Preparing Your Home for a Water Shut-Off: Essential Checklist for Homeowners

Properly shutting off your home's water supply is a crucial step in protecting your plumbing system from damage. Whether you're preparing your house for an extended period away or safeguarding your pipes during colder months, following the right steps will help avoid costly repairs and future headaches. Here's an essential checklist to help you effectively manage your home's water shut-off process.

1. Turn Off the Main Water Supply

The first step in any water shut-off process is locating and turning off the main water valve. Typically found in your basement, garage, or near the water heater, the main valve cuts off the water flow to your entire home. Make sure the valve is tightly closed, and if it hasn’t been turned in a while, you may need to use a wrench for extra leverage.

2. Drain the Pipes

After shutting off the water, it's important to drain the pipes to prevent any remaining water from freezing or causing internal damage. Start by opening all faucets, including those in the kitchen, bathroom, and outdoor spigots. Flush the toilets until the tanks are empty. This ensures that any trapped water is cleared from your pipes.

3. Insulate Vulnerable Pipes

While turning off the water helps protect your plumbing, some pipes in vulnerable areas may still be at risk. It's a good idea to insulate exposed pipes, especially those in unheated areas like attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Insulation sleeves or heat tape can prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.

4. Shut Off Outdoor Water Sources

Don’t forget your outdoor water sources, like garden hoses, irrigation systems, and sprinkler systems. Disconnect and store garden hoses, and shut off the water supply to outdoor faucets. If your home has a separate shut-off valve for exterior water systems, make sure it’s turned off, and drain the water from outdoor spigots and sprinklers.

5. Check Water Heater Settings

Before leaving for an extended period, adjust your water heater to the “vacation” or “low” setting. This ensures energy efficiency and prevents overheating or damage to the heater while the water supply is off. If you prefer, you can also turn the water heater off completely, but remember to allow time for it to heat up again when you return.

6. Inspect for Leaks

Before you finalize your water shut-off, it’s a good idea to do a quick inspection for leaks around faucets, water fixtures, and exposed pipes. Addressing minor leaks before they become larger issues can save time and money in the long run. If you spot any signs of leakage, consider contacting a professional plumber to handle repairs.

7. Final Walkthrough

Once you’ve completed the shut-off process, do a final walkthrough of your home to ensure everything is in place. Double-check that faucets are open, water appliances are off, and pipes are insulated. A thorough review will give you peace of mind knowing your plumbing system is protected.

Preparing Your Home for a Water Shut-Off in Albuquerque and Santa Fe

Properly shutting off your home's water supply is an essential maintenance task that can protect your property from costly water damage and ensure your plumbing system remains in good condition. At Wagner, we help homeowners prepare their homes with expert plumbing services and advice. If you have any questions or need professional assistance with your water shut-off process, we’re here to help!