Does my insurer require water off in a vacant Ottawa house?

Your insurer almost certainly requires water shutoff in a vacant home — but the exact requirements depend on your specific policy.

Most Canadian home insurance policies include vacancy clauses that kick in after a property has been unoccupied for 30 to 60 consecutive days. Once that threshold is crossed, insurers typically require one or both of the following: shutting off the main water supply and draining the pipes, or having someone inspect the property every few days (often every 48-72 hours). Failing to comply can result in a denied claim if water damage occurs while the home is vacant.

In Ottawa specifically, this matters a great deal because of our winters. A vacant home with active water supply and no heat monitoring is a serious burst pipe risk from November through March. Insurers know this, and many Ontario policies explicitly require water shutoff and pipe draining for any vacancy during the heating season. Some policies require it year-round regardless of season.

The only way to know your exact obligation is to read your policy wording or call your broker directly. Look for terms like "vacancy clause," "unoccupied dwelling," or "water shutoff requirements." Don't assume — a verbal understanding isn't enough if you need to make a claim.

On the plumbing side, shutting off the water supply is straightforward, but properly draining the system (including traps, the water heater, and any appliance supply lines) is something a licensed plumber should handle to ensure it's done completely. An improperly drained system can still freeze and burst. Ottawa Pro Plumbing can shut off and drain a home's plumbing system properly, giving you documentation that the work was done — which some insurers request as proof of compliance.

If you're preparing a vacant property and want the water system properly shut down and drained, reach out to Ottawa Pro Plumbing for a quote. It's a straightforward job that protects you from both freeze damage and a potential insurance dispute.