It can’t get much worse for a homeowner than returning from a vacation to water damage. This type of devastating damage can strike at any time, whether home or away. If you’re away from home, however, water damage can become even more extensive. The risk revolves around the residual damage water leaves once it can sit for a while. Once you’re there to notice it, have it corrected quickly, since the damage it causes can expand.
One of the best ways to prevent water damage in the home while you’re on vacation is to shut off the main water valve. This shuts off all of the water to your home. Be careful in winter, though, as this can also increase the risk of freezing pipes.
Pay particular attention to appliances in the home. Most of the time, you have valves that allow you to shut off water to the fridge ice maker, to the washing machine, etc.When you shut off the water at the valves, you eliminate the risk of water building up and eventually leaking.
Inspect all the water supply lines you have. Are they all stainless steel, or are some made of rubber or plastic? Courtesy Care Professional Cleaning & Restoration Services can help you with this type of inspection and upgrade. Going from an old rubber supply line to a stainless steel one costs little and can give you a lot of added peace of mind.
Prepare the exterior of your home by checking to see if you have any drain pipes around the house that may be blocked. If there’s any blockage, clear it so that if rain falls, it can directly go through the pipes and away from the household.
Cleaning your gutters can also go a long way toward avoiding water damage. Look to see if you have any debris or leaves that are clogged up in there. When gutters are clogged, water doesn’t flow away from your home and can damage your foundation. Clear the gutters, as well as the downspouts, to eliminate risk..
Check the weather before you head out on vacation. Do you see any significant rain or snowstorm in the forecast? If so, leave the indoor temperature at a level where you know no damage will be done to the pipes. If there is going to be freezing temperatures, keep the home warmer by leaving the furnace on. The temperature in the home will keep the pipes from freezing, bursting, and leaving you with quite a mess.
You can also use technology to your advantage. It can let you see into your home as well as be alerted if any water damage is detected. Using technology, you can stay on top of the house no matter where you may be.
Water damage is nothing to mess around with. It can be quite scary and really damaging when you come back from vacation to a flooded household. Courtesy Care can work with you to help prepare and also restore if need be. Our 24-hour emergency service team is here, no matter when needed!
