Winter
Should I Shut Off My Water When Leaving Home in Winter?
Updated · Kestrel editorial · 2 min read
Why shutting off the main helps
If a pipe freezes and splits while you're away, water can run for days. Shutting off the main limits the damage to what's already in the pipes.
Before you leave
Checklist:
- Set heat to at least 55°F
- Shut off the main and open a faucet briefly to relieve pressure
- Set a gas water heater to vacation mode
- Open cabinets under sinks on exterior walls
- Disconnect hoses and confirm sprinkler blowout
For longer absences
For weeks away, some homeowners drain the system. A plumber can help, especially in homes with boilers or complex plumbing.
Smart protection
Leak sensors and automatic shutoff valves can alert you or stop the water if a leak starts.
Why Colorado homes are at risk
Front Range cold snaps can drop temperatures well below zero overnight, and wind drives cold air into crawl spaces, garages and exterior walls. Pipes to kitchen sinks on outside walls, basement hose bibs and lines in garages or bonus rooms over garages are the most common freeze points.
After you get back
Turn the main on slowly, then check under sinks, around the water heater and in the basement for drips. Look at the water meter with everything off; if it moves, a pipe may have cracked while you were away. Catching it then limits damage to a small area.
Call a professional if
- Never use a torch or open flame
- If a pipe has already split, shut the main and call
- Don't restore water until the split is repaired
Should I Shut Off My Water When Leaving Home in Winter?: follow-up questions
Will shutting off water affect my water heater?
Set it to vacation mode; it will stay full and safe.
What temperature should I leave the house at?
At least 55°F; higher for homes with exposed pipes.
Does insurance cover burst pipes when I'm away?
Many policies require reasonable heat; check your policy.
Should I turn off the water heater too?
Set a gas heater to vacation mode and leave it full; for an electric heater, you can switch off the breaker. Never run an electric heater with the water drained.
What about a home with a boiler?
Hot-water heating systems need water to run, so don't shut off the boiler's supply without asking a plumber or HVAC technician. Keep the heat on and consider freeze alarms instead.
Every home differs; editorial standards.