Should I Turn Off My Water When Leaving Coachella Valley?

Should I Turn Off My Water When Leaving Coachella Valley?

For snowbirds who leave the Coachella Valley during the hotter months, preparing your home for an extended absence is crucial. One of the most debated questions is whether you should turn off the water supply when you’re away for an extended period. This decision can significantly impact the safety and condition of your home.

Why Turning Off the Water is a Smart Move

1. Prevent Costly Water Damage Leaks and burst pipes are among the most common issues homeowners face during extended absences. Turning off the water supply can prevent thousands of dollars in water damage, as well as the stress of dealing with repairs.

2. Avoid High Water Bills Even a minor, undetected leak can result in a surprising spike in your water bill. Shutting off the water ensures that you’re not paying for water you’re not using.

3. Peace of Mind Knowing that your home is safe from potential water-related disasters can give you one less thing to worry about while you’re away.

Why Turning Off the Water is a Smart Move

Pros and Cons of Turning Off the Water

Pros:

  • Prevents Water Damage: Turning off the main valve minimizes the risk of leaks, burst pipes, or flooding.
  • Lowers Utility Bills: You won’t pay for wasted water due to leaks while you’re away.
  • Reduces Maintenance Worries: Shutting off the water simplifies home preparation for an extended absence.

Cons:

  • Irrigation System Challenges: If your irrigation system is connected to the main water supply, turning off the water may disrupt your landscaping care.
  • Potential Plumbing Issues: Extended periods without water can sometimes dry out seals in plumbing fixtures, leading to minor leaks upon your return.
  • Extra Preparation Required: You’ll need to ensure your water heater and pipes are properly prepared to avoid damage.

Steps to Safely Shut Off Your Water

  1. Locate Your Main Water Valve Typically, the main water valve is near your water meter or inside your home where the main pipe enters. Familiarize yourself with its location.
  2. Turn Off the Water Heater For tanked water heaters, switch the heater to vacation mode or turn it off to prevent damage caused by fluctuating water levels or pressure.
  3. Drain Excess Water Open a faucet to drain any remaining water in your pipes. This reduces the pressure and further minimizes the risk of leaks.
  4. Inspect for Leaks Before Leaving Do a quick inspection of your plumbing to catch any potential problems before they escalate in your absence.
When You Might Not Need to Turn Off the Water

When You Might Not Need to Turn Off the Water

If you’ve invested in a professional home watch service, like Coachella Valley Home Watch, or have someone checking your home regularly, you might not need to turn off the water completely. Instead, a home watch service can monitor your property for any issues, including plumbing concerns.

How Coachella Valley Home Watch Can Help

Coachella Valley Home Watch provides peace of mind by keeping a close eye on your property while you’re away. Their trained professionals perform regular inspections, ensuring your home remains safe and secure. If plumbing issues arise, they can coordinate timely repairs before the problem escalates.

With their comprehensive home watch services, you won’t need to worry about shutting off your water or the potential for leaks going unnoticed.

FAQ

Q: Can I just shut off the water at individual fixtures instead of the main valve? A: While you can shut off water to specific fixtures, turning off the main valve offers comprehensive protection against leaks and water damage.

Q: Will shutting off the water harm my irrigation system? A: If your irrigation system is connected to your main water supply, you’ll need a separate plan to keep your landscaping hydrated, such as using a dedicated irrigation system or timer.

Q: What does Coachella Valley Home Watch do if they find a plumbing issue? A: Their team will notify you immediately and coordinate with local professionals to resolve the issue efficiently.

Q: How often does Coachella Valley Home Watch inspect my home? A: Inspections can be tailored to your needs, whether weekly, bi-weekly, or on a customized schedule.

Protect Your Home with Coachella Valley Home Watch

Leaving your Coachella Valley home for months at a time doesn’t have to be stressful. Coachella Valley Home Watch provides top-tier property monitoring services to ensure your home remains safe and sound while you’re away. Contact us today at Coachella Valley Home Watch’s website or call 760-205-2072 to learn more about how we can help.

Enjoy your time away knowing your home is in trusted hands with Coachella Valley Home Watch!

What to Do Before Leaving Your Home for an Extended Vacation

What to Do Before Leaving Your Home for an Extended Vacation

Planning for an extended vacation is exciting, but leaving your home unattended for an extended period can bring about concerns. Whether you’re escaping the Coachella Valley heat for cooler climates or heading abroad, it’s crucial to secure your home to prevent potential issues while you’re away. By preparing your home with a few proactive steps, you can avoid unexpected emergencies and enjoy your trip with peace of mind. This checklist will guide you through essential tasks like turning off the water, setting timers, and ensuring proper HVAC maintenance to keep your home safe and secure.

1. Turn Off the Water Supply

One of the most critical steps before leaving your home for an extended period is turning off the water supply. Leaks can cause extensive damage, especially if left unattended for days or weeks. If you’re away for a short period, at least turn off the water to appliances such as the washing machine, dishwasher, and toilets.

For extended vacations, consider shutting off the water at the main supply valve. This will prevent flooding in case a pipe bursts or a leak develops. Additionally, drain your pipes by running the faucets after turning off the main valve. This helps avoid any remaining water causing issues.

Tip: If turning off the water isn’t an option, invest in a smart water shutoff device that can detect leaks and shut off the water remotely.

Unplug Appliances and Electronics

2. Unplug Appliances and Electronics

Even when not in use, appliances and electronics still consume energy, contributing to your utility bills. They also present a fire hazard if they malfunction. Before leaving, unplug all non-essential devices such as televisions, microwaves, computers, and gaming systems. Don’t forget smaller appliances like coffee makers and toasters.

For essential appliances like your refrigerator, consider unplugging if you’re away for a significant period. If not, adjust the temperature to a more energy-efficient setting.

3. Set Timers for Lights

To make it appear as though someone is home, install timers on your lights. Set them to turn on in the evening and off late at night. This simple task can deter potential burglars from targeting your home.

Smart light bulbs or smart plugs allow you to control your home’s lighting from anywhere using your smartphone. This gives you added flexibility and security. You can even mimic your typical lighting schedule to make your home appear lived-in.

4. Secure All Doors and Windows

For additional security, consider installing deadbolts or smart locks on exterior doors. Smart locks allow you to monitor and control access to your home remotely, giving you peace of mind.

5. Adjust the Thermostat and HVAC System

It’s important to keep your HVAC system running efficiently even while you’re away, particularly if you’re leaving your home in a climate like Coachella Valley’s. Set your thermostat to a temperature that won’t waste energy but will still protect your home’s interior. During summer, set it to around 85°F, and in winter, keep it around 55°F to prevent pipes from freezing.

If you have a smart thermostat, you can adjust the temperature remotely or set it to follow a schedule. Regular HVAC maintenance before you leave, such as replacing filters and checking for issues, is also essential. An efficient system will save you energy and reduce the risk of malfunctions while you’re gone.

Tip: If you’re away during a heatwave or cold snap, ask your home watch service to monitor your HVAC system for any issues.

6. Manage Your Landscaping

An overgrown lawn or untidy landscaping can signal that no one is home, making your property more attractive to burglars. Arrange for regular lawn care if you’re going to be away for an extended period.

Consider trimming trees and shrubs near windows to eliminate hiding spots for potential intruders. If you use a sprinkler system, ensure it’s set to a timer and check for leaks before you leave. You don’t want to come home to a flooded lawn or garden.

Pause Mail and Deliveries

7. Pause Mail and Deliveries

A mailbox stuffed with letters and packages sitting on your doorstep can make it obvious that no one is home. Put your mail on hold through the USPS, or ask a trusted neighbor or friend to collect it for you. For packages, pause any scheduled deliveries, and if you receive frequent online orders, consider rerouting them to an alternative address.

If you have regular newspaper deliveries, make sure to pause those as well. A stack of unread newspapers is a clear indication that your home is unoccupied.

8. Notify a Trusted Neighbor or Hire a Home Watch Service

It’s always a good idea to inform a trusted neighbor of your travel plans. They can keep an eye on your property, collect any unexpected packages, and alert you if anything seems amiss.

If you don’t have someone nearby to rely on, consider hiring a professional home watch service like Coachella Valley Home Watch. They offer personalized home monitoring, conducting regular checks to ensure everything is in order. They can provide services such as HVAC inspections, water shutoff verification, and even managing unexpected home issues while you’re away.

9. Set Your Security System

If you have a home security system, make sure it’s fully functional and activated before you leave. Modern systems allow you to monitor your home remotely through apps that send you real-time alerts. Test your system beforehand to ensure that all cameras, motion detectors, and alarms are working properly.

Tip: Many home security systems can integrate with smart home devices, giving you more control over lighting, locks, and even thermostats from a single platform.

10. Clean Out Your Refrigerator and Take Out the Trash

To avoid coming home to unpleasant smells, clean out your refrigerator of any perishable items. Discard old leftovers, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products that might spoil while you’re away. If you’re leaving for more than a month, consider unplugging your refrigerator and leaving the door slightly open to prevent mold and odors from building up.

Taking out the trash is another must-do. Leftover garbage can attract pests, and nobody wants to return to a smelly home.

Conclusion: Plan Ahead for a Stress-Free Vacation

Leaving for an extended vacation doesn’t have to be stressful. By following this checklist, you’ll ensure that your home is safe, secure, and energy-efficient during your time away. Whether you turn off the water supply, set timers for lights, or hire a professional home watch service, taking these precautions will give you peace of mind and allow you to enjoy your vacation to the fullest.

If you’re looking for extra assurance, Coachella Valley Home Watch offers comprehensive home monitoring services tailored to seasonal and vacationing homeowners. They will help safeguard your property, handle unexpected issues, and keep your home in perfect condition while you’re gone. Contact them today for more information on how they can help protect your home.

Conclusion
Protect your home while you’re away. Contact Coachella Valley Home Watch today for professional and reliable home watch services.