Everyone can use a vacation. Taking a step away from your work and everyday routine isn’t just enjoyable, it can very literally be good for your health. That’s why so many families every year pack up their stuff, lock up their home and hit the road.

However, there are some things you need to think about before hitting the road for a vacation. For example, your water. Is it necessary to turn off the water when on a long vacation?

Many homeowners aren’t in-the-know when it comes to this important subject. However, not taking the proper steps could have disastrous results. Read on and we’ll walk you through what you need to know.

Is It Necessary to Turn Off Your Water When On A Long Vacation?

If you’re planning on heading out of town, the question of what to do with your utilities might have arisen. You certainly have the right instincts, but deciding whether to turn your water on or off will depend on where you’re located and how long you plan to be away.

If you’re only going to be gone for the weekend, it might not be necessary to turn the water off in your home. It’s likely that your home will be fie with the water running for that length of time. However, if you plan to be away for a week or longer, you might need to take some extra steps.

Turning your water off can prevent clogged drains and other potential problems. One of the biggest problems homeowners face when away is the chance of a freeze. If cold temperatures come in, pipes with running water can easily freeze and burst.

Turning Off Your Water

Some homeowners aren’t sure how to turn off their water when they plan to go away for a long trip. It isn’t too hard of a task.

If you live in a warmer climate, the water valve is likely located somewhere on the exterior wall of your home, inside a sealed box that you can unlatch and access. If you live in a colder climate, the valve is usually located in the basement.

You’ll either have a gate or ball valve in your home. The gate valve is a screw that must be twisted a number of times to close the flow of water. You must be very sure that you’ve actually tightened it all the way to the opposite direction. A half-open valve can cause damage to the system.

A ball valve is much easier to use. It’s a lever that you simply have to turn ninety degrees to turn on and off, and likely will have open and close functions clearly labeled.

Once you’ve closed the valve, you should be good to head out for your big vacation.

Shutting Water Off While On Vacation

Is it necessary to turn off the water when on a long vacation? It’s a question many homeowners don’t think about, but they should. The above information will tell you everything you need to know.

Need more homeowner advice or tips? Check out our blog for more.