How Do I Turn Off Water for Vacation?

By Robert Palmer

Are you planning to go on vacation soon? It’s important to prepare your home before leaving for an extended period of time.

One of the crucial tasks is turning off the water supply to prevent any potential water damage. In this tutorial, we will guide you through easy steps to turn off water for vacation.

Step 1: Locate your main water shut-off valve

The first step is finding the main water shut-off valve. It’s typically located near the water meter or where the main water line enters your home. The valve can be a lever, knob, or wheel that controls the flow of water into your home.

TIP: If you’re unsure where your main shut-off valve is located, contact your local utility company for assistance.

Step 2: Turn off the main water valve

Once you’ve found the main shut-off valve, turn it clockwise until it stops. This will completely cut off the flow of water into your home and prevent any leaks or bursts from occurring while you’re away.

TIP: It’s a good idea to turn on all faucets in your home after turning off the main valve to drain any remaining water in the pipes.

Step 3: Turn off individual valves

In addition to turning off the main valve, it’s also important to turn off individual valves that control specific areas or appliances in your home. For example, if you have a dishwasher or washing machine, locate their respective valves and turn them off as well.

  • Dishwasher Valve: Typically located under the kitchen sink.
  • Washing Machine Valve: Usually found behind or next to the machine.

TIP: If you have an outdoor sprinkler system, make sure to turn off its water supply as well to prevent any unnecessary water usage.

Step 4: Double-check all valves

After turning off the main and individual valves, double-check to ensure that all valves are completely turned off. This will give you peace of mind knowing that your home is protected against potential water damage while you’re away.

TIP: If you have a friend or neighbor who can check on your home periodically while you’re away, ask them to confirm that all valves are still turned off.

In conclusion, turning off the water for vacation is a crucial step in protecting your home from potential water damage. By following these easy steps, you can rest assured that your home is safe and secure while you enjoy your time away.