Why the first hour matters
A slow leak in an empty house can run for weeks. Tucson's dry air hides some of it by evaporating surface water, while water under flooring, inside walls, or under a slab keeps spreading. A short, organized walk-through when you return is the fastest way to catch it.
Before you turn the water back on
- Look and smell first. Musty odor, warped baseboards, or stains mean stop and investigate before opening the main valve.
- Check the water meter. With every fixture off, open the main and watch the meter's leak indicator for a few minutes. If it moves, water is going somewhere.
- Open the main slowly and listen for hissing in walls or under floors.
Room-by-room
- Kitchen: under the sink, behind the dishwasher kick plate, and the refrigerator ice-maker line.
- Bathrooms: toilet supply lines, around the toilet base, and under vanities.
- Laundry: washer hoses (rubber hoses can crack while idle) and the floor behind the machine.
- Water heater: the floor around the tank, the relief valve outlet, and fittings on top.
- Ceilings: stains under the roof, evaporative cooler, or AC air handler.
- Floors: warm spots or cracks in tile can point to a slab leak. See our slab leak signs guide.
If you find water
Close the main, photograph everything, and call your insurer to ask about their process. Then follow our first 24 hours guide. If drywall, cabinets, or flooring are wet, a restoration contractor can measure moisture inside walls. We can refer you to an independent contractor who serves your area.
Before you leave next spring
- Shut off the main or ask a plumber about a shut-off you can control remotely.
- Set a plan with a neighbor or home-watch service to check the house.
- Drain and disconnect the evaporative cooler.
- Consider water leak sensors near the water heater, washer, and sinks.
Common questions
Should I shut off my water while I'm away?
Many owners do. Ask a plumber about anything that needs water while you are gone, such as irrigation or a water softener.
Will insurance cover a leak that happened while I was away?
Policies vary, and some have vacancy or long-term leak conditions. Ask your insurer.
Need a restoration contractor in Tucson?
Tell us what happened and we'll refer you to an independent contractor.