19 Oct Essential Tips To Help Prevent Water Intrusion in Your Home
It is not pleasant to discover water damage after returning from vacation. You don’t need to worry while you’re out hiking, sightseeing or enjoying a glass of wine under a small umbrella. These tips will help you keep your home dry while you are away.
It is the easiest way to prevent water damage. This valve controls water flow through your home. Make sure you show other household members where it is located in case of emergency. Before you go, turn on the faucet to test it if it is your first time turning off the main water supply valve.
Make sure you are checking your supply lines
Strong supply lines are a great way to prevent water from leaking in your home. The supply lines made of plastic can break and burst while you’re away so they are not very reliable. Take out a flashlight to see which type of supply lines are on your appliances. It’s a good idea to replace any existing plastic supply lines with stainless steel. This is also relatively inexpensive.
Check Your Fixtures and Appliances
It is only natural that appliances fail right before you leave for vacation. Do not let this surprise you upon your return. Perform a thorough inspection to identify any leaks before they happen.
These are the most important appliances and fixtures you should inspect:
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Sinks (and the pipes beneath)
- HVAC system
- Washing Machine
- Water heater
- Shower
- Toilet
This is where you should be looking for leaks, but pay attention to any unusual noises or signs of trouble. If you notice anything amiss, call the top appliance repair companies in your area to have it repaired before you go.
Take a look at Windows and Doors
Bad weather can cause damage to your home if you are away on vacation. To keep out rain, snow and pipe-freezing winds, ensure that all seals are in place.
Locate a local Window Repair Service before you leave for vacation.
Give your Gutters a once-over
Although you might not think of your gutters often, they can cause serious water damage if they are blocked up. Check for leaves, sticks, and debris that could block gutters. To be safe, clean out your gutters.
A professional gutter cleaner costs around $160, but you can do it yourself with the right safety precautions
Make sure your downspouts are at least 10 feet away from your home. Otherwise, during heavy rains, hundreds of gallons could be flooding nearby. You can extend your downspouts if they aren’t enough long.
Check Your Sump Pump
If there is a leak inside your house, the sump pump will kick in to protect you. If groundwater levels are abnormally high, the sump pump can be used as a strong defense against flooding. If you aren’t going to be there for a while, it will need to work properly.
It’s easy to check. You can simply empty a pail of water into the sump pump and watch it return water. If you have any questions, a local sump pumps repair contractor will be able to assist.
Keep Your HVAC System In Good Condition
This is especially important in winter, but it can be used all year. Your HVAC system’s constant circulation of air will keep any condensation from causing damage. It is crucial to keep your pipes from freezing in colder months.
Invest in a Smart Leak Detector
High-tech plumbing products are available to protect your home from water damage. These devices can detect and shut down leaks to prevent flooding or other water damage. You can find the latest gadgets in your local hardware store or online.
You might consider a house sitter
You might be able to find a neighbor or friend who will watch your home while your are away. They can detect leaks and prevent them from causing water damage. They’ll keep your home safer overall, as well.
Is water damage covered by homeowner’s insurance?
Water damage caused by unforeseen incidents with fixtures or appliances will be covered by homeowners’ insurance policies. Most standard policies don’t cover flood damage or sewer backups. If you have additional coverage, make sure to check your policy.