{"id":138100,"date":"2026-08-16T18:29:31","date_gmt":"2026-08-16T16:29:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.donatopaolino.it\/?p=138100"},"modified":"2026-08-16T18:31:33","modified_gmt":"2026-08-16T16:31:33","slug":"home-closed-holidays-what-check-when-return","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.donatopaolino.it\/en\/home-closed-holidays-what-check-when-return\/","title":{"rendered":"Home Closed for the Holidays: What to Check When You Return"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Coming home after a holiday means getting back to your usual routine, unpacking your bags and, quite often, immediately thinking about all the laundry that needs to be done. Before putting everything away, however, it is worth spending a few minutes checking your home. After being closed for several days or weeks, a few unexpected problems may have occurred: a water leak, a refrigerator that temporarily stopped working, unpleasant smells coming from the drains, or an electrical fault.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Knowing <strong>what to check when you return from holiday<\/strong> can help you spot potential problems straight away and, above all, avoid acting too quickly. Here is how to carry out a simple but sensible inspection of a <strong>home left closed during the holidays<\/strong>, starting with what you should look for even before turning the water, gas and other systems back on.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"simpletoc-title\">Table of Contents<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"simpletoc-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#check-doors-and-windows-before-going-inside\">Check doors and windows before going inside<\/a>\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#dont-switch-everything-on-as-soon-as-you-enter\">Don\u2019t switch everything on as soon as you enter<\/a>\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#check-the-water-supply-and-possible-leaks\">Check the water supply and possible leaks<\/a>\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#check-the-gas-supply-and-boiler\">Check the gas supply and boiler<\/a>\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#check-the-electricity-circuit-breaker-and-appliances\">Check the electricity, circuit breaker and appliances<\/a>\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#pay-particular-attention-to-the-refrigerator\">Pay particular attention to the refrigerator<\/a>\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#check-drains-and-unpleasant-smells\">Check drains and unpleasant smells<\/a>\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#look-for-damp-mould-and-unwanted-guests\">Look for damp, mould and unwanted guests<\/a>\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#air-conditioning-and-indoor-air-quality\">Air conditioning and indoor air quality<\/a>\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#a-quick-inspection-can-prevent-bigger-problems\">A quick inspection can prevent bigger problems<\/a>\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#faq\">FAQ<\/a>\n<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<h2 id=\"check-doors-and-windows-before-going-inside\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Check doors and windows before going inside<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When you arrive home, your first instinct will probably be to put the key in the lock and walk straight in. It is better to spend a few seconds looking carefully at the entrance first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Check the front door, lock, accessible windows, shutters and blinds for anything unusual. A damaged lock, a window you clearly remember closing but now find partly open, or obvious signs of forced entry should not be ignored.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you suspect that someone may have entered your home while you were away, it is advisable not to disturb anything and to contact the appropriate authorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If everything looks normal, you can go inside and begin the actual <strong>post-holiday home inspection<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"dont-switch-everything-on-as-soon-as-you-enter\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Don\u2019t switch everything on as soon as you enter<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your first action should not be to turn on the lights, television, air conditioning and several other appliances at the same time. Instead, stop for a moment and use two surprisingly effective tools: your eyes and your sense of smell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A strong <strong>smell of gas<\/strong>, burning, mould or an unusual noise may indicate a problem that should be investigated before using your home\u2019s systems normally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you suspect a gas leak, it is particularly important to avoid flames and sparks and not to operate electrical switches. Your priority should be to make the area safe and seek professional assistance rather than trying to locate the source of the problem yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you notice nothing unusual, open doors and windows and let fresh air circulate. A home that has been closed for a long time may simply have accumulated stale air, humidity and unpleasant smells.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"check-the-water-supply-and-possible-leaks\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Check the water supply and possible leaks<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you turned off the <strong>main water valve before going on holiday<\/strong>, do not simply reopen it and walk away. Turn it back on gradually and immediately check the kitchen, bathroom, toilets, washing machine, dishwasher and any accessible pipes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Look at floors, walls and ceilings as well. A stain that was not there before, bubbling or swollen paint, or an unusually damp area could indicate a leak that occurred while you were away, including one originating from another property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Italian Fire and Rescue Service recommends shutting off the main water valve before a long absence and, when you return, allowing the water to run before using it for drinking or cooking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After a prolonged absence, therefore, avoid immediately using water that has been standing in the pipes. Open the taps and let the water run, while also paying attention to unusual changes in colour, smell or pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"check-the-gas-supply-and-boiler\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Check the gas supply and boiler<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you <strong>turned off the gas before your holiday<\/strong>, make sure there are no obvious signs of a problem before reopening the valve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Italian Fire and Rescue Service recommends shutting off the gas supply to the kitchen when leaving home for a holiday, using both the main valve and the shut-off valve located near the appliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When you return, however, there is no need to become an amateur technician. If the boiler displays an error, the flame appears unusual, you smell gas or something simply does not seem right, stop what you are doing and contact a qualified professional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The same caution applies to appliances that have not been used for a long period. A holiday will not normally affect how they work, but returning home provides a useful opportunity to notice a fault that may have gone unnoticed before you left.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"check-the-electricity-circuit-breaker-and-appliances\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Check the electricity, circuit breaker and appliances<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you switched off the main electricity supply before leaving, check for wet areas, damaged sockets or anything else suspicious before turning the power back on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once the electricity has been restored, check whether the <strong>circuit breaker or RCD<\/strong> trips immediately. If it repeatedly trips, do not simply keep resetting it. There may be a fault in the electrical system or a defective appliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cables, plugs, sockets and connections also deserve attention. The Italian Fire and Rescue Service recommends checking their condition and contacting an electrician if damaged wires or sockets are found.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is also useful to look at the digital clocks on your oven, microwave and other appliances. If they are flashing or displaying an obviously incorrect time, there may have been a power cut while you were away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"pay-particular-attention-to-the-refrigerator\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Pay particular attention to the refrigerator<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>refrigerator after a holiday<\/strong> is probably one of the most important things to check, particularly if it remained switched on and contained food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Opening the door and finding everything apparently cold does not necessarily prove that the correct temperature was maintained throughout your absence. There could have been a power cut followed by the electricity being restored.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Check the temperature, smells, packaging and texture of the food, as well as any unusual liquids, frost or ice. The Italian Ministry of Health recommends keeping a refrigerator at around 4\u20135\u00b0C and stresses the importance of maintaining the cold chain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pay particular attention to the freezer. Misshapen or wet packages, or packaging covered with an unusual amount of ice, may be warning signs worth investigating. The Ministry of Health also points out that freezing does not necessarily destroy microorganisms and that they may begin multiplying again during thawing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Therefore, if you have serious doubts about whether a perishable food has been stored safely, it is not worth taking a risk simply to avoid throwing it away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"check-drains-and-unpleasant-smells\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Check drains and unpleasant smells<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After being away for several days, you may notice an <strong>unpleasant smell coming from the drains<\/strong> in the bathroom or kitchen. This does not necessarily mean that there is a serious problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Water normally remains inside traps and acts as a barrier against gases coming from the drainage system. If a property remains unused for a long time, especially during summer, some of this water can evaporate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Start by running water into sinks, the bidet and shower and flushing the toilet. In many cases, this will be enough to restore the water barrier and solve the problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the smell persists after you have used the drains normally and ventilated the rooms, the traps and drainage system should be checked rather than simply masking the smell with air fresheners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"look-for-damp-mould-and-unwanted-guests\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Look for damp, mould and unwanted guests<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A <strong>home left closed during summer<\/strong> can accumulate humidity, particularly in poorly ventilated rooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Check the corners of walls, areas behind furniture, the bathroom, window seals and rooms that are usually more humid. Small dark patches or a characteristic musty smell may indicate the presence of mould.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You should also inspect the pantry and kitchen. Flour, pasta, rice, biscuits and other foods that have not been stored correctly can attract insects or become infested with small pantry pests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not rely solely on the best-before or expiry date. Make sure packages are intact and check that food does not have an unusual appearance or smell. The Italian Ministry of Health stresses the importance of checking packaging integrity, storage conditions and the characteristics of food in order to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"air-conditioning-and-indoor-air-quality\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Air conditioning and indoor air quality<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you return to an extremely hot home, especially in August, it is understandable that you might want to switch the air conditioner on immediately and set it to the lowest possible temperature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before doing so, however, ventilate the rooms when outdoor conditions allow and inspect the unit. If the filters need cleaning or maintenance, returning from holiday may be a good opportunity to take care of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Italian Ministry of Health recommends paying particular attention to the maintenance and correct use of air-conditioning systems during periods of intense heat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is no need to turn your home into a refrigerator. The aim is simply to bring the indoor environment gradually back to a comfortable temperature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"a-quick-inspection-can-prevent-bigger-problems\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>A quick inspection can prevent bigger problems<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your <strong>return home after a holiday<\/strong> should therefore follow a simple order: inspect the property, ventilate the rooms, check the water and gas supplies, inspect the electrical system, examine the refrigerator and freezer, and finally pay attention to drains, humidity and stored food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In most cases, you will find nothing to worry about. That is precisely why the whole inspection should take only a few minutes. The advantage is that you may immediately spot the one problem that, if ignored for several more days, could become more expensive or potentially dangerous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What is the first thing you check when you return home from a holiday? Have you ever come back to an unpleasant surprise after being away for several days?<\/strong> Tell us about your experience in the comments: it could help other readers too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Practical tip:<\/strong> save a short \u201cback from holiday\u201d checklist on your phone with five items: water, gas, electricity, refrigerator and leaks. It takes only a few minutes to go through it every time you return. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"faq\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>FAQ<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1786897836443\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>What should I check first when I return home from a holiday?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Before returning your home to normal use, inspect the doors and windows, check for unusual smells or signs of water infiltration, and ventilate the rooms. You can then check the water, gas, electricity, refrigerator, freezer and drains. Following a logical order makes it easier to identify a potential problem before several appliances and household systems are switched on at the same time.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1786897841607\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Should I let the water run after returning from holiday?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">After a prolonged absence, it is advisable to let the water run before using it for drinking or cooking. The Italian Fire and Rescue Service includes this recommendation in its holiday safety advice for homes that have remained unused. This is also a useful opportunity to check the water pressure, colour and smell, as well as to look for leaks after reopening the main water valve.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1786897848396\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>How can I tell whether there was a power cut while I was away?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Digital clocks on ovens, microwaves and other appliances may provide an initial clue if they have reset or are flashing. Changes inside the freezer, such as misshapen packages or unusual amounts of ice, may also deserve attention. However, it is not always possible to determine exactly how long a power cut lasted. If you are unsure whether perishable food remained at a safe temperature, it is better to prioritise food safety.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1786897855497\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Why do my drains smell after I\u2019ve been away?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">If a sink, shower or bidet has not been used for a long time, particularly during hot weather, some of the water in the trap may evaporate. This reduces the water barrier that normally prevents unpleasant gases from travelling back up through the drain. Running water through the fixtures may solve the problem. If the smell continues, however, the trap and drainage system should be inspected.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1786897862427\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Can I eat food that was left in the refrigerator?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">It depends on the type of food and whether you can be confident that it remained at the correct temperature throughout your absence. Check the expiry date, packaging, refrigerator temperature and condition of the product, but remember that appearance alone cannot always tell you whether food is safe. If you suspect that a perishable product experienced a prolonged interruption in the cold chain, the safer choice is not to eat it.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Coming home after a holiday means getting back to your usual routine, unpacking your bags and, quite often, immediately thinking [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":138101,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rs_blank_template":"","rs_page_bg_color":"","slide_template_v7":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[363],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-138100","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tips-advice"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Home Closed for the Holidays: What to Check When You Return - Donato Paolino Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Home closed for the holidays? 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Following a logical order makes it easier to identify a potential problem before several appliances and household systems are switched on at the same time.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.donatopaolino.it\/en\/home-closed-holidays-what-check-when-return\/#faq-question-1786897841607","position":2,"url":"https:\/\/www.donatopaolino.it\/en\/home-closed-holidays-what-check-when-return\/#faq-question-1786897841607","name":"Should I let the water run after returning from holiday?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"After a prolonged absence, it is advisable to let the water run before using it for drinking or cooking. The Italian Fire and Rescue Service includes this recommendation in its holiday safety advice for homes that have remained unused. This is also a useful opportunity to check the water pressure, colour and smell, as well as to look for leaks after reopening the main water valve.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.donatopaolino.it\/en\/home-closed-holidays-what-check-when-return\/#faq-question-1786897848396","position":3,"url":"https:\/\/www.donatopaolino.it\/en\/home-closed-holidays-what-check-when-return\/#faq-question-1786897848396","name":"How can I tell whether there was a power cut while I was away?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Digital clocks on ovens, microwaves and other appliances may provide an initial clue if they have reset or are flashing. Changes inside the freezer, such as misshapen packages or unusual amounts of ice, may also deserve attention. However, it is not always possible to determine exactly how long a power cut lasted. If you are unsure whether perishable food remained at a safe temperature, it is better to prioritise food safety.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.donatopaolino.it\/en\/home-closed-holidays-what-check-when-return\/#faq-question-1786897855497","position":4,"url":"https:\/\/www.donatopaolino.it\/en\/home-closed-holidays-what-check-when-return\/#faq-question-1786897855497","name":"Why do my drains smell after I\u2019ve been away?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"If a sink, shower or bidet has not been used for a long time, particularly during hot weather, some of the water in the trap may evaporate. This reduces the water barrier that normally prevents unpleasant gases from travelling back up through the drain. Running water through the fixtures may solve the problem. If the smell continues, however, the trap and drainage system should be inspected.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.donatopaolino.it\/en\/home-closed-holidays-what-check-when-return\/#faq-question-1786897862427","position":5,"url":"https:\/\/www.donatopaolino.it\/en\/home-closed-holidays-what-check-when-return\/#faq-question-1786897862427","name":"Can I eat food that was left in the refrigerator?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"It depends on the type of food and whether you can be confident that it remained at the correct temperature throughout your absence. Check the expiry date, packaging, refrigerator temperature and condition of the product, but remember that appearance alone cannot always tell you whether food is safe. If you suspect that a perishable product experienced a prolonged interruption in the cold chain, the safer choice is not to eat it.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.donatopaolino.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/138100","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.donatopaolino.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.donatopaolino.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.donatopaolino.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.donatopaolino.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=138100"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.donatopaolino.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/138100\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":138102,"href":"https:\/\/www.donatopaolino.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/138100\/revisions\/138102"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.donatopaolino.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/138101"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.donatopaolino.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=138100"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.donatopaolino.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=138100"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.donatopaolino.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=138100"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}