You don’t want to come home to a muddy disaster, do you?
Nothing beats a hot summer day like a dip in the pool or a game of tag through the sprinklers. But it’s no longer a fun game when water starts flooding your house. Water damage can be a real buzzkill and ruin your favorite things like your favorite rug or the Xbox you’ve saved up for months to buy. Read this before leaving to keep your home dry while on vacation.
Turn off the main water supply.
Planning for your home’s safety on vacation is crucial. Turning off the main water supply before leaving can prevent water damage. It may seem minor, but it could save your home.
Here are some ways to do it:
- Find the main shut-off valve: The water meter’s main shut-off valve is usually outside. It may also be in a basement or utility room.
- Turn off the valve: After finding the main shut-off valve, turn the valve handle clockwise to turn it off. You may need a wrench to turn the valve.
- Test the water: Turn on a faucet to test the water after shutting off the main supply. You have successfully turned off the water supply if no water comes out.
- Consider draining the pipes: If you live where pipes can freeze, consider draining your pipes after turning off the main water supply to prevent them from bursting.
- Label the valve: After turning off the main water supply, label it so that you or anyone else knows where it is and how to turn it off in an emergency.
Check your appliances
Before vacationing, check your home appliances. Leaking washing machines and dishwashers can cause water damage. Moreover, checking the devices before leaving is one way to ensure no water damage.
Here’s how:
- Look for leaks: Check around your appliances for any signs of leaks, like water stains or puddles on the floor.
- Inspect hoses and connections: Look at your appliances’ hoses and links to ensure they’re in good condition. Replace any cracks, bulges, or other damage before leaving.
- Clean your appliances: Remove debris from your devices to prevent malfunctions.
- Test your appliances: Run them to ensure they work correctly. Check for any unusual noises or other signs of problems.
Clear gutters and drains.
Water damage can happen to your home anytime, even on vacation. It’s essential to clean up before leaving. One of those steps is clearing your gutters and drains. Gutters and drains can become clogged with leaves, twigs, and other debris, which can cause water to overflow and damage your home. Moreover, clearing your gutters and drains is crucial to avoiding water damage on vacation.
Here are some tips:
- Clean your gutters: Get a ladder and climb your channels. Use gloves and a small shovel to scoop out leaves, twigs, or other debris. Be sure to also check for any clogs or blockages.
- Check your downspouts: Ensure they’re also clean after clearing your gutters. You can use a hose to flush out any debris.
- Trim trees and bushes: Trees and shrubs can drop leaves and other debris onto your roof and gutters. To prevent this, trim any trees or bushes close to your home.
- Install gutter guards: Gutter guards can help keep your gutters free of debris. Installing them is simple and saves time.
- Check your drains: Ensure all your gutters, including your outdoor drains, are debris-free. It will help prevent any water from backing up and causing damage.
Have someone check on your home.
While vacationing is fun, remember that your home still needs care. Have someone watch your home while you’re away to prevent water damage. Furthermore, having someone you trust to look after your home can help prevent problems from going unnoticed and worsening.
Methods include:
- Ask a friend or neighbor: Choose someone you trust to check on your house. Make sure they have a key or a way to access your home.
- Give them specific instructions: Tell the person you’ve chosen what to look out for. It could include checking for leaks, ensuring your sump pump works, and checking your appliances.
- Leave emergency contacts: Leave your contact information and a local plumber or repair service in case of an emergency.
Install a water detection system.
Did you know there’s a water damage-preventing alarm? A water detection system can save your furniture while you’re on vacation. In addition, this system can detect when water floods your house and alert you before it becomes a big problem.
Tips for Installing a Water Detection System
- Get a water detection system: Buy a water detection system at a hardware store or online.
- Choose the right location: Install the water detection system where water damage is most likely.
- Connect to Wi-Fi: Connect your water detection system to Wi-Fi to receive phone alerts.
- Follow manufacturer’s instructions: To correctly set up your system, read and follow the instructions.
- Test regularly: To ensure water damage alerts, test your water detection system regularly.
- Notify a neighbor: Consider notifying a trusted neighbor that you have a water detection system and ask them to check on your home if they receive an alert while you’re away.
Leave Your Worries, Not Water Damage
Now that you know how to prevent water damage to your home while on vacation, it’s time to discuss what to do if things get wet. Remember, even the most prepared can still fall victim to unexpected water damage. But there’s always a solution!
Feel free to call in the pros for a soggy situation. Water damage mitigation in Kansas City are here to save the day! They’re like superheroes with mops and dehumidifiers, ready to swoop in and protect your home from water damage.
So, if you want to keep your home safe and dry, remember to have a plan in place and reach out to those heroic clean-up contractors if you need help. Stay calm and dry, folks!