Quote:
Originally Posted by DesertDweller
We turn the main water off at the holding tank, turn the power off to the well, and turn the hot water heater to the vacation setting every time we leave. Takes 15 seconds and gives peace of mind.
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I find it useful to evaluate questions like this that involve risk by considering two criteria:
1. What is the likelihood that the event will occur? .. and ..
2. If the event were to occur, how bad could the damage be?
Some events may be likely to occur, but if they do the resulting damage would probably be minor. Other events, however, may be relatively (or very) unlikely to occur, but if they do the damage could be significant.
This is similar to considering the possibility that a fire will burn your house down while you are away. The likelihood of it happening is very small, but the damage caused if it did happen would be catastrophic. (That's why almost everyone who owns a home buys homeowner's insurance.)
In the case of a water pipe breaking, the pressure tank leaking or rupturing, a pressure release valve letting go, etc., in your home while you are away, the chances of it happening are small. However, if one of those events does occur, the damage could be extensive.
All thing considered, following DesertDweller's advice seems prudent as it virtually eliminates the risk of incurring any significant water damage while you are away. Plus, the preventative effort is easy and doesn't cost anything.