Going away on a long vacation is supposed to be relaxing, but if loose ends are not tied up at home, you might find yourself stressing out about the possibility of things gone wrong.
Water damage from unexpected leaks and flooding can occur if the proper steps are not taken to prevent it before you leave.
Image credit: Simon Howden | FreeDigitalPhotos.net
There are several easy ways to protect your home from water damage.
Check for existing leaks
Check your home for any leaks that may already be causing problems in your home.
Even small leaks can become a big problem if left unchecked. Plumb Perfect Ltd., a company of experienced plumbers in Mississauga, recommends that you pay special attention to the pipes under the sink and the water heater.
Also, check the roof for any damaged shingles that could let rain leak into the ceiling during bad weather. While you’re up there, clean out the rain gutters and downspouts to prevent water from backing up.
Check appliance hoses
Major appliances like the washing machine and dishwasher will have hoses that connect into the wall. Remove any kinks from the hoses and check that they are in working condition. Older hoses may need to be replaced.
Prevent pipes from freezing
If you will be gone during long periods of cold weather, insulate any exposed pipes to keep them from freezing. The hardware store will have foam rubber sleeves that fit over the pipes and bib protectors for outdoor spigots.
It is tempting to turn off the furnace as you are leaving to save some money on utility bills, but leaving your pipes to the cold increases their chances of freezing. Leave the heater on a low temperature to keep it running.
Leave someone in charge
Ask a friend or a trusted neighbor to look in on your home while you are gone. They should make sure the heater is running and that your pipes have not frozen or burst. If there is a problem with the pipes, they should know where the water main is to turn off all water flowing in the home.
If no one is available, go ahead and turn off the water before you go. Drain all pipes by running the water and flushing the toilets.
By taking these preventative measures, you will have a more relaxing time away from home. There will be no surprises when you get home. Rest assured that your pipes are taken care of and your house is safe from water damage.
Savannah Coulsen
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I think if it was not for water heated that would have to be re lighted , I would do my house like my RV and turn off all water and drain the pipes if gone for any length of time.Travis Ann.
For someone who travels a lot, these tips will really be a big help. Thanks for sharing them to us.
I often have our neighbors son look at our homes whenever I’m away, but I guess prevention and these preparation will be of great help.
As an independent water damage contractor I have seen it happen over and over again, people’s excitement will almost always get the best of them and make them forget. These are great tips and certainly a must when planning to go away from home. Thanks for sharing, great job…