Home water damage prevention is critical—especially when nobody's home. Water damage that occurs when you're not there to see it happening and take immediate action can be catastrophic. A ruptured water supply tube leading to a fixture could leak thousands of gallons while you're away. Summer brings vacation time. Whether it's a weekend getaway or weeks away, you don't want any unpleasant surprises when you return. Follow this advice for home water damage prevention before you leave and enjoy your time away all that much more:
- Turn off the main water valve. It's the most comprehensive way to prevent water damage, especially if you're leaving for an extended time. Before it's time to go, locate the valve and verify that you can easily turn it. Shutoff valves may be stuck in the open position if they haven't been operated in some time. If it's hard to turn, don't force it. Consult a plumber.
- Shut off individual fixtures. Sinks, toilets, washing machines, and other fixtures like ice-makers typically have dedicated shut-off valves on the wall beneath or behind them. Check these annually to make sure they turn freely and shut them off while you're away if you opt to leave the main water supply on.
- Replace washing machine supply hoses. Rubber hoses leading to washers deteriorate after a few years and may rupture at any time. Replace with high-quality, long-lasting braided stainless steel.
- Test the sump pump. Make sure no debris is in the sump basin that could clog pump inlets. Pour five gallons of water into the basin and verify that the float switch energizes the pump and water is discharged at the proper point outdoors. Then verify that the pump turns off.
Ask the Rytech professionals for more advice on home water prevention while you're away on vacation.
Photo via Shutterstock
