Should I turn off the main valve when leaving for vacation?

🔑 Key Takeaway

Yes — turning off your main water valve before going on vacation is one of the smartest ways to prevent plumbing disasters. A single leak can cause thousands in damage while you’re away. Shutting off the water is quick, easy, and protects your home while you’re not there.

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Introduction

You’re packed, the mail’s on hold, the thermostat is set — but have you turned off your water main?

Every year, thousands of homeowners return from vacation to find warped floors, moldy ceilings, or flooded basements caused by a broken pipe or leaking appliance. Most of these disasters happen while no one is home to notice. The good news? You can avoid nearly all of them by simply turning off your home’s main water valve before you leave.

This article explains why, when, and how to turn off your main valve — plus a few other water-related vacation prep tips.

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🚱 Why You Should Turn Off the Main Valve Before Vacation

Here are the biggest reasons to shut off your water main if you’re going away for more than a day or two:

💧 1. Prevent Water Damage from Leaks or Bursts

• Washing machine hoses can rupture

• Pipes can freeze and burst in winter

• Leaky toilets, faucets, or valves can drip for days unnoticed

• Dishwasher and ice maker lines can fail without warning

Even a small leak at 1 gallon per hour = 24 gallons a day. Over a weeklong trip, that’s 168 gallons… possibly under your floorboards.

🧯 2. Reduce Emergency Risk While You’re Gone

If you’re out of state or unreachable, even a minor plumbing issue can spiral. With the water off, any failure is a non-event — not an emergency.

🛠 3. Protect Your Investment and Insurance Status

Many homeowners insurance policies have fine print that limits water damage coverage if you’re away and didn’t take preventative action. Turning off your water shows you were proactive.

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🧭 When Should You Turn Off the Main Water Valve?

• Going away for more than 2–3 days? Yes, shut it off.

• Gone during freezing temperatures? Definitely. Frozen pipes are a leading cause of winter water damage.

• Leaving someone at home (house sitter, pet sitter)? You may choose to leave it on, but consider shutting off water only to high-risk appliances (like the washer or dishwasher).

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🔧 How to Shut Off Your Main Water Valve (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Locate the Main Shutoff Valve

This is usually:

• In the basement near the front foundation wall

• Near where the water line enters your house

• In warm climates, it may be in a ground-level box outside

There are two common types:

• Gate Valve (round handle): turn clockwise until it stops

• Ball Valve (lever): turn the lever 90° until it’s perpendicular to the pipe

Step 2: Test That It Worked

Turn on a faucet at the highest point in your house (like an upstairs bathroom sink).

• The water should stop flowing within a few seconds

• If not, the valve may not be fully shut or is defective

Step 3: Drain Water (Optional but Recommended)

Open a faucet at the lowest point in your house (like a basement laundry sink) to release pressure and drain most of the water from the pipes.

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💡 Pro Tip: Consider a Whole-Home Water Monitor

If you travel often, smart water monitors like Moen Flo or Phyn can:

• Alert you of leaks in real-time via app

• Auto shut off water if a major leak is detected

• Track daily usage and trends

They’re especially valuable if you rent your home out or leave it vacant frequently.

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🧳 Other Vacation Plumbing Prep Tips

• Shut off water to appliances like the washing machine, dishwasher, and fridge ice maker

• Check sump pumps to ensure they’re working if you expect rain

• Turn off the water heater or set it to vacation mode to save energy

• Inspect for existing drips or slow leaks and fix them before you leave

• Leave cabinet doors open under sinks in winter to help warm air circulate (prevents freezing)

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💬 Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to turn off the water if I’m only gone for a weekend?
Not necessarily, but if your home is older or you’ve had plumbing issues before, it’s a smart precaution — even for a short trip.

Will turning off the water damage anything?
No — it’s perfectly safe. Just don’t forget to shut off appliances like the water heater or ice maker that rely on water, especially if they’re left running.

What if I can’t find my main shutoff valve?
Check your inspection report or contact a local plumber or handyman. We help homeowners locate and label their shutoffs all the time.

Is it better to drain the pipes completely?
Draining is optional for short vacations, but helpful in winter. For longer absences or vacant properties, fully draining pipes reduces the chance of freeze damage.

Can I just shut off water to the toilet or sink instead of the whole house?
Yes, for very short trips or partial precaution, you can shut individual fixture valves — especially if you’ve had problems with them in the past.