Our Top Tips for Avoiding Water Damage on Summer Vacation

6/27/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Team Fletcher is here with some tips to keep you safe during the Summer!

It’s Summer Break! Now that the kids are out of school and the summer sun is shining, many households are planning their summertime getaways. While you might be planning to be away from your home the responsibilities and risks of being a homeowner never go on vacation.

Large storms or unaddressed leaks—even minor ones—bring unwanted water into your home that can lead to property damage. Believe it or not, many homes experience water damage just due to neglecting a few key things while away on vacation.

Here are some tips to give you peace of mind so you can fully relax:

Test your sump pump before leaving

If you have a sump pump installed in your home, making sure it is working properly can turn a disastrous situation into a non-issue. You can try unplugging the sump pump and plugging it back in, and if you hear it kick on, chances are your sump pump is in working order. Another way you can test it is to pour a five-gallon bucket of water into the sump pit. If it doesn’t turn on after that, have someone come by to repair it before you leave.

Make sure you don’t leave behind any leaks

A small leak can seem like a small issue if you’re there to keep up with it, but things can go south quickly if they get any worse while you’re away. Double-check your roof, pipes, and connectors to appliances to make sure everything is sealed properly. Repair any leaks you find immediately.

Shut off your water supply

Turning off your water main or water supply can be a good idea for homeowners who won’t need the water while away from the home. A leaky pipe can’t leak if there’s no water passing through!

Have someone come by to check on things

The sooner you catch water damaging your property, the easier the mitigation and restoration process will be. So have a person you trust come by to check your property and they can report anything out of the ordinary. It can make a huge difference!