When it comes to insurance claims, one of the topmost reasons is water damage. Expensive water damage problems are generally caused by leaking pipes, storms, icy weather, and leaking appliances. The only thing worse than water damage is the kind that happens when there’s nobody home because of the holidays.
A pipe that bursts when you’re not around, for example, means there can be days of stagnant water just wrecking carpets and furniture. Your home’s very structural integrity will be compromised, too. Worst of all, toxic mold can start to spread given all of the extra moisture.
Here are some steps you can take to help prevent water damage in your home before leaving for your holiday.
Check the Weather Forecast
Before you leave for your holiday, you should find out whether it’s likely to rain or snow while you’re away. If the weather is going to be particularly bad, make sure to check your gutters, downpipes, and roof for any leaks.
Consider Technology Solutions
Water flow can be sensed by automatic shut-offs, which is great for leaks being automatically shut off. It’s important to check in with a local hardware store or research online to know the appropriate technology solution for your home.
Identify All Sources of Water in Your Home
You’ll want to do a thorough inspection of your home to identify all sources of water. Check toilets, showers, bathtubs, sinks, light fixtures, washing machine hoses, faucets, air conditioners, etc.
You’ll want to check them all to ensure they are not leaking or have any signs of leakage or damage. If you are leaving your home for an extended period, test out the water fixtures and appliances to make sure they’re working properly and will turn off and on without any issues.
Run a Gutter Check
Make sure you check your gutters before you leave. Remove anything that could lead it to get blocked, clogged, or overflow. That includes leaves, sticks, feathers, and similar debris. The water from downspouts should be around 10 feet from the outside.
Take Your Appliances Into Consideration
To find the shutoff valve, close off the water supply to the faucet or fixture you want to check. Turn the water back on and let it run until the water pressure builds up to where you can feel it underneath the valve. Once you feel that pressure, you’ve found the valve. Now, turn the valve in a way that stops the water flow. If you can’t feel any pressure, you’ve found the valve.
Turn Off the Main Water Valve to the House
You’ll need to turn off the water at the main shutoff valve before you leave for your holiday. Or, you can turn off the individual valves to the toilets, sinks, baths, and showers, and leave the water on for your plants.
Conclusion
Going off on holiday is one of the most exciting times of the year. A key part of preparing for the trip is to prevent your home from getting water damage in the event of any accidents like burst pipes. Great ways to do this include turning the main water valve off, considering technology solutions, and checking the weather beforehand. But in the event that water damage still happens, make sure to get in touch with a water damage restoration company to handle the aftermath.
Are you in need of water damage restoration? Reach out to Restoration Matters today! We’re an independent, locally owned and operated company that can service both residential and commercial buildings alike.
