiday home should be checked before each period of occupancy, before being left empty and seasonally. Rental properties may need checks before every guest arrival.
Can hard water damage plumbing in Costa Blanca homes?
Yes. Hard water can leave limescale inside pipes, taps, boilers, water heaters and appliances. Over time, this can reduce flow, affect efficiency and increase maintenance needs.
What are the most common plumbing problems in holiday homes?
Common issues include bad drain smells, running toilets, no hot water, slow drains, leaking taps, limescale build-up, low water pressure, appliance hose leaks and stuck shut-off valves.
When should I call a plumber for a holiday home?
Call a plumber if there is a leak, no hot water, repeated drain smells, low pressure, blocked drains, a running toilet, visible damp, a boiler fault or a shut-off valve that does not work.
Final Advice from 100% Plumbing
Holiday-home plumbing maintenance is about prevention. Running taps, checking toilets, testing hot water, cleaning drains, inspecting for leaks and managing limescale can help avoid bigger problems when the property is empty or when guests arrive.
For plumbing maintenance, leak checks, hot water systems, drain issues or water treatment advice in Calpe and across the Costa Blanca, contact 100% Plumbing.
Need a plumbing maintenance check for your holiday home? Contact 100% Plumbing for reliable professional plumbing services in Calpe and the Costa Blanca.
