Should I Turn Off Water When on Vacation in Winter?

By Anna Duncan

When you’re planning to go on a winter vacation, it’s important to consider the safety and preservation of your home. One of the most significant concerns is whether or not you should turn off your water supply during your absence.

Reasons to Turn Off Water

  • Prevent Frozen Pipes: Frozen pipes are one of the most common issues that homeowners face during winter. Turning off the water supply and draining the pipes can help prevent damage caused by frozen pipes.
  • Save Money: Turning off the water supply can save you money on your utility bills while you’re away.
  • Reduce Risk of Water Damage: If a pipe bursts or leaks while you’re away, turning off the water supply can prevent extensive water damage to your home.

Reasons Not to Turn Off Water

  • Pets and Plants: If you have pets or plants in your home, turning off the water supply could be detrimental to their well-being. Consider arranging for someone to check on them while you’re away.
  • Sprinkler Systems: If you have an automatic sprinkler system, turning off the water supply could cause damage to it.
  • Frozen Pipes: If you turn off your water supply and drain your pipes but still keep your heat running too low, there’s still a risk that some residual water in parts of the system could freeze if temperatures get too low, leading to burst pipes when thawed.

Tips for Protecting Your Home While You’re Away

  • Increase Temperature Setting: Set your thermostat to at least 55°F, so the temperature inside your home doesn’t drop too low.
  • Insulate Your Pipes: Insulate any exposed pipes to prevent them from freezing.
  • Shut Off Main Water Valve: If you decide not to turn off your water supply, consider shutting off the main water valve leading into your home. This can help reduce the risk of damage caused by leaks or burst pipes.
  • Ask a Neighbor for Help: Consider asking a trusted neighbor to check on your home periodically while you’re away. They can alert you if there are any issues that need to be addressed.

In Conclusion

Ultimately, whether or not you should turn off your water supply during winter vacations depends on various factors. If you’re concerned about frozen pipes or saving money on utilities, it may be worth considering turning off the water supply and draining your pipes.

If you have pets, plants, or an automatic sprinkler system, it may be best to leave the water supply on and take other preventative measures instead. Be sure to take steps like increasing the temperature setting and insulating your pipes to protect your home while you’re away.