What Vacationers Should Know Before Trouble Strikes
Summer is here, and millions of families are packing their bags and booking their dream getaways through short-term rental platforms. According to Statista, the global vacation rental market is projected to hit $107.7 billion in 2025, with Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com seeing consistent year-over-year growth. In fact, Airbnb alone saw a 19% increase in bookings in summer 2024 compared to the previous year, showing just how popular vacation rentals have become.
While these rentals offer comfort and privacy that hotels often can’t match, they come with their own unique set of challenges—particularly when it comes to plumbing. Nothing can derail your lakeside escape or mountain cabin retreat faster than a leaky pipe or an ice-cold shower.
When the Water Doesn’t Flow: 4 Common Summer Rental Plumbing Headaches
Whether you’re staying in a luxury condo by the beach or a rustic cottage in the woods, plumbing problems can strike without warning. Here are four of the most common issues that can ruin your relaxing plans:
Clogged Toilets
Often caused by overuse or flushing inappropriate items, a backed-up toilet can quickly become a messy and frustrating situation.
Low Water Pressure or No Hot Water
Especially in older cabins or rural homes, poor water flow or a malfunctioning water heater can leave you shivering in the shower.
Leaky Faucets or Pipes
Dripping faucets not only waste water but can also cause damage to cabinets and flooring over time.
Slow or Clogged Drains
Hair, soap scum, and sand from the beach can clog up sinks and showers fast.
DIY to the Rescue: 5 Smart Tips for Handling Plumbing Issues on Vacation
If you’re staying somewhere remote or help isn’t immediately available, there are a few safe and simple things you can do to ease the situation:
Turn Off the Water
If a pipe is leaking or a toilet won’t stop running, shut off the local water valve to prevent flooding.
Use a Plunger
Keep one nearby, just in case. A quick plunge can fix most toilet and shower clogs.
Clean Out the Drain
Hair and debris often sit just under the drain cover. Remove it carefully and clean out visible gunk.
Tighten Faucet Handles
A leaky faucet could just need a gentle tightening or adjusting of the handle.
Check the Water Heater Settings
If there’s no hot water, make sure the heater is turned on and set to the proper temperature (around 120°F). In some rentals, vacation mode may have been activated.
Of course, always check with the rental owner before attempting anything, and don’t take on anything that seems beyond basic troubleshooting.
Know When to Call for Help
Some plumbing problems are just too big—or too dangerous—to try fixing yourself. Major leaks, burst pipes, or issues involving electrical components (like tankless water heaters) should never be handled without proper training.
Trying to fix these problems yourself could not only put you in harm’s way, but may also result in further damage—something you might be liable for as a guest. When in doubt, contact the property owner immediately and request professional help.
All Season Rooter & Plumbing Wishes You a Stress-Free Summer
At All Season Rooter & Plumbing, we know how important it is to have smooth, stress-free vacations. We’re here when you need us, but we hope you don’t! Whether you’re heading to the coast, the mountains, or anywhere in between, we wish you a safe, sunny summer filled with good times—not plumbing problems.