Should You Turn Off Your Water Supply When Leaving Home for Extended Periods?

Leaving your home unattended for months raises many questions about how to protect your property. One common recommendation is to turn off the water supply to avoid leaks and water damage. While this advice has merit, the decision is more complex than simply closing a valve. This post explains what you need to know before shutting off your water, including potential pitfalls and practical tips to keep your home safe and your plants alive.

Main water shutoff valve in a home utility area

Understanding the Importance of Turning Off Water

Water leaks can cause severe damage to your home, especially if you are away for a long time. Pipes can burst due to freezing temperatures or wear, and unnoticed leaks can flood floors, damage walls, and ruin belongings. Turning off the water supply can prevent these disasters by stopping water flow entirely.

However, turning off water is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It requires careful planning to avoid unintended consequences, such as killing your garden or disabling essential systems.

The Irrigation System Challenge

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is forgetting about their irrigation systems when shutting off water. Many irrigation setups are connected to the main water supply but operate independently from household plumbing.

If you turn off the main water valve without checking your irrigation system, your sprinklers and drip lines will stop working. This can lead to:

• Dry, brown lawns

• Dead plants and shrubs

• Damage to expensive landscaping that took years to establish

  
  

Before leaving, inspect your irrigation system. Ask yourself:

• Does it have a separate water source or backflow preventer?

• Will it continue to operate if the main house water is off?

  
  

If your irrigation system depends on the main water supply, you have two options:

• Leave the water on and trust your system to run as usual

• Arrange for someone to come into the home to manually turn on and run water for preventative and functionality purposes

  
  

Failing to periodically run water or leaving water on in a dual plumbed environment, addresses home maintenance and irrigation/landscaping needs.

Choosing Where to Shut Off the Water

If you decide to turn off your water, the location of the shutoff valve matters. You can either close individual fixture valves or the main water shutoff valve.

Individual Fixture Valves

These valves are usually found behind toilets, under sinks, or near appliances. Closing them stops water flow to a specific fixture and can prevent leaks in that area.

Limitations:

• They do not stop water flow to the rest of the house.

• If a pipe bursts elsewhere, water will continue flowing and cause damage.

• They require shutting off multiple valves if you want broader protection.

  
  

Main Water Shutoff Valve

This valve is typically located where water enters your home, often near the water meter or in a utility area. Closing it stops all water flow into your house.

Advantages:

• Provides comprehensive protection against leaks and bursts.

• Prevents water damage from any source inside the home.

  
  

Considerations:

• If home is not dual-plumbed, irrigation systems are impacted.

• Stops water to all fixtures, including appliances like refrigerators with water lines.

• May require draining pipes to prevent freezing in cold climates.

  
  

Additional Precautions When Turning Off Water

Turning off your water supply is only part of the preparation. Consider these extra steps to protect your home:

• Drain your pipes: After shutting off the main valve, open faucets and flush toilets to empty water from pipes. This reduces the risk of freezing and bursting.

• Shut off water heaters: Turn off or set your water heater to vacation mode to avoid damage or energy waste.

• Check for leaks: Inspect your home for existing leaks before leaving. Repairing them reduces the chance of problems while away.

• Inform a trusted person: Have a home watch professional check your home periodically for leaks, especially if you leave water on.

  
  

When Not to Turn Off Your Water

Few considerations:

• Home is not dual-plumbed and you need running water for irrigation.

• Appliances that are left on require water to maintain functionality, such as humidifiers or refrigerators with ice makers.

  
  

In these situations, it is important that the home is periodically checked to focus on leak detection.

Summary

Turning off your water supply when leaving home for months can prevent costly water damage, but it requires thoughtful preparation. The key points to remember:

• Check with a plumber to confirm if your home is single or dual-plumbed

• If dual-plumbed, make sure that the value to the irrigation system is not turn off

• Use the main shutoff valve for full protection, not just individual fixture valves.

• Drain pipes and turn off water heaters to prevent freezing damage.

• Consider your climate and home systems before deciding.

• Arrange for someone to inspect your home for water leaks

• Check with your insurance provider to understand coverage for an unoccupied home if a claim would need to be submitted.

  
  

Taking these steps helps protect your home and landscaping during an extended absence. If you are unsure about your plumbing setup, consult a plumber for advice.