Tips To Prevent Water Damage While You Are Away From Home

1/10/2022 (Permalink)

Common Causes of Water Damage In Homes

A storm, leaking appliance, broken pipe, overflowing tub, and flooded basement are events that can cause major harm to the structure and the belongings of your Charlotte, NC, home. Many of these disasters can happen while homeowners are away on vacation or traveling for businesses. Thankfully, there are ways to prevent damage from water while you are away from home.

Check for Leaks

Before leaving your home for a longer period of time, check sinks and appliances for any leaks or cracks in pipes. If you’ve noticed low water pressure, issues with appliances, or higher than usual utility bills, contact a professional to repair the issue before you leave. Checking the roof, windows and shingles are important to preventing water damage. One easy-to-miss leak is a toilet that won’t stop running. You may not experience water damage with this issue, but a high water bill will likely come your way. There are a few simple ways to test your toilet, like putting food coloring in the tank. 

Inspect Hoses and Sump Pumps

Kinked or damaged hoses are an unexpected source of water damage. Look at the lines connected to major appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers. If the hoses are damaged it is time to replace them. Make sure to check any appliances you may have recently moved as the hoses may have kinked or disconnected. Keep in mind older appliances may need updated hoses as older hoses are made of materials that degrade faster than the current standards. 

If your home has a sump pump, check that it is working properly. Run the pump for a while and listen for any strange sounds and make sure that the water is being pumped away from your home. It is a good idea to invest in a battery backup in case power is lost. A properly working sump pump could save your home from serious damage if you aren’t home to stop the water. 

Insulate Pipes During Cold Weather 

Exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing during cold winter months. If you are heading out of town during chilly weather, taking a moment to investigate your pipes is important. Protect your pipes from freezing by insulating them with sleeves made from rubber or fiberglass. These are easy to find at your local home improvement store and only take a few minutes to install. Failure to insulate your pipes during cold weather may result in pipe repair or even extensive water damage to your home.

Ask a Neighbor for Help

After a visual inspection of your home, you should enlist the help of a neighbor or a trusted friend. It is best to have someone watch your home while you are away. Make sure they know where the water main is and how to turn it off. Make sure the heat is turning on in the winter months to prevent freezing, and the air conditioning comes on in the summer to prevent mold growth. 

Follow these tips to decrease your chances of water damage. If you do experience water damage, after getting any necessary repairs, call SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County at (704) 840-6112 to help with the cleanup. We make it "Like it never even happened.”

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