Preparing for Holiday Travel? Tips To Keep Your Home Safe

11/23/2018 (Permalink)

Christmas and New Year’s holidays are quickly approaching. When leaving home for vacation, few people consider prepping their homes to prevent water damage. Most people go through a checklist of turning off or unplugging kitchen gadgets, but what happens if you have a leak and need a water pipe repair while you are away? A broken pipe can do a lot of damage, especially if it is left unattended for several days. 

Before leaving for an extended vacation, check your home for leaks. Examine the pipes under the sink and the water heater for any cracks or rust. Consider purchasing a water alarm that sends text alerts to your phone. Inspect the hoses that connect to any appliances. Insulate any exposed pipes, especially if you are leaving in the winter and expecting cold weather. A pipe that bursts due to freezing conditions requires repair immediately. Ask a neighbor, friend or family member if they can check in on your home periodically. If you must leave water on consider turning off the water main and drain the pipes. 

It is important to not only prep your home to prevent damage from a leak but also from a storm. Make sure your gutters are cleaned so water can flow freely through them. Check your sump pump to make sure it’s functioning properly; clear out any debris you see. Test it by filling the sump pit and turning on the pump. Check window seals and your roof for any leaks; this is especially important for areas that experience heavy rains or storms. . Returning from a vacation to find your house flooded can be devastating. A simple water pipe repair can escalate into a larger problem and can induce microbial growth. Take the time to prep your home against intruding water before you leave so that you can enjoy your vacation worry free. If you experience a problem make sure to call SERVPRO of Lynnwood at 425-774-1148 to help you mitigate any damage.