Water Damage Can Occur if You're Away for the Holidays! 

According to the Insurance Information Institute, water damage is the second most common insurance claim for homeowners. The most prevalent sources of costly water damage are estimated to be storms, freezing temperatures, and leaking pipes and appliances.

Having to deal with water damage is never a fun experience. However, when you're on vacation, it can soon deteriorate into a full-fledged calamity. If a pipe bursts while you're away, water might remain for days, inflicting damage to carpets and furnishings and risking your home's structural stability. Furthermore, excessive moisture may aid in the spread of harmful mold.

Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to assist prevent water damage from occurring in the first place. While it may be tempting to put these tasks at the bottom of your pre-holiday to-do list, you will regret it if you return home to a flooded house.

Ways to Prevent Water Damage in Your Home While You Are out of Town

• Think About Temperatures- If you live in a region where temperatures regularly drop below freezing, ensure sure your home has frost-proof faucets. Insulate any exposed pipes to avoid freezing and burst. Most hardware stores provide foam rubber or fiberglass sleeves that fit over your pipes simply. If you're going to be gone during the winter, it's also a good idea to keep your heater on low to keep your pipes from freezing.
• Turn Off the Main Water Valve- The simplest way to avoid water damage is to turn off your home's water supply at the main valve. Run the faucets and flush the toilets after turning off the water to keep the pipes from freezing and breaking in cold weather. Remember that the water that enters your home is regulated here, so notify your family or neighbors of its position in the event of an emergency.
• Examine Your Sump Pump- Before you go for the holidays, make sure your sump pump is in good working order and free of debris. Fill the sump pit and turn on the pump to accomplish this. Check to check if the motor is making any weird noises or if water is leaking outside. If your home loses power while you are away, installing a battery-powered backup source is an excellent option.
• Check Your Gutters- Before packing your stuff, conduct a thorough 360-degree gutter inspection. Examine your gutters for material such as twigs, feathers, and leaves that could block them and cause them to overflow or become stuck. Furthermore, make sure that all downspouts are at least 10 feet away from the exterior of your home. If they do not, major flooding near your property may occur during the rainy season.

If damage happens while you are away, you will need to rely on a team of experts who can respond quickly and efficiently. We are here to help prevent further damage to your home while you are away! If your home has been damaged by a storm or fallen tree, we are here with our emergency 24/7 roof tarping and board-up services to give you peace of mind while you enjoy the holiday away. Give Roof Tarp & Board Up a call, whenever you need us.