Vacations should leave you feeling refreshed and ready to tackle whatever comes next. But imagine coming home to a flooded house. Your stress levels would skyrocket instantly and that vacation feeling would quickly disappear.
No matter the hour you step through the door, you’d be forced into action immediately—or need to call an Orlando water damage restoration company without delay. Every second counts when it comes to salvaging your belongings and restoring your home.
However, there are ways to protect your home from water damage in your absence. Take these crucial steps before you leave to ensure that your home stays safe while you’re unwinding.
Maintain Your Gutters
Are you guilty of ignoring your gutters until disaster strikes? Break this bad habit now and inspect them before heading off on vacation. Clogged gutters can lead to costly water damage, so take the time to clear them out.
Remove debris, leaves, and sticks and give your gutters a thorough cleaning. Also, make sure that all downspouts are directing water at least 10 feet away from your home. Anything less could cause flooding after the next heavy rain.
Buy a Smart Leak Detector
Leak detectors are a smart investment, alerting you the moment water damage becomes a risk. No matter where you are in the world, you’ll get notified if water appears where it shouldn’t. This gives you the chance to act fast and prevent a disaster.
Check All Appliances and Fixtures
Murphy’s Law suggests that things go wrong at the worst possible time, such as before you leave for vacation. Before you go, minimize the risk by inspecting all appliances, such as dishwashers, HVAC units, refrigerators, washing machines, and water heaters. Don’t forget to check fixtures like showers, sinks, and toilets for leaks or unusual sounds. A quick inspection now can save you from a major headache later.
Inspect Your Supply Lines
Reliable supply lines are essential for preventing water leaks in your home. If your supply lines are plastic, they’re a potential risk to your home. These lines are more prone to breakage and can rupture while you’re away. If possible, upgrade to stainless steel supply lines as soon as possible to ensure better durability and protection; if not, check all your lines before leaving. Any sign of a leak or dampness is a red flag.
Leave the HVAC Unit Running
Many people assume this is only important in winter, but it’s a good idea to leave your HVAC system on, regardless of when you go away. In colder months, your HVAC prevents pipes from freezing, but during warmer months, it helps circulate air, making it harder for condensation to build up and causing potential water damage.
Ensure Your Sump Pump Is Working
A sump pump is an excellent defense against rising groundwater levels and can also help manage leaks while you’re away. Checking that it’s functioning properly is simple—just pour a bucket of water into the pump, and if everything works correctly, it will pump the water out as expected.
Shut Off the Main Water Valve
Ensuring no water can enter your home while you’re away is simple. Just turn off the main valve and test it by running a faucet to confirm the water has stopped before you leave. This dramatically reduces the chances of water damage and is very quick to implement.
Check Your Doors and Windows
If Orlando experiences bad weather while you’re out of state, you could return to a flooded home if your doors or windows are compromised. To avoid this risk, ensure that all seals are secure before leaving and that every entry point is properly closed.
Book a House Sitter
Housesitting is increasingly becoming a professional service, with agencies that can connect you to someone reliable to care for your home if you don’t have a friend or neighbor available. It’s also the best way to ensure your home remains secure while you’re away
Water Damage and Homeowners Insurance
Before you set off on vacation, be sure you fully understand what your insurance policy covers. You might discover that while issues with appliances and fixtures are covered, flood damage and sewer backups are not.
Water damage is a common concern in Orlando, and Floridians must be prepared for it. Minimize the risk by keeping the contact information for an Orlando water damage restoration company handy and following the tips shared here.
If you have a water emergency or suspect a leak in your home, don’t hesitate to contact us for water damage repair, mitigation, and professional cleanup services.