Summer is just around the corner which means that many residents will leave their homes for extended periods of time for vacations and summer activities. It may not be the first concern on your mind but turning off the water before leaving your home could save you money and prevent disaster from striking while you are not around.

Include Water Shut Off In Your Prep List

While the water system should be fine while you’re gone, there is never a guarantee. Even if no one is in your home while you are away and no water will be used, the pipes could burst or leak causing massive flooding and other damage while you are miles away.

Before you go, calling a licensed plumber to check your water line, older pipes and other areas of your home can be beneficial. While you should still be turning off the water in your home while you are gone, the plumber can give you peace of mind by letting you know that everything is safe.

How Do I Turn Off My Water?

You can shut the water off in your home from the main valve. Knowing the location of the valve is not only important to know for when you leave your home, but in the case of an emergency to prevent further flooding. You may need to search for a bit if you don’t immediately know where your valve is located. If you need assistance finding the valve you can call S&B or here are some common places to look:

• Around the perimeter of your home
• The basement or below ground level of your home
• The nearest point of your home from your water meter
• Listed in your inspection report
• Access panels installed in walls during remodel

Turning Off The Water During The Winter

While winter may be in the back of your mind, you should plan to turn off your water during winter vacations or trips as well. Even more so because of the added risk of frozen and bursting pipes. Even small leaks that go undetected can become huge problems if left unchecked. While traveling is less common for Utahn’s in the winter, it is a good idea to have plumbers check your home for leaks and other problems frequently. While emergency plumbing is available, water and plumbing disasters can be prevented with frequent upkeep.

Water Heaters

Keeping up with maintenance and turning off the water heater when you are gone is another way to prevent damage. Checking your water heater for unusual noises or pooling water before you leave is a good place to start. If you are in need of a water heater replacement or just want to have a professional check it out before you take off, we are here to help. 

Another common question that a plumber may receive is if turning off the water to your water heater will damage it. Turning off the main water supply or the heat supply will not cause damage to the heater. Turning off the main water supply prevents new water from refilling your tank. If your tank is almost out of water before you leave it is best to turn off the water heater so the water does not run out and cause damage. If the tank is full, then turning the water heater off is not necessary.

Other Precautions You Can Take

While turning off the water to your home will prevent most if not all the damage, here are some other things you can do before your next vacation to prevent damage to your home:

• Drain water from pipes in the winter
• Inspect supply lines and other appliances and repair damaged ones
• Check your sump pump
• Check gutters for build up of leaves and other debris
• Unplug electronics
• Set your thermostat to an away temperature
• Recruit a house watcher in case damage or emergency does occur. 

Contact Us Before Or After Disaster

We are available to help your prevent and repair disaster. Contact us to check water lines, appliances. sewage and drains.