Don’t Leave for Vacation Without Knowing This About Your Water Shutoff

When preparing to go on vacation, most people focus on setting alarms, pausing mail, and arranging pet or plant sitting. Few people consider turning off the water supply, but experts advise that you might want to. Depending on how long you’ll be away and the outside temperature, shutting off the water completely can prevent minor leaks and unexpected utility bills. Here’s when it’s best to turn off your water, the risks and benefits to weigh, and effective alternatives to consider.

Reasons to Keep the Water On

Turning off your main water valve isn't always required, particularly if someone will be checking in periodically. As Elizabeth Shavers, general manager of HVAC and plumbing at Oncourse Home Solutions, explains, “It might not be necessary to shut off the main water valve if someone is staying in your home or stopping in regularly while you're away.” Having a neighbor or house sitter who can monitor for leaks, pressure changes, or unusual appliance behavior significantly reduces the risk of unchecked water damage.

If your trip is short or during the summer season, the risks of leaving your water on are often low. Keeping water on also avoids minor annoyances, such as resetting refrigerators with water dispensers, sprinkler systems, or water softeners.

Reasons to Turn the Water Off

That said, there are compelling reasons to shut your water off completely. “Homeowners should consider turning off their water supply if they’re leaving for an extended period,” says Shavers. "Especially if no one will be home and the property is located in an area prone to freezing temperatures or unexpected pipe issues.”

Winter travel poses the most significant risk. When temperatures plummet, pipe bursts are more common. They easily cause thousands of dollars in water damage. Additionally, slow leaks or a faulty toilet flapper can result in significantly higher water bills, as well as unexpected repair costs.

Many insurance companies have limitations on paying for repairs that have been left unattended for an extended period, as time significantly exacerbates the problem, leading to the growth of toxic mold, warped or damaged flooring, or structural issues. Turning off the main water supply eliminates the risk at the source.

Tips for Turning the Water Off Effectively

If you do decide to turn off your water, it’s essential to do it the right way. “It’s important to locate and test your main shutoff valve, ideally during a routine maintenance check, not an emergency,” Shavers advises. First, locate your main valve and ensure it functions properly. If you see leaks or the pipe is stripped, get it fixed before hitting the road.

If the valve is in good condition, it should be clear which way you need to turn it to ensure it is off. "Turn on a faucet to relieve pressure in the lines and prevent residual water from freezing," Shavers advises. Doing this prevents water from expanding inside pipes.

Last, inspect the valve before leaving. Look for corrosion or mineral buildup, which could prevent it from functioning correctly. If the valve is old or hasn’t been used in years, call a plumber to make sure everything is in order.

Water Shutoff Alternatives

Still unsure about a complete shutoff? There are alternatives. One option is to turn off water supply valves to individual appliances rather than the whole house. “This approach works well during shorter trips or warmer months when the risk of frozen pipes is low,” Shavers says.

Smart home technology also offers peace of mind without requiring a total shutdown. Smart leak detectors can be positioned near appliances or under sinks to alert you at the first sign of a problem. These systems can send you notifications to your phone or email, reaching you wherever you are.

“Make sure your sump pump is fully operational by filling the pit with water to confirm it activates properly,” says Shavers. A malfunctioning sump pump can fail when no one is around to monitor it. Heavy or unseasonable rainfall and snow melts could trigger this messy and costly problem. Have your sump pump cleaned at least twice a year, and consider installing a battery-operated backup if your area is prone to power outages.