How can I prevent water damage while on vacation?

Pre-Travel Checklist

1. Shut the main water valve, or arm your automatic shutoff system.
2. Close washing machine and dishwasher supply valves.
3. Set the thermostat at 55 degrees or higher in cold months.
4. Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls in winter.
5. Check under every sink and behind the toilet for existing drips.
6. Verify the sump pump works and has a battery backup.
7. Arrange a house check every two to three days with someone who has access.
8. Leave your contact information and a restoration company number with the checker.

If You Cannot Shut the Main

• Install leak sensors under sinks, at the water heater, behind the washer, and in the mechanical room.
• Use a smart shutoff valve on the main, triggered by those sensors.
• Use a smart thermostat with low-temperature alerts to your phone.
• Add a water alarm with cellular or Wi-Fi notification in the basement.

For Longer Absences

• Drain the system after shutting the main, and turn off the water heater.
• Consider full winterization for absences longer than a few weeks in winter.
• Notify your insurer if the home will be unoccupied for an extended period.
• Have someone run water briefly on checks to keep traps from drying out.

Colorado and Denver Considerations

Front Range winter travel is the highest-risk scenario we see locally. A cold snap while a home sits at a setback temperature can freeze a line in a garage or crawl space, and the resulting flow runs unnoticed until someone arrives. Maintaining 55 degrees and arranging checks is what prevents those losses.

Exceptions and Important Considerations

• Homes with fire sprinkler systems should not have the sprinkler supply shut off.
• Ice makers and humidifiers still hold water; drain them for long absences.
• Policies may contain vacancy provisions that change coverage after 30 or 60 days.

Related Questions

Sources

• Ready.gov: Winter Weather
• Denver Water: Leak Detection