Family, friends, and travel come together around the holidays. The last thing you should worry about while on vacation is water damage. Unfortunately, water damage can strike without warning, especially if you happen to be away from home. Leaks, burst pipes, heavy snow or rain storms, and flooding cause water damage. There are a number of steps that homeowners should take to protect their homes from water damage, especially when they’re on vacation.
1. Turn Off the Water Supply
Turning off your house’s main supply while away can prevent water damage. Broken pipes and water leaks may do a lot of damage, especially if left unattended, may cause considerable damage.
- Find Your Main Water Valve: Locate your main water shutoff, which is typically found in basements and crawl spaces. Turn it counterclockwise to stop the water flow.
- Verify the Pipes: If you plan to leave your home for a while, inspect all pipes, including those in basements and attics. Also, check under sinks. Turning off the tap greatly reduces the risk of serious water damage.
2. Keep The Heat On
Many homeowners shut off the heat at home while on vacation to cut down on energy bills, especially in unheated places like attics or garages. When water freezes, it expands, causing pipes to burst.
- Set up the Thermostat: Make sure your thermostat is set at least 55 degrees F. Even if you are away, this low-temperature setting will help keep your pipes in good condition.
3. Insulate Vulnerable Areas
Winter months can be particularly harsh on certain parts of your home. Check for areas with exposed plumbing or that are poorly insulated. You need to be extra careful if your region has freezing temperatures.
- Piping Insulation: Insulate pipes in nonheated places, such as basements, attics, or garages. Wrap the pipes in foam insulation or heat-resistant tape to maintain a consistent temperature.
- Sealing Gaps and Drafts: Check areas around vents, doors, and windows for drafts. Weather stripping or caulk can help seal these gaps to keep out cold air and let warm air in.
4. Secure Your Home’s Exterior
Your home’s outside is constantly exposed to the weather, but during winter months, it is especially vulnerable. When your home’s exterior isn’t adequately protected from harsh weather, like heavy rain or a snowstorm, it can result in water intrusion.
- Debris-Free Gutters: Clean your gutters, downspouts, and other drainage systems before you leave. Clogged gutters can lead to water backing up and overflowing, which could damage the roof or foundation.
- Windows and Roof: Inspect your windows for broken or missing shingles. Make sure your windows and doors are sealed well to prevent leaks during a hurricane.
5. Know When To Call A Water Remediation Company
Water damage can happen despite all precautions. When you discover that there has been water damage to your home, you must act quickly to avoid further damage. A water restoration company can restore homes damaged by water. Services include water extraction, mold prevention, and drying.
- Rapid Response: Water damage won’t wait. And the longer the problem is left untreated, the worse it becomes. If you contact a Water Remediation Company right away, they can prevent the spread of the water damage.
- Expert Analysis: A water remediation service can determine the extent and severity of the damages, offer a drying solution, and even prevent mildew and mold from developing.
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6. Check Your Insurance Coverage
Review your home insurance policy before leaving on holiday. Make sure you are covered for any water damage. Some policies will not cover specific types of water damage, such as floods or pipe bursts unless they are accompanied by additional coverage.
- Insurance Against Flood: If you live near a flood-prone area, you may wish to purchase insurance against flooding.
- Renter’s insurance: Check if your policy includes accidental water damage. If so, you will need to know what steps to follow to make a claim.
Conclusion
While you may be away from home for the holidays, water damage can still occur. However, you may reduce the risk by adopting the right measures. If you shut off the water and maintain a constant temp, secure your home’s outside, and install modern leak detection devices, you can help prevent water damage. In the event of a disaster, knowing how to contact a water restoration company is essential to restoring your home to pre-damage conditions. Enjoy your holiday without worrying that your home is safe.