A Gentleman’s Guide to Protecting Your Home While Away
The anticipation of a well-deserved vacation brings joy to any household. However, at Gentlemen’s Restoration, we’ve witnessed too many homeowners return to the devastating surprise of water damage that occurred during their absence. What should have been a time of relaxation became a stressful ordeal of restoration and repairs.
A true gentleman prepares for all contingencies, especially when leaving his castle unattended. This comprehensive guide provides the essential steps to protect your home from water damage while you’re enjoying your time away.
Pre-Departure Inspection: The Foundation of Prevention
Plumbing System Check
•Main Water Valve: Consider turning off your home’s main water supply if you’ll be gone for more than a few days. The valve is typically located near the water meter, in the basement, or where the main line enters your home.
•Individual Appliance Shut-offs: If you prefer not to shut off the main supply (perhaps to maintain irrigation systems), at minimum turn off the water supply to washing machines, dishwashers, and ice makers.
•Water Heater Adjustment: Set your water heater to “vacation mode” or lower the temperature to save energy while you’re away. For extended absences, consider turning it off entirely.
•Toilet Inspection: Check for any signs of leaks or running water in toilets. A simple dye test can reveal slow leaks that might worsen during your absence.
Appliance and Fixture Assessment
•Washing Machine Hoses: Inspect for bulges, cracks, or signs of wear. Consider replacing rubber hoses with stainless steel-braided ones for added protection.
•Dishwasher Connections: Check the water supply line and drain hose for any signs of deterioration or loose connections.
•Refrigerator Water Lines: Ensure the ice maker and water dispenser lines are secure and showing no signs of leaks.
•Sink and Bathtub Drains: Clear any slow-draining sinks or tubs before departure to prevent backups during your absence.
Exterior Preparation
•Gutter and Downspout Clearing: Remove debris to ensure proper drainage during any storms that may occur while you’re away.
•Roof Inspection: Look for loose or damaged shingles that could allow water intrusion during inclement weather.
•Window and Door Seals: Check weatherstripping and caulking to prevent water entry during heavy rains.
•Irrigation System Adjustment: Program your sprinkler system appropriately for your absence, or shut it off if rain is expected.
Smart Technology: The Modern Gentleman’s Approach
Water Detection Systems
•Whole-House Water Monitors: Consider installing devices that attach to your main water line and can detect unusual flow patterns, automatically shutting off the water if a leak is detected.
•Point-of-Use Water Sensors: Place wireless water sensors near washing machines, water heaters, sump pumps, and under sinks. These affordable devices can alert you via smartphone if moisture is detected.
•Smart Water Valves: These can be controlled remotely via smartphone apps, allowing you to shut off your water supply from anywhere in the world if an issue arises.
Climate Control
•Smart Thermostats: Maintain appropriate temperature levels to prevent freezing pipes in winter or excessive humidity in summer.
•Humidity Monitors: Keep indoor humidity between 30-50% to prevent condensation issues. Some smart thermostats include this functionality.
•Remote Monitoring: Ensure your smart devices are properly connected to your home’s WiFi and that you have the necessary apps installed on your smartphone.
The Human Element: Assistance During Your Absence
Trusted Contacts
•Home Checkers: Arrange for a trusted friend, family member, or neighbor to check your home every few days. Provide them with:
•Your itinerary and contact information
•Location of the main water shut-off valve
•Contact information for your plumber and Gentlemen’s Restoration
•Professional Services: For extended absences, consider hiring a property management service or house sitter who can provide regular inspections.
•Plumber Preparation: If you have a trusted plumber, inform them of your travel dates. Some may offer courtesy drive-by checks for valued customers.
Communication Plan
•Contact Protocol: Establish clear instructions for your home checker on when to contact you versus when to take immediate action.
•Emergency Authorization: Provide written authorization for repairs up to a certain dollar amount if you cannot be reached.
•Insurance Information: Leave a copy of your homeowner’s insurance information with your trusted contact in case immediate claims need to be filed.
Special Seasonal Considerations
Summer Vacation Precautions
•Thunderstorm Preparation: Ensure sump pumps are working properly and have battery backups installed.
•Humidity Control: Set air conditioning to maintain moderate temperature and humidity levels (around 78°F).
•Outdoor Item Storage: Secure or store items that could block drainage paths during heavy rains.
Winter Getaway Safeguards
•Pipe Protection: If shutting off the water isn’t an option, maintain a minimum temperature of 55°F throughout your home.
•Insulation Check: Ensure pipes in attics, basements, and exterior walls are properly insulated.
•Faucet Dripping: For extreme cold snaps, consider leaving faucets slightly dripping to prevent freezing.
The Return Home: Proper Reactivation
Careful System Restoration
•Main Water Valve: If you turned off the main water supply, reopen it slowly while listening for any unusual sounds that might indicate a leak.
•Faucet Flushing: Open cold water taps first to clear any stagnant water from the lines before using.
•Appliance Inspection: Check washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerators for any signs of leaks after reactivating their water supplies.
•Water Heater Refilling: If you drained your water heater, ensure it’s completely refilled before restoring power to avoid element damage.
Post-Vacation Assessment
•Thorough Walk-Through: Inspect ceilings, walls, and floors for any discoloration or warping that might indicate water damage.
•Under-Sink Check: Look under all sinks and around toilets for any signs of leaks that may have started during your absence.
•Basement or Crawlspace Inspection: Check these areas for musty odors or dampness that could indicate water intrusion.
•Exterior Drainage: Ensure that recent rainfall has drained properly away from your foundation.
Conclusion: Peace of Mind While Away
At Gentlemen’s Restoration, we believe that proper preparation is the hallmark of a prudent homeowner. By following this comprehensive checklist before departing for your vacation, you significantly reduce the risk of returning to water damage.
Remember that even with the most diligent preparation, unforeseen incidents can occur. Should you return to find any signs of water damage, contact Gentlemen’s Restoration immediately at 469.912.2300. Our 24/7 emergency response team combines old-world craftsmanship with modern expertise to restore your home promptly and properly.
Enjoy your well-deserved vacation with the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home is protected against water damage. After all, the true luxury of travel is the ability to relax completely, free from worries about what awaits upon your return.
Download our printable Vacation Water Damage Prevention Checklist to help you prepare for your next trip.
For emergency water damage assistance, contact Gentlemen’s Restoration at 469.912.2300 – available 24/7.