Nothing is overwhelming like a vacation with fears of uncertainty. It’s a waste of time and money. The purpose most people go for vacations is to relax and re-energize. This cannot happen if your mind keeps lingering on unfinished business you left back at home or in your place of work.
This is usually what happens when you are not sure about the state you left your house in. As much as you are enjoying the vacation, in the end, you’ll go back home. Besides, this is where you’ve left most of your things and you’ll want them to be in a good state when you come back. Thus, it’s important to ensure before you leave for your much-anticipated trip, your house is in good shape. You should also do everything in your power to ensure it will remain so by the time you are coming back.
There are so many things that can go wrong in your home when you are away but the main one is water damage and that’s what this article is all about.
If you are planning to go on a long vacation and you are now wondering how you’ll protect your home from water damage during the time you’ll be away, this article shares fantastic ways you can incorporate in your home to protect it from water damage so that you enjoy your vacation to the fullest.
Install leak detection sensors
Apart from having a home sitter check on your home while you are away, another quick and easy way to protect your home from water damage is to install leak detection sensors. The sensors will give you early warnings of potential water problems around your home to help you protect against major damage. They are installed in strategic locations where water releases are likely to occur. Thanks to technology development, it’s possible for leakage alerts to be sent to your smartphone. Meaning, you’ll be the first to know any plumbing issue in your home wherever you are so that you can take the necessary precaution. Although there are some which you can install on your own, the comprehensive models will require professional installation.
Setup automatic shut-off
Another fantastic way to keep water damage problems in your house at bay is to set up automatic shut-offs. For this option, consider investing in a leak detection sensor with automatic shutoff capabilities. That way, the gadget will shut off the water supply if it detects a leakage. This is a very good option considering at times, it’s difficult to know there is a leak particularly if the place is hidden such as under the sinks.
Keep the heat on
This is for homeowners who go for vacations when their region is in winter. If this is what you do, ensure you leave the HVAC running. Even though you may be tempted to turn off your furnace now that you’ll be away from home for weeks or even months and there will be no one in the house to enjoy the comfort, remember you’ll want to come back to a dry home.
Your home central air system is meant to keep your home above freezing point during the cold season when water can easily freeze. If a frozen pipe thaws, water damage occurs very quickly. Thus, make sure you leave the heat on if you are going to be away for the better part of wintertime. When the heat is properly maintained in your house, it will prevent the water in the pipes from freezing. To help keep the interior of the floor and wall cavities where the water piping is typically located, ensure the temperature is at 55 degrees or even higher. Don’t try to avoid a small utility bill during the time you’ll be away only for you to deal with serious water consequences when you come back.
Shut off all water sources
If you know you’ll be away from home for a significant long duration, then it would be better to shut off the main water valve before leaving. This is something that most homeowners don’t usually think about but it can save you the headache that comes with water damage in a home. Although you can as well shut off the individual water valves of the major appliances and fixtures, the best option is to shut the main water valve. As long as you consult with a professional about the idea of shutting off the main water valve, it shouldn’t be an uphill task. And again, the merits of doing so are more than the demerits in case there are any.
Maintain your appliances
If you haven’t been taking regular maintenance of your appliances and fixtures, then don’t be surprised if you keep on dealing with water damage in your home. This is particularly the case if your house is old. Some leaks occur just because of wear and tear. That’s why you should be diligent about replacing any broken pipes and supply lines more often. Don’t wait until their designated lifespan is over and their functionality has completely failed. Doing so will mean that you’ll have to spend more than you would have if you were replacing them plus the water leaking from the pipes will surely damage your property.
Before you leave
Don’t be in too much hurry to go if you know you won’t be coming back home for a while. Take time to survey your home and check for any possible plumbing issues. Check all the water connections for potential problems. Ensure all the metal lines are rust-free. The base of the furnace and the hot water tanks should have no leaks or water stains around their bases. If you are leaving during the cold season, ensure you check the doors and the windows for drafts water staining. They may look harmless but they can lead to serious problems later when you are already away from home.
The worst mistake you can do as a homeowner is to underestimate a water issue that’s beginning to show and leave your home for a vacation without having it checked by an expert. Tending to any water issue means you’ll enjoy your holiday without fears and you’ll come back to a cosy home. Doesn’t that sound amazing?
Keep your home safe from water damage while vacationing
Of course, the best and quickest way to protect your home from water damage is to have someone stay behind while you are gone. But what happens when you can’t get someone trustworthy to watch your home when you are going on a long holiday? The best is to improvise the above ways. Employ them so that any time you go on a vacation, however long it is, you are guaranteed your return home will be quiet and welcoming.
