Away from Home? Prevent Water Damage While You’re Away

6/20/2019 (Permalink)

Don't return from vacation to find water damage at your home. Following these tips will help insure that doesn't happen.

Many things can go wrong in your home while you’re away on vacation, including leaks and water damage. Read the steps below to learn how to help prevent and reduce the risk of water damage when you’re out of town:

Check for Leaks

Before you leave for vacation, be sure to check around your house for any leaks. Check pipes under sinks, your water heater, or anything resembling rust, cracks, or other damage. It’s important to check the seals around your windows and the exterior of your home as well. If you find any leakage, be sure to fix it right away so everything can be repaired and in good condition before you leave.

Inspect Appliances

Appliances such as your dishwasher, washer/dryer, and refrigerator are all connected to your home by hoses. If these hoses are damaged in any way, they can cause major water damage to your home. Inspect your appliances and, if needed, replace hoses before leaving on vacation.

Clean Your Gutters

Cleaning leaves and other debris out from your gutters before taking a vacation is an easy way to prevent potential blockage and build up.

Turn Off the Water

Whenever you’re away from your home for an extended period of time, 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 Someone Check on Your Home

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

Following these tips, you can enjoy your vacation with the peace of mind that your home is safe from any potential water damage that could occur while you’re away. If your home does suffer from water damage, call our team at SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast at 904.729.2401. We can help remove, repair and restore any damage to your home.