How to Prevent Water Damage When You’re Away
When you plan to leave your home for several days, you should learn how to prevent water damage to the structure while you are away. There are several types of problems that can lead to having water in a building, causing extensive problems. Some of the situations that can occur while you are away from your home include:
Bursting water pipes – tends to happen during the winter
Natural floods – from overflowing rivers or lakes
Sewage backups – leading to moisture and sewage damage
Water heater leaks – from an old and degraded water heater
Flooding from plumbing fixtures – caused by old sinks, bathtubs or toilets
Storm damage – caused by rooftop leaks after heavy rainstorms
Before you leave home for an extended amount of time, make sure to avoid any water damage by performing these tasks.
Task 1: Turn Off the Main Water Valves Inside and Outside Your Home
It is important to know the locations of the main water valves inside and outside your home. When you are leaving a home for a few days, turn off these valves to prevent any problems from dripping moisture. After turning off the valves, you should also drain the water pipes in a home by turning on the faucets that are located on the bathtubs and the sinks.
