When leaving home for an extended time, which utilities should I shut off and why?

Short answer

If you’ll be away for more than a week, shut off the main water supply and water to individual appliances, set your water heater to Vacation (or off), leave electricity on but turn off non-critical breakers, and only shut gas off if no appliances (like your furnace or water heater) need it while you’re gone. Keep critical systems powered: HVAC, sump pump, security, and any leak detectors.

Why and what to shut off

• Water (Recommended): The fastest way to prevent catastrophic leaks from pipes, toilets, ice makers, or washing machine hoses while you’re away. Even a slow leak can cause major damage over days.
• Water heater: Prevents energy waste and protects the tank if you’ve shut off the water. Gas heaters have a Vacation setting; electric units can be turned off at the breaker once water is off.
• Electricity (Selective): Keep power on for HVAC, sump pump, alarms, smart home, and possibly the fridge. You can switch off non-critical circuits (range, dryer, garage workshop, exterior outlets) to reduce risk.
• Gas (Case-by-case): If your heating or water heating uses gas and needs to run, leave gas on. If it’s summer and you’ve turned off the water heater and have no other gas appliances running, you can shut gas at individual appliances. Only close the main gas valve if you understand relight procedures or your utility requires a technician to restore service.

Step-by-step checklist

1) Water

• Locate the main shutoff valve (usually where the main line enters near a basement wall, crawlspace, utility room, or at a curb stop with a street box).
• Turn clockwise to close. Open a faucet (lowest level) and another at the top floor to relieve pressure and confirm it’s off.
• Close individual supply valves to major appliances:
  • Toilets: Turn the stop valve at the wall.
  • Washing machine: Close both hot and cold valves.
  • Dishwasher & fridge/ice maker: Close the small inline valve feeding them.
• Outdoor spigots: Shut their interior supply valves and drain exterior lines.

2) Water heater

• Gas tank: Set to Vacation or the lowest setting. If you fully shut water off and will be away for a long time, you can shut the gas control to “Off.”
• Electric tank: After shutting water off, turn the water heater breaker off so the elements don’t fire on an empty tank.
• Tankless: Use Vacation/Low setting, or turn off per the manual.

Suggested setpoints:
- Winter thermostat: 55–60°F (13–16°C)
- Summer thermostat: 78–85°F (25–29°C) with humidity control if available

3) Electricity

• Leave the main breaker on.
• Turn off non-critical circuits at the panel (label them first if not already). Common candidates: electric range, electric dryer, garage workbench circuits, exterior outlets used for décor.
• Keep on: HVAC, sump pump, fridge (if you leave it running), security system, routers/smart devices.

4) Gas

• If heat or a standby generator needs gas, leave gas on.
• If not needed, shut off at the appliance valves (quarter-turn valves on the gas line near the appliance). Avoid closing the meter’s main valve unless you know your utility’s relight policy.

5) HVAC and humidity

• Set your thermostat to safe, energy-saving levels (see above). In cold climates, never turn heat off entirely—pipes can freeze.
• If you have a dehumidifier, leave it on with a drain hose to a floor drain or condensate pump.

6) Appliances & fixtures

• Refrigerator: Either leave on (set a higher temp, discard perishables), or empty, clean, prop doors open, and unplug to prevent odors/mold.
• Ice maker: Switch off or lift the wire arm.
• Garbage disposal & drains: Run briefly with water and a bit of ice/lemon to clear smells.
• Traps: For long winter absences in frost-prone areas, pour a few ounces of RV/marine non-toxic antifreeze into floor drains, shower/sink traps, and toilet bowls to reduce evaporation and freeze risk.

7) Special systems

• Sump pump: Test it and keep its circuit on. Consider a battery backup.
• Irrigation: Turn water supply off; set controller to Rain/Off. In freezing regions, schedule a blowout before winter.
• Well systems: If shutting water off, switch off the well pump breaker and water softener.
• Pool/spa: Don’t shut down mid-winter unless properly winterized. Keep circulation and freeze protection active or hire a service.

Tools and materials

• Adjustable wrench or water meter key (for curb stop boxes)
• Flashlight/headlamp
• Non-contact voltage tester (for panel work)
• Screwdriver set
• Labels or panel directory stickers; marker
• Towels/bucket
• RV/marine antifreeze (non-toxic, propylene glycol) for traps
• Smart plugs or timers for lights

Approximate time: 30–90 minutes for most homes. Cost: minimal, typically under $25 unless purchasing antifreeze/labels.

Safety considerations

• Electric panel: Stand on a dry surface, use one hand to operate breakers, and avoid metal jewelry. Verify circuits with a non-contact tester.
• Gas: If you smell gas, leave the home and call your utility. Don’t attempt relighting unfamiliar pilots.
• Water heater: Never power an electric heater with no water. Confirm water supply before turning its breaker back on.

Tips for best results

• Label your breakers and key shutoff valves now—future you will thank you.
• Take phone photos of valve positions and thermostat settings before you leave.
• Install smart leak detectors/shutoff valves near water heater, laundry, and sinks.
• Ask a neighbor to check in; many insurance policies require periodic occupancy checks.

Common mistakes

• Turning off the main power and disabling the sump pump or security system.
• Shutting off heat in winter and causing frozen pipes.
• Leaving washing machine hoses pressurized; they’re a common failure point.
• Closing the main gas valve and then needing a utility visit to restore service.
• Emptying the fridge and closing the doors tight—mildew city.

When to call a pro

• Stuck or leaking main shutoff valve.
• Boiler/steam or radiant systems that need specific procedures.
• Whole-house gas shutoff/relight, especially with older pilot systems.
• Full winterization (compressor blowout) for vacant homes in freezing climates.

Taking an hour to prep your utilities can save thousands in repairs and give you peace of mind while you’re away.