Should I Turn My Water Off When I Go On Holiday? You’ve packed the suitcases, locked the windows, and set the alarm. But as you’re about to pull out of the driveway, one question usually springs to mind: “Should I have turned off the water?”

At Mr24HourPlumber, we’ve seen the devastating effects of a burst pipe while a homeowner is away. A small leak can turn into a domestic disaster in just a few days. Here is everything you need to know about securing your plumbing before your next getaway.

The Short Answer: Yes (Usually)

In almost every scenario, turning off your internal stopcock is the safest option. Plumbing systems are under constant pressure. If a flexible hose on a kitchen tap or a seal on a toilet cistern fails while you’re at home, you’ll notice it quickly. If it happens while you’re on a beach in Spain, that water will flow unchecked until you return, potentially causing thousands of pounds in structural damage.

Why You Should Turn It Off

  • Prevention of Water Damage: Even a pinhole leak can release hundreds of litres of water over a week, ruining floors, ceilings, and electrics.
  • Peace of Mind: You won’t spend your holiday worrying about the “what ifs” every time you see a rainy forecast.
  • Insurance Requirements: Some UK home insurance policies actually require you to turn off the water or maintain a minimum temperature if the property is unoccupied for a set period (usually 14–30 days).

When You Might Leave It On

There are a few exceptions where you might keep the water flowing:

  1. Automated Garden Irrigation: If you have a sprinkler system on a timer that requires the mains.
  2. Certain Heating Systems: Some older central heating systems require a constant water supply to maintain pressure. However, most modern “sealed” combi-boiler systems will operate fine for a week or two with the mains off.
  3. Extremely Cold Weather: In the depths of a UK winter, some people prefer to leave the water on and the heating on a “frost protection” setting to prevent pipes from freezing and cracking.

The “Holiday Prep” Checklist

If you decide to shut off the water, follow these steps to ensure a smooth return:

  • Locate the Stopcock: It’s usually under the kitchen sink, in a hallway cupboard, or under the stairs. Ensure it turns easily; if it’s stuck, don’t force it—call a plumber to service it.
  • Drain the Lines: After turning the stopcock off, open the lowest tap in the house (usually the kitchen cold tap) to drain the remaining water from the pipes.
  • Switch Off the Water Heater: If you have a traditional hot water cylinder, turn off the immersion heater to avoid heating an empty tank.
  • Check the External Stopcock: If your internal valve is faulty, you may need to use the external one (usually located near the boundary of your property).