We can see it now—the deep blue waves crashing on a white, sandy shore, the taste of a melty ice cream cone as you walk down the pier, and the smell of sunscreen and salt in the air. These are the things vacations are made of. Life on vacation is pure bliss—until you get a call that your home has flooded.
Unfortunately, disasters tend to happen when we are least prepared for them—like when on vacation or going through a significant life event. Coming home to a burst pipe or a faulty appliance that has flooded your home is not only shocking but can have terrible ramifications for your home’s safety and structural integrity. Did you know that mold can grow as quickly as 24 hours after a water-related incident? The longer standing water sits in your home unattended, the worse and more costly the damage can be.
If you plan on taking a summer vacation or road trip, follow these tips to help prevent and mitigate water damage while you’re gone:
Have a Friend Check In
If you are going out of town, consider having a friend or family member you trust come by daily to check on the house and ensure nothing has been damaged.
Turn Off Your Water
This may seem extreme, but this is a surefire way to know there will be no leaks or floods in the home due to broken pipes or faulty appliances such as water heaters, washing machines, or dishwashers.
Purchase a Water Shutoff Valve
This is an investment, but it will ensure that if you experience a leak, the water is shut off as soon as a leak is detected. This smart system from Moen allows you to control the shutoff valve from your phone and sends you alerts when more than the usual amount of water is being used: https://www.homedepot.com/p/MOEN-Flo-1-25-in-Smart-Water-Monitor-and-Automatic-Water-Shut-Off-Valve-900-002/313013437.
If the worst does happen, and your home experiences water damage ERS 24-7 is available 24/7 to help. Call 615-898-8258 for emergency water damage cleanup and restoration when you need it most.