Preparing for a vacation or an extended stay away from home should be an exciting time, it shouldn’t come with the anxiety of returning to damage in your home. Simple preventative measures significantly reduce the risk of coming home to a disaster. Implementing these steps allows you to fully enjoy your time away. Here are some pre-vacation tips to protect your home from water damage: 

Regular Inspections and Maintenance

Conduct inspections of your home regularly, looking for any signs of water damage or potential entry points for water. Check roofing, sealants, windows, and doors for signs of deterioration that might allow water to enter. Early detection prevents expensive repairs. Keeping your appliances and plumbing fixtures in a good state is essential. Regularly inspecting and replacing worn hoses, fittings, and connections prevent leaks. It’s also important to follow manufacturer recommendations for maintenance, such as periodically flushing your water heater to avoid sediment buildup, which commonly causes malfunctions or leaks.

Locate Your Home’s Water Shutoff Valves

Knowing the location and operation of your main water shutoff valve is important in emergencies. Additionally, knowing how to access and operate the shutoff valves for specific areas and appliances makes the difference between a minor mop-up and extensive water damage repairs. Regularly check these valves to ensure they are working properly, as they seize up over time.

Only Use Appliances When You’re at Home

It’s best to operate dishwashers, washing machines, and other appliances while you are home and awake. This ensures that you quickly intervene if an appliance starts to malfunction or leak. Immediate action not only cuts off the problem at its source but also prevents the spread of water, protecting your home from potential damage.

Install Leak Detection Sensors

Installing leak detection sensors in vulnerable areas such as near water heaters, beneath sinks, and around the bases of toilets provides an early alert to any moisture issues. These sensors are especially valuable in hidden areas that aren’t regularly checked. Early detection prevents minor leaks from escalating into major floods, especially when you are not there to address them.

Invest in Automatic Water Shutoff Systems

Automatic shutoff systems monitor water flow and detect irregularities that may suggest a leak. Upon detection, these systems automatically cut off the water supply, significantly reducing the risk of water damage. This feature is especially useful when you're away.

Shut Off the Water Supply for Extended Absences

If you plan to be away from your home for several weeks or more, shutting off the main water supply is a wise precaution. This complete shutdown prevents any water movement within pipes, thereby eliminating the risk of leaks or pipe bursts while you are away.

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Taking proactive steps to protect your home from water damage saves you time, money, and stress. By implementing these tips, you ensure that your property remains safe and dry, allowing you to enjoy your vacation without concerns. Always remember, the best protection against water damage is prevention!

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