Preparing for Holiday Travel? Avoid Water Damage While You’re Away With These Simple Steps
Before leaving for vacation, you have a checklist: make sure the stove is off, turn off all the lights, lock the front door, close the garage, etc. It’s time to add another item to that list: take steps to avoid water damage. By taking the proper precautions, you can fully enjoy your vacation, focusing on relaxation with family and friends.
So, where should you inspect, what should you turn off, and who should you call in case of emergency? This may seem like much to consider, but our water damage repair experts at PureDry are happy to provide quick and easy answers. Alright, let’s prepare your home for any possible issues while you’re away.
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What To Inspect Before Going on Vacation This Holiday
Your home has more water-related appliances and fixtures than you might think. Before you hit the road, make sure you have inspected the following:
- Washing machine
- Dishwasher
- Sump pump
- Toilets and toilet tanks
- Showerheads
- Faucets and pipes under sinks
- Window seals
- Water heater
10 Ways To Help Prevent Water Damage While You Are Away
Now that you know what appliances to inspect before heading out, what can you do to prevent water damage from happening? While there are multiple ways to protect your home while you’re away, start by prioritizing these ten essential steps:
1. Inspect and Repair
Inspecting your appliances and fixtures before leaving for vacation is essential. If you find any leaks or corrosion, it is a great idea to promptly fix those before they worsen. Some smaller leaks can be fixed using basic tools and sealants, but for anything more concerning, contact a plumber immediately.
2. Clear Gutters and Downspouts
In fall and winter, your gutters and downspouts are more likely to become clogged with leaf clutter and other debris. Removing all blockages from your gutters will lower the chances of any water seeping into your home.
3. Shut Off the Water Supply
Turning off your main water shut-off valve is the best way to prevent any leaking or burst pipes while you’re away. Turning off this valve blocks all water flow into your home. Before you leave, test that your shut-off valve is working properly. You can do this by turning on faucets and fixtures in your home; if no water comes out, your shut-off valve is functional.
4. Drain and Insulate Pipes
In fall and winter, your pipes may be at risk of freezing and bursting, especially in the Seattle area. To avoid these issues, drain all pipes of remaining water. For any exposed outdoor pipes, it’s best to insulate them with tape or foam sleeves.
5. Install a Sump Pump
Sump pumps remove excess water resulting from a basement flood, making them a crucial line of defense against long-term water damage. Sometimes, when a flood is bad enough, a sump pump can become overwhelmed—to prevent this, installing a backup sump pump may be recommended.
6. Install an Automatic Water Shutoff Valve
Automatic water shutoff valves monitor your plumbing system’s water flow. If it detects a leak or any other concerning activity, it automatically shuts off your water supply. Not only is this useful while on vacation, but it is also great for the late hours of the night when no one can see or hear any plumbing issues.
7. Invest in a Home Monitoring System
A home monitoring system allows you to watch over several aspects of your home remotely. Some systems include water sensors, cameras, and options to shut off the main water supply. For homeowners looking to invest in extra levels of security, a home monitoring system may be a perfect option.
8. Set Your Thermostat
To avoid frozen and burst pipes, ensure that your thermostat is set to keep your home’s interior temperature above freezing. Keeping your thermostat at an appropriate temperature will also properly control your home’s humidity, preventing mold and mildew from taking over your basement.
9. Shut off Appliances
Shutting off and unplugging your appliances not only prevents water damage, it also lowers your energy bill. In the event of a power surge, having unplugged appliances will also reduce the risk of a fire.
10. Notify Neighbors, Friends, and Your Insurance Company
When leaving your home for an extended period, it’s important to inform the people you know and trust. Trusted neighbors and friends can contact you about any perceived emergencies and, if necessary, can check on your home for you.
Keeping your insurance company in the loop can also be a great help to your peace of mind and preparation. They will be able to discuss any recommended home preparations with you, along with coverage options in the event of an emergency.
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Is It a Good Idea To Turn off the Water When on Vacation?
Shutting off your water is the best way to prevent unexpected water damage while on vacation. There are no downsides to this, as it will not damage your pipes whatsoever.
When you shut off your water, test your faucets and fixtures to ensure that nothing comes out.
What Should You Turn Off in Your House When You Go on Vacation?
Home prep for your vacation should go beyond shutting off your water. To avoid high energy bills and potential fires, you should turn off or unplug the following:
- All lights
- Televisions and other electronics
- Air conditioner
- Water heater
- Microwaves, air fryers, and ice makers
Water Does More Than Damage Your Home
Remember that when you take precautions to avoid damage to your house, you are protecting more than just a physical space. You are protecting your quality of life, your finances, and all the good memories you’ve had in the place you call home.
Taking extra steps to protect your peace of mind is priceless. Even if it takes some extra work, you will find that waterproofing your home is one of the smartest, most beneficial decisions you can make. A little bit of care can be the difference between returning to a waterlogged basement or a wonderfully cozy one.
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Trust PureDry for Expert Water Damage Restoration
Before you leave for the holidays, trust PureDry to help with any water damage mitigation efforts. We install and inspect sump pumps and can detect areas where your home may be susceptible to future water damage.
If your home has already been struck by water damage, you can book an appointment with us or call our 24/7 emergency service line at (425) 600-9815. As the Seattle area’s highest-rated water damage restoration company, we can handle everything from water removal to full water damage repair, ensuring that water damage won’t return to your home any time soon.
We understand that water damage can uproot your life, which is why our expert technicians act quickly, safely, and thoroughly to ensure that your experience doesn’t include any more stress. We will keep open and honest communication with you throughout the restoration process, and we can also help you with making insurance claims. To review the water damage claim process, you can review this comprehensive guide. Remember, at PureDry Restoration, we do more than just restore water damage. We restore lives.
