Not sure if you really mean what you said! If you don't close the cutoffs and take the tubing off, be ready for a flood! Correct way will be to unplug the canister, turn the cutoffs shut and then remove the tubing to cut it off. Be aware that there will be water left in each tube waiting to drain out while you are removing the tubing from the tank. Take it to a sink,etc. before you open the cutoff. Only open the cutoffs when you want water to come out or when the tubing is connected and ready to run.