You don't have to unhook the backflush hose if you add a shut off valve on the end of the hose inside the compartment where the hose hooks on the back flush. I had the park turn off the water and later turn it back on and turned both legs of my Y connector on. I was lucky enough to return shortly after and could hear the noise from the flusher running in the tank. Ishut it off before it overflowed and installed shut off in compartment where no one has access.