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.
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
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!