Vacation & Water Damage

4/26/2018 (Permalink)

Summer time is right around the corner, which means one thing: vacation. There’s always so much on our minds when it comes to vacations: do we have everything? Do we have boarding passes? What time do we need to leave for the airport? Are the dogs being watched? You double check to make sure everything is unplugged, and ask your neighbors to keep an eye on your house to make sure it doesn’t catch on fire, but what about the opposite of fire? What about water damage?

Most of us don’t think about the possibility of water damage when we are away on vacation. However, nothing would be worse than coming home from the Happiest Place on Earth and finding yourself standing in a few inches of water. Here are some things to add to your pre-vacation check list.

• Shut off the water valve - The easiest way to avoid damage is to turn off your water at the main valve, and we recommend doing this for both long and shorter trips. If you’re not sure where the main water valve shut off is, call your plumber. He can also test to make sure it’s working properly.
• Appliances and more – if don’t want to shut off your main water valve because someone is house or pet sitting, or your sprinkler system is set to run, you should turn off the valves to your appliances like your dishwasher, ice maker, and washing machine.
• Gutters – If you didn’t clean out your gutters while doing your spring yard maintenance, you should do so now. If there’s a sudden summer storm while you’re away, it could unleash havoc on your home.
• Check your insurance policy – if something should happen while you’re away it’s important to double check your insurance policy. Some policies are voided if the home is unoccupied for an extended period. Some policies even have a requirement that someone must check the premises at least once a week.

If you come home from vacation to a water loss, don’t worry! Call SERVPRO of Grapevine/NE Tarrant County at 817.595.2506, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week!