Idaho homeowner leaving for 12-day work trips learns why shutting off water isn't enough

Shutting off the water may seem like a sensible way to protect an empty house, but preventing frozen pipes requires more than turning a valve. 

One first-time homeowner in Idaho turned to fellow homeowners for advice on preparing their house for regular 12-day work trips.

Here's what to know

In Reddit's r/Homeowners forum, the new owner of a 1950 house sought guidance on shutting off the water, leaving faucets open, and managing the water heater. They needed to prepare their home for a year-round routine of 12-day trips followed by 12 days at home.

The original poster explained, "In my previous rental I would just lock up and turn the thermostat down," before asking, "Now that I'm in my own home, what else should I be doing?" 

The Boise homeowner added that they planned to set the thermostat between 55 and 60 degrees during trips and that the house had updated electrical systems and newly installed PEX water supply lines.

Commenters streamed into the thread to add their suggestions. One of the top comments read, "Leave the heater on, Legionnaire's disease. … In your freezer, put a penny on top of a frozen cup of water. If the penny is at the bottom when you return, your food thawed and refroze. [Now] it's all trash."

Another added, "Shutting the main off while you're gone is a great habit, but skip cracking the faucets if the water's already off. Dripping only helps when water is moving through the lines. What protects you is keeping the heat on. Set the thermostat around 55 and leave the cabinet doors open under sinks on outside walls."

A third wrote, "Check if your water heater has a vacation setting, most do. Also, clear the trash and anything in the fridge that'll turn in 12 days."

One user suggested, "talk to your insurance company and ask them what is required. In the end, the main thing is to make sure you are covered, and being upfront with them will make sure that you are, in case of a problem while you are gone."

Commenters also said that a smart thermostat could let the homeowner check indoor temperatures during a trip and adjust the heat before coming home.

One commenter even described using smart plugs to control lights and Wi-Fi temperature sensors to monitor the refrigerator and freezer. For leak detection, users recommended automatic water-shutoff detectors and sensors near the washing machine, kitchen sink, and water heater.

Where can I learn more?

Before leaving home for an extended trip, it helps to plan for frozen pipes, leaks, and emergency water shutoffs. 

• After a costly flood, a U.S. homeowner questioned why automatic leak shutoffs aren't standard.

• Homeowners were urged to locate their utility shutoffs before water, power, or gas emergencies strike.

• In the Northeast, homeowners worried about pipes freezing in unheated rooms, including their kitchen and bathroom.

Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.