Following a Bertazzoni appliance pre-vacation shutdown checklist before any absence longer than two weeks helps protect your home from the most common away-from-home appliance failures: water leaks from unattended dishwashers and refrigerator supply lines, and food spoilage from refrigerator settings that were not adjusted for an empty household.
Why this matters
Most home water damage caused by appliances occurs when no one is home to notice and respond. A dishwasher supply hose that begins a slow drip, a refrigerator ice-maker line that works loose, or a condensate drain that backs up can deliver significant water volume to your kitchen floor over a week or two of absence. Taking twenty minutes to properly shut down and prepare your built-in column refrigerators and dishwashers before departure is the most practical insurance available — and it is free.
Warning signs
- Any active drip, moisture accumulation, or water odor from any appliance discovered during your pre-departure walk-through
- An appliance displaying an active error code that has not been investigated before your planned departure date
- Ice maker or water dispenser that has been behaving intermittently in the weeks before departure
Inspection schedule
Complete this checklist for any planned absence of two weeks or longer. For shorter absences of two to seven days, at minimum turn off the water supply to the dishwasher and confirm the refrigerator is not showing any active alerts before leaving.
What to do
- Dishwashers (DW24PR / DW24XT): Run a final empty rinse cycle to clear the interior, then turn off the water supply valve beneath the sink. Leave the door cracked open by one to two inches if absent more than three weeks, to prevent gasket compression set and interior odor buildup.
- Built-in column refrigerators (REF24RCP / REF24FCP): If the column will remain loaded with food, activate Vacation Mode from the control panel to raise the refrigerator compartment to approximately 59°F (15°C) while maintaining the freezer at its standard set point — this significantly reduces compressor cycling and energy use. If fully emptied, follow the manual’s extended shutdown procedure, prop the door open, and turn off the unit at the circuit breaker.
- Wine column (REF24WCPR): Do not turn off or adjust temperature settings on a loaded wine column — stable temperature is more important than energy savings. Ensure the unit is level and properly ventilated before departure.
- Gas ranges and cooktops: Turn off the manual gas shutoff valve behind the range. Confirm all burner knobs are in the off position.
- If you notice any defect during your pre-departure checklist — a drip, an error code, or unusual appliance behavior — contact Bertazzoni North America at 1-866-905-0010 before leaving to arrange service or discuss safe shutdown steps for the specific situation.
When to call a technician
If an active leak, error code, or appliance malfunction is discovered during your pre-departure inspection, do not delay addressing it in hopes it will resolve on its own while you are away. A Bertazzoni service technician can assess the situation and either perform a repair or advise on a safe temporary shutdown until you return.