When going out, most people do not think about turning off the water supply, but if you are going on a short trip or an extended vacation, you may want to consider shutting it off. After days of sun and surf—or snow and slopes—the last thing you want to come home to is a plumbing problem. Take these few simple steps before you go on vacation that can help prevent everything from stinky drains to full-fledged floods.
Should You Turn Off Water When on Vacation?
Even if you are going out for the weekend, it is always advisable to shut off your water supply. While on vacation, faults could be developing gradually within your plumbing. They could be pipe leaks, water heater malfunctions, or clogged drains.
Cracks and breaks in the piping can grow to significant sizes and cause flooding. You may return to a home with soggy carpets, moldy furniture, and peeling wall paint. After your vacation, it can be stressful to wait for your plumber to fix and restore the water supply.
You would also have to clear the water to avoid further hazards in your home. Extensive water damage encourages moisture accumulation and the spread of mold and mildew to parts of your residence. Mold will trigger microbial issues that could impact indoor air quality and compromise your health.
Some of the issues that develop in your plumbing while you are away can shorten its lifespan. An aging or failing plumbing system is likely to require multiple repairs that may involve recurring expenses. Therefore, turning off the water while on vacation can be a cost-saving measure. You can always consult ARS if you suspect there is an issue with your plumbing.
Step 1: Turn Off the Main Valve and Drain the Fixtures
The best way to avoid extensive damage to the premises is to totally shut off the water before vacation. Before you begin draining the faucets, you should first locate the main shut-off valve.
How to Turn Off Water to the House for Vacation
- Locate your home's main shut-off valve, which is usually found near the water meter, in the basement, or along an exterior wall.
- Turn it clockwise until it stops. This quick step gives you peace of mind so you can enjoy your trip without worrying about coming home to a flood.
After shutting off the main valve, ensure you drain the water from all the fixtures. In summer, the temperature of the water raises the pressure inside the pipes. If there is a crack, parts of your plumbing could burst.
Leaving in the Wintertime
It is even more critical to drain hoses and faucets in the winter. At close to the freezing point, water expands and can crack your pipes.
If you are going away in winter, be sure you leave your HVAC running. Plumbers advise opening the cabinets under the kitchen sink and any closet with an external pipe behind it. This ensures that warm air circulates to prevent frozen pipes.
Insulation of the piping or in the space it passes through is the most likely culprit for winter damage. Some pipes are more susceptible to cracking in extreme temperatures than others.
If you detect that your plumbing is already building up frozen water, you can let the water drip. You can also wrap pipes with clothes dipped in warm water, but the best thing to do is consult a plumber for professional service.
Step 2: Secure Your Household Appliances
Another reason you should turn off the water is to protect the appliances in your home. A fault could develop around plumbing that connects to dishwashers, washing machines, or water heaters. With the water supply still on, some areas of your home could be subject to water damage.
Additionally, high water pressure can wreak havoc on valuable household equipment. The pressure will reduce the efficiency of your appliances, making them prone to frequent breakdowns. Faucets, showerheads, and pipes can succumb to the force of water and eventually leak.
Your water heater has a mechanism to handle the expansion of water due to heat, but if you leave it on while on vacation, the pressure may exceed the equipment's limit. As a result, it can trigger problems within the tank or other components of the system.
Most homes have a regulator valve that can adjust the pressure in the system. This is often near the main cut-off valve. If you don't have one, your plumber can install this device to eliminate the risk of costly damage to your appliances.
Step 3: Assess Your Drains and Clear Clogs
Your drainage system plays a crucial role in removing wastewater from your home. If there is a blockage, it can compound into a flooding problem. Water could back up into your house. You might then notice a strong odor from your kitchen or bathroom when you return from your vacation.
So, it would be wise to assess your plumbing drains before you go traveling. Start by testing the garbage disposal by pouring water through it. Observe the movement of water down the sink. Slow-moving water is an indication of a developing clog.
You can use a plumbing snake to get rid of soft clogs, but avoid using chemical formulations or bleach. Chemical cleaners can weaken the metal piping and cause cracks that will trigger leaks. They can also pose a personal hazard. Chemical cleaners can release fumes that can go through the pipes to other parts of the house. Despite their risks, they are unreliable for stubborn clogs. It is often better to leave the issue to a professional plumber.
If there is a problem with the drainage, you may notice uneven patches of grass growing in the lawn. This indicates that an underground pipe is leaking. A foul odor is also a sure sign of clogging or a blockage.
Another essential component of your plumbing system is the sump pump. Sump pumps are located in the basement to drain out excess water that would otherwise cause flooding. To avoid surprises when you return, ensure that yours is working before you leave.
If you suspect a clog or a leak, you can call a professional plumber to fix the problem. The team from ARS provides plumbing solutions that you can depend on. Our staff will work fast and efficiently to avoid delaying your trip.
Extra Step: Have Your Plumbing Inspected
The primary reason for preparing your plumbing and turning off water while on vacation is to avoid problems that could cause water damage. The best way to prevent losses is to fix issues even if they seem mundane and benign. An inspection of your plumbing can detect problems before they become expensive to correct. Some faults can progressively become chronic issues that shorten the lifespan of your plumbing.
Preparing Your Home Before Vacation
Ready for a vacation? Your home should be too! Careful planning can not only help protect your home and your belongings while you travel, but also provide your family with some energy savings to spend on souvenirs! Follow these five simple tips to prepare your home for your absence.
1. Turn Off the Lights
If you decide to keep any of your lights on as a security measure, invest in an automatic timer. It can be programmed to turn on your lights during late evening and early morning hours while preventing wasted energy during the day.
2. Turn Down Your Air Conditioner
While it's important to keep the air circulating in your home while you're gone, you can drastically cut down on energy usage by turning your thermostat up to 85 degrees. If you have a programmable thermostat, simply use the "vacation" feature to maintain safe and efficient indoor temperatures while you're gone.
3. Unplug Appliances and Electronics
Even when they're turned off, anything that's plugged into the wall can continue to consume energy. By unplugging your devices or using a smart power strip, you'll avoid wasting standby power. Don't forget to unplug your washer and dryer, too.
4. Adjust Your Water Heater(s)
Turn your water heater down to "low" or to "vacation" mode. If your pool also uses a heater, consider purchasing a pool cover that will help minimize heat loss so that you can avoid the cost of reheating it.
5. Refrigerator
If you'll only be gone a few days, turn your refrigerator's thermostat up a few degrees. If you'll be gone more than two weeks, clean and empty the refrigerator, prop the door open, and unplug the unit.
Be Prepared Before You Travel
Finally, before you take off on your vacation, take the contact number for your emergency plumber with you, in case your house sitter reports a problem. ARS®/Rescue Rooter® is available 7 days a week. Find a location near you. We offer a service guarantee and have financing options available. Our contact number is 866-399-2885, and we are ready to help at a moment's notice!
