How to Prevent Water Damage While On Vacation

7/29/2019 (Permalink)

DO AN INSPECTION 

Do a thorough inspection of every water-related item in your home, from the washing machine to the toilets. The more potential leaks you find and fix before you leave, the safer your home is from water damage while you're gone.

Things to inspect:

• Pipes under every sink.
• Water heater.
• Seals around windows (in case it rains).
• Appliance hoses: washing machine, dishwasher, and ice maker.
• Sump pump. Dump a bucket of water into the sump pump to ensure it's working. Make sure to listen to its motor running as well.
• Toilet tanks. Look for cracks that may worsen and leak while you're gone.

PREVENTION

• Turn off the water main.
• Drain every pipe after the water main is turned off, including outside spigots. Turn on the sink faucets until no more water comes out. Flush the toilets to drain the bowl and as much of the tank as you can.
• Put anti-freeze in the toilet bowl during the winter. Even if you turn off the water main and drain the tank, there will still be some water in the bowl. Pour marine antifreeze (which is non-toxic) into the bowl to prevent the water from freezing, expanding and cracking the porcelain.
• Insulate exposed pipes if you're leaving during the winter. You can buy the right insulation at any local hardware store.
• Leave the cupboard doors open under the sinks. This allows air to circulate around the pipes.
• Keep the HVAC system turned on. Your home needs constant air circulation to maintain itself properly. Without it, condensation can build and cause water damage or mold to grow, and pipes can freeze.
• Clean the gutters and downspouts of leaves and debris so they can divert rainwater the way they are intended to.