Many people travel during the holidays, and some homeowners might be tempted to turn off the furnace while away in an effort to save money. However, if the temperature drops and your home is unheated, there’s a good chance that pipes could freeze and burst — causing extensive damage. While travelling this winter, help prevent frozen pipes by keeping your furnace set to a minimum temperature.
Shut Off Your Home’s Main Water Valve
Another way to help prevent burst pipes is to shut off the main water valve and open the taps to drain leftover water from the system. This simple task only takes a few minutes but can save you thousands of dollars in damage. It’s also worth noting that some insurance companies require the water to be turned off when you leave on vacation — so be sure to read your policy carefully.
How to Shut Off Your Home’s Main Water Valve
If you’re going away and you’re interested in how to prevent frozen pipes while you’re gone, finding your home’s main water valve is essential. While some homeowners know where their main shut-off is, there’s no shame in having to learn!
Your home’s main water supply valve will be located in your basement, close to where the water enters your home from the city. It will most likely be on the wall that faces the street. Once you find it, you can turn it clockwise (to the right) to securely close off the water supply.
Once you’ve established that your water supply is off, go through your home and turn on every tap to release any leftover water, then flush every toilet to do the same. Leave your taps turned on until you return and reconnect the water supply.
Burst Pipes Happen, Be Prepared Just in Case
While preventing frozen pipes in your absence is essential, burst pipes can happen at any time due to water pressure, corrosion or loose connection. Often homeowners don’t even know they have a problem with their water pipes until there’s a flood. Dealing with burst pipes can be frustrating and expensive, so be prepared by investing in a SmarterLiving Plan.
What SmarterLiving Plan Can do for You
Not every homeowner has heard of a Smarter Living Plan, however, it can be extremely beneficial in protecting your home from the unforeseeable. Zucora Home’s Smarter Living Plan is a complete home service plan that protects your home furnishing, appliances, heating and cooling, and electrical systems by covering costly repairs and replacements.
For homeowners with seasonal cottages, or those who travel in the winter, investing in a Smarter Living Plan ensures that if there are any issues or damage to your pipes while you’re away, you’re not replacing them out of pocket. Plus, when you sign up, you have the opportunity to earn up to 5,000 Hudson’s Bay Rewards points.1
Get a No Obligation Home’s Smarter Living Plan Quote Today
1 Hudson’s Bay Rewards points offer may change without notice. All Hudson’s Bay Rewards points will be awarded within four to six weeks.