Labor Day weekend is supposed to be a time to relax, spend time with family and friends, or get out of town, not discover a leaking pipe, damaged roof, or other home problem that could have been caught earlier. A few minutes spent checking your home before the long weekend can help you identify leaks, damage, and safety concerns before they disrupt your plans.
At Restore-It, we know how quickly water, sewage, fire, smoke, and other home damage can interfere with your property and your plans. While you don't need to perform a professional inspection before every holiday weekend, knowing what warning signs to look for can help you decide which problems need attention now and which can wait.
So, what should you actually look for before the long weekend begins? A quick walkthrough can help you spot the warning signs that deserve attention, determine which problems need to be addressed before the weekend, and avoid coming home to an issue that has gotten significantly worse while you were away.
What Should You Check Outside Your Home Before Labor Day Weekend?
Before you leave for the weekend or start welcoming guests, take a few minutes to walk around the outside of your home. You're not looking for problems you can diagnose yourself; you're looking for visible signs of damage, drainage issues, or safety hazards that could become worse while you're away or cause problems when guests arrive.
|
Area |
What to look for |
Why it matters |
|
Roof and gutters |
Damaged or missing shingles, loose components, clogged or damaged gutters and downspouts, or visible signs of water intrusion |
Roof and drainage problems can allow water into your home or cause damage to worsen during heavy rain. |
|
Yard and walkways |
Uneven surfaces, loose materials, cords, standing water, unstable branches, slippery areas, or other visible hazards |
Small hazards can become bigger concerns when you're hosting guests or spending more time outdoors. |
|
Doors and windows |
Doors or windows that don't close or lock properly, damaged frames or trim, deteriorated seals, gaps, or signs of moisture |
Damaged openings can allow water or pests into your home and may become a bigger problem if left unattended. |
You don't need to climb onto your roof or diagnose every problem. From the ground, focus on anything that looks damaged, loose, wet, unstable, or out of place.
What Should You Check Inside Your Home Before Labor Day Weekend?
Once you've checked the exterior, take a quick look inside for signs of problems involving plumbing, electrical systems, appliances, and HVAC.
How Can You Check Your Plumbing for Leaks?
Start with areas where plumbing problems are most likely to become visible, including under sinks, around toilets, near appliances, and anywhere exposed plumbing is accessible.
|
Check for |
What it could indicate |
|
Dripping or leaking faucets |
An active plumbing leak |
|
Water around the base of a toilet |
A potential leak or seal problem |
|
Moisture under sinks |
A leaking supply line, drain, or connection |
|
Damp spots around water-using appliances |
A developing appliance or plumbing leak |
|
Discolored cabinets, walls, or ceilings |
Possible moisture or water intrusion |
|
Musty odors |
A potential moisture problem |
You don't need to determine the exact cause of every plumbing problem yourself. The goal is to recognize signs of a leak early enough to address the problem before it becomes a larger water-damage issue.
What Should You Check on Your Electrical System and Appliances?
Before the holiday weekend, take a quick look at your electrical outlets, cords, and frequently used appliances.
|
Warning sign |
What to do |
|
Frayed or damaged electrical cords |
Stop using the damaged cord or appliance |
|
Loose outlets |
Have the issue evaluated by a qualified professional |
|
Flickering lights |
Have the electrical issue evaluated |
|
Burning or unusual odors |
Stop using the affected appliance or outlet and have it evaluated |
|
Unusually hot outlets or appliances |
Stop using them and have the issue evaluated |
|
Circuit breakers that repeatedly trip |
Have the electrical issue evaluated rather than repeatedly resetting it |
A visual inspection can help you recognize warning signs, but electrical repairs should be left to a qualified professional when you're not sure what you're dealing with.
How Should You Check Your HVAC System Before Labor Day Weekend?
Your HVAC system deserves a closer look before Labor Day weekend, particularly if you'll be relying on your air conditioning during the final stretch of summer.
Start by checking your vents and registers. Make sure they aren't blocked by furniture, rugs, or other objects. Then pay attention to the air coming from the vents and how your system is operating.
|
Ask yourself |
What to watch for |
|
Is the airflow strong enough? |
Weak airflow can indicate that your system isn't operating normally. |
|
Is the air coming from the vents actually cool? |
Warm or insufficiently cool air may indicate a problem. |
|
Are some rooms significantly warmer than others? |
Uneven temperatures can be a sign that your system isn't operating properly. |
|
Is your system running constantly? |
A system that struggles to reach the thermostat setting may need attention. |
|
Do you notice unusual noises or odors? |
These can indicate that something isn't operating normally. |
|
Do you see water around the indoor unit or other HVAC components? |
Visible moisture may indicate a developing problem. |
These checks can help you recognize that your HVAC system isn't operating normally before a problem becomes an emergency during the holiday weekend.
If you're unsure whether an HVAC issue is something you can check yourself or something that requires professional attention, see our guide:
What Should You Do If You Find a Problem Before Labor Day Weekend?
Not every issue requires an emergency response, but active damage or a safety hazard shouldn't be ignored simply because it's a holiday weekend.
|
If you find... |
Before hosting guests |
Before leaving town |
|
An active leak |
Address it before guests arrive. |
Don't leave an active leak unattended. |
|
A safety hazard |
Correct or remove it before guests arrive. |
Secure or address it before leaving. |
|
An HVAC problem |
Make sure the system can keep your home comfortable. |
Address serious problems before leaving and set the thermostat appropriately. |
|
Exterior damage |
Address anything that could affect guests or allow water inside. |
Secure loose items and address conditions that could worsen while you're gone. |
|
Property damage |
Determine whether it needs professional attention. |
Don't leave significant damage unattended. |
The goal isn't to perform a professional inspection. It's to identify obvious problems early enough to decide what needs attention before the holiday weekend.
Labor Day Weekend Home Checklist
Before you leave home or begin hosting guests, run through this quick list:
- Exterior checked
- Roof and gutters checked
- Yard and walkways checked
- Doors and windows checked
- Plumbing checked
- Electrical system and appliances checked
- HVAC checked
- Active or worsening problems addressed
- Safety hazards addressed
- Professional help scheduled if necessary
The goal isn't to perform a professional inspection. It's to identify obvious problems early enough to decide what needs attention before the holiday weekend.
Get Your Home Ready Before Labor Day Weekend
Labor Day weekend should be about enjoying your time, not discovering a preventable home problem after guests arrive or while you're away.
A quick walkthrough can help you identify warning signs early and give you time to address problems before they become bigger disruptions.
If you've discovered a leak, water intrusion, sewage backup, fire or smoke damage, mold concern, or another property problem, don't wait for it to become more serious. Your next step is to address the issue and get professional help when the situation requires it.
Restore-It helps homeowners dealing with water, sewage, fire, smoke, mold, and other property damage. If you discover a problem before Labor Day weekend, contact us to discuss the next steps for getting your home back to a safe, usable condition.
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