Going anywhere this summer? What would you do if while on vacation, you received a call about your basement being flooded? Can you imagine the catastrophe?
Your home is the epicenter of your daily life. Whether you live in a studio apartment in the city or a family home in the suburbs, water damage can cause much grief and stress. So how do we prevent water damage?
What you will learn:
How to Prevent Water Damage While Traveling.
So many things can happen while you are away. What if rainwater finds its way into your home? What if your hot water heater bursts? What about your sump pump, if it fails and causes pipes to burst, will you be covered?
If you have travel plans, talk to your advisor or take a moment to look over these tips to help ensure that your home is protected while you are gone.
Protect your Home from Inside:
- Is the house going to be empty the duration of your trip? If so, shut off the main water supply and ensure anyone residing in the house knows where it is located in case of emergency.
- If you have a flow-based water shut off device, set it to “away” mode.
- Check for leaks. Common areas include near your water heater, under appliances and sinks or along water supply lines.
- Repair any cracked caulking throughout your house to prevent leaks.
- Inspect water lines. Keep a close eye on those that are over five years old or have signs of wear and tear.
- If you have sensor-based leak detectors, ensure they are functioning.
- If someone will be watering your plants or collecting your mail, ask them to keep an eye out for any problems and ensure they know where the emergency shut off is located.
Protect your Home from Outside:
- Check your gutters; leaves, sticks, or additional debris could cause a clog and lead to an overflow.
- Have your roof inspected for any dislodged or damaged shingles.
- If you have a sump pump, ensure it is in good working order and schedule any maintenance before you leave. If necessary, add a battery powered backup for an additional line of defense.
- If you have a backup generator, make sure it is in good working order and schedule any maintenance before you leave.
My Tip:
Based on my personal experience, I advise asking your insurance advisor about your coverage limits and exposures before assuming something is covered. It never hurts to be prepared! It only hurts to hurt.
