Don't Ruin Your Vacation

1/13/2021 (Permalink)

Oh, I'd like to be that van!

Are you looking forward to going on vacation again?  Our family’s “Spring Break Trip” looks like it is going to be cancelled due to Covid, so my wife (Happy Birthday!) wants to take a road trip to FL.  I love vacation but I always have that voice in the back of my head wondering if I set the alarm, locked the doors, and did my wife unplug the hair straightener (yes honey, I love you, and it’s your birthday, but this is a legitimate concern).  But, what else am I forgetting?  What about Water damage?

Before you leave, it is important safeguard your home from possible water damage. Here are some easy steps to protect your home and prevent vacation from being cut short due to a disaster.

Take a proactive look before you leave

Check for leaks in your plumbing, focusing on the pipes and connection you can see inside your house. The weakest points are places where hoses connect to taps or household appliances. Check under sinks for signs of leakage and rust and around water heaters, dishwashers, furnaces, and washing machines

Turn off the Water Supply

Shut off the water supply to the home and the hot water heater itself.  Not only are hot water heaters a major culprit of water damage but there is no need to keep 75 gallons of water piping hot while you are away.  Even a small leak, from a toilet supply line for example, can cause a massive amount of damage if not detected quickly (See our Facebook post from 12/4 at Simple toilet leak - NJ).You may also choose to, additionally, shut off the valves at your toilets, appliances, washers, and dishwashers.