910-814-2502

Prevent Water Damage While on Vacation

by | May 24, 2017 | Water Damage

This weekend marks the unofficial start to summer which means it’s time to look forward to weekend trips to the beach and family vacations.  These trips are a great way to have fun with friends and family or just get away for a little peace and quiet; however, as one of our customers recently realized, one toilet can quickly overshadow the good times and relaxation that their vacation brought.  When they returned home, they found their 2-story home completely flooded from a broken supply line to the toilet which caused water to flow throughout their home for 10 days.  So, before you pack up the car to head out of town, there’s a few things you need to check off your to do list around the house so you can prevent water damage while you are on vacation.

  • Start by turning off the water at the main water valve.  This will shut off the water the entire house.
  • If you have someone taking care of your pets or you have an automatic sprinkler system and are unable to turn off the water to the entire house, turn off the water at the valves of your sinks and toilets.  You can also turn off the water to your ice maker as well.  These may take a little longer to get them all turned off, but it could save you thousands of dollars in water damage repairs as well as lots of headaches the restoration process could cause.
  • Check your gutters to make sure any rain water can flow away from the home.  Clogged gutters could cause some water damage to your roof if it collects and backs under your shingles.  Also, if the water is puddling at the downspouts, add an extension.  It is recommended that water drains at least 10 feet from the house/foundation to prevent water from encroaching your crawlspace.
  • Unplug your appliances.  While this will not prevent water damage, it could save you from an unnecessary homeowners claim for lightning damage if your home were to be struck by lightning while you were out of town.

Everyone at PHC Restoration hopes you have a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend and summer vacation.  Remember, we have crews on call 24-hours a day, every day in case your home is sustains water damage.  Give us a call at 919-834-6523.