Planning a Summer Vacation?

4/30/2019 (Permalink)

It is not a pleasant thought, but many things can go wrong when you leave your home on vacation. The types of things this article is going to focus on are water losses. More specifically we going to talk about different thing you as a homeowner can do to protect your home from water damage while you are out of town.

The following guidelines can reduce the risk of water damage while your home is vacant during vacation:

Check your home for moisture leaks – Prior to leaving on vacation, check around your property’s fixtures, drains and any other water features in or around your home for leaks and signs of wear and tear. Pay special attention to pipes under sinks, your water heater, make note to repair if possible. Should you find rust, cracks, or other damage to pipes, fixtures and/or drains. It’s important to check the seals around your windows and the exterior of your home as well. If you find any leakage, it should be fixed right away by a trained professional.

Inspect your appliances - In our experience, appliances that you use on a daily basis that have water supply lines like dishwashers, washer/dryers, and refrigerators have a propensity to leak. Should you find any damaged supply or drain lines you should replace them as soon as possible and without fail before leaving your home on vacation. Damage to either supply lines or drain lines can cause major water damage to your home or business.

Cleanup around the exterior of your property - Before going on vacation an easy way of preventing outside water from getting in to your home is to clean your gutters. By cleaning leaves and other debris from your gutters before going on vacation it will also prevent potential blockages from building up while you are away. Clear all downspouts so that water can quickly and easily  drain away from the structure.

Turn off the water - Whenever you leave your home for an extended period of time, it’s important to turn off the water main and make sure the pipes are completely drained. This will stop any water from continually leaking in your home while you’re away. Simply run the water and flush your toilet after you turn off the water.

Have trusted neighbor or family member check on your property - Coordinate to have someone you trust to come over and check on your home while you’re away. Having a friend, neighbor, or family member keep an eye on your property can help keep it in good shape, and they can notify you immediately if something goes wrong.

With these tips, you can truly enjoy your vacation with the peace of mind that your home is safe from any potential water damage that could occur in your absence. If your home does suffer from water damage, call our team at SERVPRO of Bartow County. We can help remove, repair, and restore any damage to your home.