Are you planning a vacation soon? One thing that often gets overlooked in the excitement of planning a trip is what to do with your home’s water supply. Should you turn it off or leave it on while you’re away?
There are pros and cons to both options, so let’s take a closer look at each one.
Leaving the Water On
One benefit of leaving your home’s water supply on while you’re away is that it allows you to maintain your plumbing system. When water flows through your pipes regularly, it helps prevent the buildup of minerals and other deposits that can lead to clogs and other plumbing problems.
Another advantage is that leaving the water on ensures that your sprinkler system continues to function properly, keeping your lawn and plants healthy while you’re gone.
However, there are some potential downsides to leaving the water on as well. If a pipe were to burst or a faucet were left dripping, it could result in significant water damage to your home. Additionally, leaving the water on can increase your utility bills for the time period that you’re away.
Turning the Water Off
Turning off the water supply to your home while you’re away can provide peace of mind knowing that there won’t be any unexpected leaks or floods in your absence. It also saves money on utility bills since no water will be used during this time.
However, there are also some drawbacks to turning off the water supply. For one thing, if you have an automatic sprinkler system or any other appliances that require a constant flow of water (such as a refrigerator with an ice maker), they will not function properly without access to running water. Additionally, if you have pets or plants that need regular watering, turning off the water supply could be problematic.
What Should You Do?
Ultimately, whether or not to turn off your home’s water supply when going on vacation depends on your personal preferences and circumstances. If you’re comfortable taking the risk of leaving the water on and want to maintain your plumbing system and lawn care, then go ahead and leave it on. However, if you’re concerned about the potential risks of leaving the water on or want to save money on utility bills, then turning it off may be a better option for you.
Tips for Turning Off Your Water Supply
If you do decide to turn off your home’s water supply before going on vacation, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Locate your main water shut-off valve. This is usually located near where the main water line enters your home.
- Turn off the valve by turning it clockwise until it’s completely closed.
- Open all of your faucets and let them run until they’re completely empty. This will help prevent any remaining water from freezing and causing damage to your pipes.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your home’s plumbing system stays safe and secure while you’re away.