The empty-house problem
Washer hoses, supply lines and water heater connectors fail whether or not anyone is home. When the house is occupied, someone hears it or sees it within hours. When the house is empty for a long weekend or a month, the same failure can soak floors, walls and the slab before anyone arrives.
Closing the main before you leave removes most of that risk. The rest of this list covers what to do about the water heater, irrigation and anyone checking on the house.
Before you leave
- Close the main water shutoff, or at least the washer valves and any known weak spots
- Open a faucet briefly to confirm the water is off, then close it
- Set the water heater to vacation mode or turn the gas control to pilot, or switch off an electric heater's breaker, following the maker's instructions
- Check whether irrigation is fed before or after the main and decide whether to leave it running
- Turn off the ice maker supply if the main stays on
- Look under sinks for any drip that has started
- Leave a note for your house sitter on where the main shutoff is
Should you close the main?
- IfThe house will be empty and nobody needs waterThenClose it. This is the simplest protection.
- IfA sitter or pet needs waterThenLeave it on, close washer valves, and show the sitter where the main is.
- IfIrrigation runs off the house lineThenDecide whether plants can go without watering, or have a plumber add a separate irrigation shutoff.
- IfThe main is stiff or will not closeThenHave it replaced before your trip rather than forcing it.
When you get home
- Look before you turn on.Walk the house and check for stains, wet floors or musty smells.
- Open the main slowly.Turn it back on gradually and listen for running water with all fixtures closed.
- Check the meter.Make sure the leak indicator is still with everything off.
- Restore the water heater.Turn the gas control or breaker back on according to the maker's instructions, once the tank is full.
Questions for your house sitter
- Do you know where the main shutoff is and how to close it?
- Will you check the laundry area and under sinks on each visit?
- Do you have the number for a licensed plumber I have already checked?
- Will you text me photos if you see anything wet?
Common questions
Is it bad for the pipes to turn the water off?
No. Closing the main is normal. Open it slowly when you return.
Should I drain the water heater before a trip?
Usually not necessary. Turning down or switching off the heat source is the common step; follow the maker's instructions.
What about automatic shutoff devices?
Some systems detect leaks and close a valve automatically. Ask a licensed plumber whether one suits your home.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.