Whether you’re heading out for the weekend, traveling for work, or leaving a second home vacant for months, water damage is one of the most common and costly disasters homeowners face while away.
A small leak can quickly escalate into a flooded basement, and mold-covered walls, resulting in thousands of dollars in structural repairs. The last thing you want after time away is to come home to a headache that will burn a hole in your pocket.
While accidents can always happen, with a few proactive steps, you can help prevent water damage so that you can rest easy knowing your home is okay while you are away.
If you are leaving for an extended period of time one of the simplest ways to avoid water damage is to turn off your home’s main water supply before leaving.
This eliminates the risk of leaks, burst pipes, or appliance malfunctions while you’re away. If shutting off your entire home’s water isn’t an option—perhaps due to a sprinkler system or an automatic water filter—consider turning off the water to specific appliances like the washing machine, dishwasher, or toilets.
These are among the most common sources of household leaks, and shutting them down can significantly reduce your risk.
Sometimes problems can still sneak up on us, so being able to spot the symptoms of water leaks before you leave your home is also extremely important.
Even if you turn off the water, some vulnerabilities still remain. Before leaving, take time to inspect your home for signs of potential trouble.
Check under sinks for slow leaks, inspect ceilings for water stains, and test faucets and toilets for any continuous running water.
If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s best to fix them before you leave rather than coming home to a worsened situation.
Slow leaks left unattended can turn into mold infestations, rotting wood, or even foundation issues if moisture spreads undetected.
Rain and melting snow can also be a source of unexpected water damage. Gutters and downspouts play a crucial role in directing water away from your home, but if they are clogged with leaves or debris, water can back up and seep into your roof or foundation.
Before leaving, clean out gutters and ensure that downspouts are properly positioned to direct water away from your home’s foundation.
If your home has a sump pump, test it to ensure it’s functioning properly. A malfunctioning sump pump can lead to basement flooding, which can go unnoticed if you’re not home.
One of the leading causes of water damage in freezing weather is burst pipes, which often occur when temperatures drop below 20°F. If temperatures drop while you're away, standing water inside pipes can freeze, expand, and cause pipes to burst.
To prevent this, keep your home heated to at least 55°F, even if you’re gone for an extended period. Opening cabinet doors under sinks can help warm air circulate around pipes, and letting faucets drip slightly can relieve the pressure that builds when water freezes.
For long-term absences, consider having a trusted friend or neighbor check on your home periodically, especially if you know the temperature will be dropping while you are away.
If you’re leaving for an extended period—such as during snowbird season or for an extended work trip—it may be worth investing in a home-watching service.
These services can perform routine checks on your home, ensuring that no leaks or water-related issues arise while you’re gone.
Even if you don’t hire a service, having a trusted neighbor or friend check on your house every so often can give you peace of mind and allow for early intervention if something goes wrong.
Coming home after time away should be stress-free, not a nightmare of repairs and insurance claims. By taking proactive steps—turning off water sources, inspecting for early warning signs, protecting against frozen pipes, and maintaining clean gutters —you can minimize the risk of costly water damage.
Whether you’re gone for a few days or several months, a repeatable action plan through HouseFacts can save you from an expensive and frustrating mess when you return!
With HouseFacts, you can create a checklist tailored to your home's unique details, ensuring you never overlook critical maintenance tasks again!
