It’s FINALLY here! That vacation you’ve been waiting months, or even years, for has finally arrived, and it’s time to hit the road! You take a minute to make sure you’ve got everything…
Sunscreen? Check! Phone charger? Check! Toothbrush? Check!
But it feels like something’s missing… that’s right, the water! Taking a moment to shut off your water before walking out the door can save you from a huge headache (and an expensive repair) when you get back from paradise. Not sure how to do it or why it matters so much? Stick around—we’ll break it all down so you can head out worry-free and come home to dry floors and zero surprises.
Why You Should Shut Your Water Off Before Leaving for Vacation
Even when you’re not using appliances in your home, there’s still water in your pipes. That’s why water comes out instantly when you turn your faucets. If there’s any damage or weak spot in your pipes, you could be risking a huge mess by not shutting off your water supply.
By shutting off your home’s water supply, you’re limiting any leakage to only the water currently in your pipes, instead of a never-ending supply of leaking water. Here’s how shutting your water off before you leave can save you big time:
Protect Your Home From Flooding
When you imagine a leaky or burst pipe in a home, what comes to mind? Maybe you think of something dramatic, like water pouring through the ceiling. Maybe if you’ve never experienced it firsthand, you might even think it’s not too crazy of a process to clean up. Just a mop and some rags, right? Not even close.
When you’re dealing with a leak or burst pipe, you’ve gotta address water damage inside your walls and/or ceiling. You might have growth starting on your carpets (depending on how long they stayed wet). You might also lose sentimental things to water damage, like old family photos. A flood in your home can be devastating. Even a small leak can create big damage over time. Turning off your home’s water supply valve before you go out of town is a simple extra step to keep your home safe!
Save Money
When you come home to a water leak or a burst pipe, not only are you gonna need to call a licensed plumber out to repair the broken pipe, but you’ll need to take care of any water damage too. This could include new carpeting, drywall, or other repairs. And these kinds of things can add up quickly, especially when you have just come home from spending money on vacation. Turning off your water before you leave and turning it back on when you come home doesn’t cost anything!
How to Shut Off the Main Water Supply Valve
Maybe you’ve gotten to this point and you’re thinking to yourself, “Okay, I know I need to turn my water off… so how do I do that? Well, that can vary home-to-home, but don’t worry—we’ll help you figure it out!
First, Find the Valve
In most homes, the main water shut-off valve is located where the water line comes into the house. That could be in your basement, crawlspace, garage, or even in a utility closet. If your home’s built on a slab, you might find it near the water heater or even outside in a covered box close to the foundation.
Then, Turn the Handle
Once you spot it, you’re looking for one of two types of valves:
- Round wheel handle? Just turn it clockwise until it stops.
- Lever handle? Turn it so it’s perpendicular to the pipe—it should form a 90-degree angle.
Once you’ve turned the handle as far as it will go, test that you’ve actually turned the water off. Turn a faucet on in your home, preferably one on the first floor, and let it run for a few seconds. If the water slows to a trickle and then stops, you’re all set!
Preparation Goes a Long Way Toward Preventing Plumbing Disasters!
Taking a few minutes to turn off your water before you head out can save you from coming home to soaked floors, warped cabinets, and emergency plumbing services. It’s a simple step to take, but it’s also easy to forget with all the other things you have to prepare for before heading on vacation. That’s why it helps to add it to your pre-vacation checklist—right between packing your bags and setting your out-of-office email. A little planning now can mean way less stress later.
You might also like: “How to Prevent Plumbing Failure This Winter”
What About During the Winter? Should I Shut My Water Off to Prevent Frozen Pipes?
While your pipes aren’t as likely to freeze in the Carolinas as they might be in areas that get a bit colder, it’s still a possibility. Not only that, but your pipes can leak or burst during the winter just like they can any other time of year! To play it safe, shut off your home’s water supply even during winter travel—just like you would during summer!
Other Ways to Protect Your Plumbing Systems During Winter
In addition to shutting off your water, make sure any exposed pipes—like the ones in your attic, garage, or crawlspace—are well-insulated. You can also disconnect garden hoses and cover outdoor spigots with insulated covers to keep them from freezing. A little prep goes a long way toward avoiding a big plumbing repair when temperatures drop!
What Else Should I Do Before Leaving for Vacation?
Turning off the water before heading out the door is one of the biggest steps you can take to protect your home while you’re gone, but it’s not all! Here are some other things we recommend looking at:
- Adjust the Thermostat: If it’s summer, set your thermostat a little higher than usual to save energy (but not so high that it turns your home into a sauna). In the winter, keep it warm enough to prevent your pipes from freezing—around 55°F usually does the trick.
- Unplug Unused Appliances: Things like coffee makers, toasters, or TVs can still draw power even when they’re turned off. Unplugging them helps you save a little on your electric bill and reduces fire risk.
- Check the Sump Pump: If your home has a basement, test your sump pump before you leave, especially if rain’s in the forecast. You don’t wanna come back to an indoor pool you didn’t ask for.
- Ask a Neighbor for Help: We all need a little help! If someone you trust lives nearby, ask them to keep an eye on your place or collect mail and packages. Peace of mind is priceless!
Morris-Jenkins Offers Comprehensive Plumbing Services in Charlotte to Help Your Home Stay Safe!
We know that leaks and any other type of plumbing emergency can throw your routine (and peace of mind) off in a hurry. That’s why we get there faster to deliver professional plumbing repair services in Charlotte, NC, and the surrounding areas.
We’re proud to be your neighbor in Charlotte, providing you with the local plumbing services you deserve, from leaky faucets to burst pipes and everything in between. Whether you’re dealing with a surprise leak right before vacation or just need help figuring out your shut-off valve, we’re here to make things easier.
Give us a call today! We’re proud to provide our neighbors with residential plumbing services in Charlotte, NC.
