Protecting Your Home From Water Damage On Vacation

3/6/2020 (Permalink)

When going on vacation, you are always in a hurry to get out the door and hit the road. But take time the week leading up to leaving to make preventative measures against any water issues that may arise while no one is there.

Preform a Visual Inspection

This includes checking your windows, pipes, and large appliances.

Windows- Look for any leaks around the window, and check to ensure that the seals are in good condition.

Pipes- Along with broken pipes, also check and make sure there are no signs of weakness in the metal, like rust or cracks.

Appliances- Inspect hoses that run in and out of appliances for weak sections, tears, or kinks. This includes dishwashers, refrigerators, and water heaters. Doing this can also help find and prevent any slow leaks from happening without your knowledge.

Guard Against the Elements

If leaving during the colder months, leave your thermostat set to low, but never turn off the heat completely. This prevents any water pipes from freezing and bursting. Also, take the time to insulate any outdoor pipes, or any in the garage.

Enlist Backup

If possible, ask a trusted neighbor or friend to stop by and check on the house a few times while you are gone. This ensures that if there is an issue, it is quickly found and taken care of.

While you may not want to take the time to take these preventative measures, it could be the difference between arriving home to a disaster, and being able to enjoy being in the comforts of home.