Planning a vacation usually involves packing bags, arranging travel plans, and setting up someone to collect the mail, but many homeowners forget about one important part of preparing the house before leaving: the plumbing system.
One small leak, burst pipe, or appliance failure can cause major water damage while you’re away. That’s why many homeowners wonder whether they should shut off the home’s main water supply before leaving for vacation.
In many cases, the answer is yes.
Why Turning Off the Water Main Can Be a Smart Idea
Your home’s plumbing system works constantly behind the scenes. Even when no one is home, water pressure remains in the pipes, appliances stay connected, and unexpected plumbing problems can still happen.
Turning off the main water supply can help reduce the risk of:
- Burst pipes
- Washing machine hose failures
- Water heater leaks
- Faucet or toilet supply line leaks
- Ice maker line issues
- Major water damage while the home is vacant
Even a slow leak can create expensive repairs if it continues unchecked for several days.
When You Should Consider Shutting Off the Water
Turning off the water main is often a good idea if:
- You’ll be gone for several days or longer
- Your home has older plumbing
- You’re traveling during freezing temperatures
- You’ve experienced leaks in the past
- Your home will be completely unoccupied
Vacation homes and seasonal properties especially benefit from shutting off the water supply when not in use.
What About the Water Heater?
If you turn off the main water supply, it’s also smart to think about your water heater.
For traditional tank water heaters, many homeowners switch the system to “vacation mode” if available. Others may lower the temperature setting to save energy while away.
Tankless water heaters generally do not require additional adjustments, but manufacturer recommendations may vary depending on the model.
Don’t Forget Outdoor Plumbing
Outdoor hose bibs, irrigation systems, and exposed pipes should also be checked before leaving town, especially during colder weather. A damaged outdoor line can leak continuously while no one is home to notice.
Know Where Your Main Shut-Off Valve Is Located
Many homeowners don’t realize where the main shut-off valve is until an emergency happens. Before your next trip, take time to locate the valve and make sure it operates properly.
If the valve is stuck, corroded, or difficult to turn, it may need maintenance or replacement.
At Henry Plumbing Co., we help homeowners throughout Savannah and surrounding areas protect their plumbing systems with inspections, repairs, leak detection, and water shut-off valve services.
