The holidays are a great time to travel and reunite with distant loved ones or take that much-needed relaxing vacation. And the last thing you want to be doing on your holiday retreat is worrying about water damage. After all, going on vacation over the holidays should alleviate your stress–not add to it. Here are a few go-to tips for homeowners while away on vacation to best avoid water damage and enjoy a stress-free trip.
How to Prevent Water Damage During Christmas Vacation
1. Turn Off the Water
Simply put, doing this will help homeowners prevent water damage while they’re away. Even while turning off the water may seem like an inconvenience, it can prevent water damage when you return from your trip.
If you don’t know where the main shut-off valve is in your house, you might want to hire a pro to do it for you.
2. Drain the Pipes
There is one more thing you must be sure to do if you want to shut off the water at the main water line valve.
When it is very cold outside, the water that is still in those pipes may freeze and leak, creating pressure that may cause your pipes to burst. Even if you think you were safe by not turning the water off, this could seriously harm your house. After turning off the main valve, make sure to completely drain the pipes.
3. Consider Your Appliances
If you need to keep the water on for any reason, it’s a good idea to turn off the valves to all of your large appliances, such as a pool pump or an automated sprinkler system.
Shut off appliances like the ice maker, dishwasher, and dryer. These should have easily accessible switches or valves for turning them off. And make sure not to forget about common leak causes, like your sinks and toilets. These should have a straightforward valve system underneath them as well.
4. Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts
This may not be exactly how you want to spend your time before going on holiday vacation, but it’s a necessary checklist item.
And it’s very important if you’re going away for an extended period of time, especially during the months of the year when rain and snow are likely. If leaves and debris have clogged up these areas and it rains or snows while you’re away, the water could cause severe damage to your home.
5. Keep Your HVAC On
You may be considering switching off your heating and cooling system while you’re on vacation. The problem is, however, that a buildup of condensation can freeze and cause damage to your home.
This mainly happens when your air isn’t circulating, and may even aid in the growth of mold and mildew. Don’t worry about running the system too hot; just keeping the home at a mild temperature above 55 can be a good idea while you’re away.
6. Ask a Friend or Neighbor
It’s never a bad idea to have a trusted friend or relative check on your home from time to time while you’re away during the holidays. Have them check if there are any noticeable leaks or clogged gutters. And make sure to ask them to check for any general HVAC issues, etc.
No matter how well you prepare your home for the worst when you’re gone, water damage can still occur while you’re on vacation. If you find that water damage does occur, you’ll need an expert to help you clean it up and restore your home back to its proper condition.
Call DRIRITE® for Water Damage Restoration in Tampa Bay Area
When the pipes in your home or business bathroom malfunction and create a flood, contact the team of technicians at DRIRITE®. We provide fast and convenient burst pipe and water damage repair services throughout the Tampa Bay area. We’re a reputable restoration company with experience reviving properties after flood damage, clogged pipes, leaking faucets, and many more.
Our water mitigation and restoration processes are designed to keep you worry-free. We’ll contact your insurance company and revive your property quickly and efficiently.
Do you have a water damage emergency? Call DRIRITE® at (813) 283-2202 for 24-hour emergency services.
Chief Executive Officer
Mike Campbell is a highly experienced professional specializing in structural drying, mold remediation, and environmental consulting. With certifications such as OSHA HAZWOPER, council-certified microbial remediator, and state of Florida licensed mold remediator, he offers tailored solutions to clients at DriRite. With specialized training from the IICRC, Mike is equipped with advanced skills in categories such as applied structural drying, commercial drying, and water damage restoration. This expertise allows him to deliver comprehensive and effective solutions to water-related issues. His dedication to providing exceptional service and expertise makes him a valuable resource in the field.
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