Should I shut off water before going on vacation?

Yes, absolutely — shutting off your main water supply before leaving on vacation is one of the smartest things you can do to protect your home.

A burst pipe, failed washing machine hose, or slow leak can cause tens of thousands of dollars in water damage within hours. When you're away for days or weeks, there's no one to catch it early. Insurance claims for water damage are among the most common and costly for Canadian homeowners, and some insurers will actually reduce or deny coverage if they determine the home was left unoccupied without reasonable precautions taken.

How to shut off your water before leaving:

Locate your main shutoff valve — in Ottawa homes, this is typically in the basement near where the water line enters the house from the street. Turn it clockwise until it stops. Then open a faucet on the lowest level of your home to relieve any remaining pressure in the pipes. This takes less than two minutes and can save you from a catastrophic situation.

A few Ottawa-specific things to keep in mind. During winter months, this is especially critical. If your heat fails while you're away (not uncommon during Ottawa's -20°C cold snaps), pipes can freeze and burst. Shutting off the water means even if pipes freeze, you won't come home to a flooded basement. Many Ottawa homeowners also ask a trusted neighbour to check the house every couple of days as an added precaution.

One exception worth knowing: if you have an irrigation system, water softener, or other system that needs to run while you're away, talk to a plumber about installing a partial shutoff or zone valve so you can isolate the interior supply while keeping outdoor systems active.

For peace of mind on longer trips, consider a smart water leak detector — devices like Flo by Moen can automatically shut off your water if a leak is detected and alert you on your phone. It's a worthwhile investment for Ottawa homeowners who travel regularly.

If you'd like advice on your home's shutoff setup or want to install an automatic leak detection system, Ottawa Pro Plumbing offers free consultations — we're happy to walk you through your options.