The to-do list before heading out of town almost–almost–makes you want to just stay home–but there’s a good reason for making sure appliances are unplugged, lights are off, and mail is stopped. That said, should you turn off your water before you go on vacation, too?
It’s easy to overlook what’s happening in your pipes when you just want to get on the plane already, but it’s an important step that shouldn’t be missed, according to Bardi Home Services. The Atlanta-based HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services company says water should be shut off prior to leaving for vacation.
“It is always advisable to turn off your water supply before leaving for a vacation,” the company states on their website. “Shutting off the water is crucial for protecting your home from water damage through leaks or burst pipes. The last thing you want is to find the house flooded and with a foul smell when you return.”
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Should You Turn Off Your Water Before You Go On Vacation?
Turning off water before leaving for a vacation saves you from one huge welcome home mess: water damage.
Why You Should Turn Off Water Before A Vacation
In short, turning water off before leaving for a vacation–no matter how long–means preventing leaks from turning into severe home damage.
“Leakages can start from small drips along the length of the piping. If there is high water pressure while you are away, the leaks will advance into heavy flooding. The time you spend on vacation could be enough to turn a crack into a massive rupture,” Bardi states.
Leaking pipes located underground can also attract tree roots.
“The tree roots get into piping and drainage channels, causing massive clogging. The longer it takes, the more extensive the damage will be on your property,” the Georgia company writes.
Turning off water before leaving home prevents these worst-case scenarios.
How To Turn Off Water Before Vacation
Even seasoned homeowners may scratch their head when it comes to figuring out how to turn off the water before heading out for vacation.
It’s as simple as finding the main shut-off valve, which can be located in basements, attics, or crawl spaces.
“You might also find the main shut-off valve in a utility box near your front sidewalk. Shut off the valve before draining water from fixtures,” Bardi states.
