Take Steps To Protect Your Home From Water Damage While You Are Away!

6/13/2016 (Permalink)

With summer in full swing now, many families are excitedly planning summer get-aways, hoping for a stress-free vacation to relax and enjoy their time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.  In order to fully relax, it is important to have peace of mind that your home will be safe while you are away.  Water damage is one of the most common types of damage to homes. And what a nightmare it would be to return from a relaxing vacation only to find that your home has suffered major water damage! If a pipe leaks or bursts while you are away on vacation, water can destroy carpets, furniture and more, which can be very expensive. SERVPRO of Boone County would like to share some steps that you can take to help protect your home from water damage while you are out of town.

• Check your home for leaks before you leave. Be sure to look at the pipes under all sinks and inspect the water heater as well. Don’t forget to inspect the hoses that connect to major appliances such as the washing machine, dishwasher, and refrigerator to ensure that there are no kinks or damaged hoses.

• Check the exterior of your home for potential causes of water leaks. Inspect the roof and make sure there are no loose or damaged shingles. Check the downspouts and gutters and clear any blockages. Make sure window seals are in good condition and repair if needed.

• Examine your sump pump and check that it is in good working condition. Install a battery-powered backup source in case there is a power outage while you are away.

• Ask someone you trust to check your home periodically while you are gone. Make sure this person knows where the water main shut off valve is located just in case a pipe does leak or bursts.

Leaking pipes and appliances and damage caused by storms cause millions of dollars worth of damage every year. In the event that a water disaster does occur while you are away, SERVPRO of Boone County has the expertise to help restore your home.  But prevention is key when planning to be away for any length of time. So before leaving your home, be sure to take precautions to avoid returning home to a big expensive mess!