4 Steps for Preventing Unexpected Water Damage While on Vacation

7/30/2020 (Permalink)

Follow These Four Steps Before Leaving for Vacation

The last you want to come home to after a long, relaxing vacation is a flooded house. However, water damage can easily occur to your home in the Upper Cumberland if a necessary water pipe repair or leaking faucet is left unattended for a long period of time. Left to sit long enough, flood waters can cause extreme damage to the structure of your house and will need to be addressed by a water damage restoration company. To prevent flooding from occurring to your home and damaging your belongings while you’re away, follow these four steps before leaving for vacation.

1. Clean Gutters

Make sure to remove all dead leaves and debris from gutters before heading out on vacation. If it rains while you are gone, a clogged gutter can lead to a leaky roof which can ultimately cause extensive water damage to both the interior and exterior of your home.

2. Check Water Pipes

Make sure to examine your home’s water pipes to check for any existing issues. If you do notice a problem with your water heater, pipes, or connecting hoses, make sure to perform a water pipe repair before departing to avoid a broken pipe.

3. Shut Off Water

If possible, shut off the main water valve while you’re away as an extra precaution. If you still need some water to run the sprinkler system or water plants, then turn off any water supply valves that won’t be used while you’re gone.

4. Get Help From a Friend

Ask a trusted friend or family member to check on your home occasionally while you’re gone. In addition to asking someone to water the plants and take out the trash, ask them to keep a look out for possible leaks.

It might seem convenient to put off a water pipe repair until after you get back from vacation. However, your future self will be thankful that you were proactive in protecting your home from water damage by following these four steps.