How to Prevent Water Damage When You Leave on Vacation

You’ve saved, you’ve waited, and now it’s finally time to go on your vacation. The last thing you want to be worried about is potential water damage to your house while you’re gone. Here are some tips from the experts on how to prevent water damage while you’re away on vacation and save energy at the same time.

Start by Setting the Right Temperature

One of the most common questions we get during the winter months is, “what setting should my thermostat be when I leave on a trip?” My best advice is to research the long-range weather forecast prior to your trip and set the desired temperature to match the conditions. If the forecast calls for subzero temperatures, the thermostat setting should 55 to 60 degrees. It is important to keep in mind that you want your house and the heating system to continue functioning while you are away; too low a setting combined with cool temperatures my cause a flash freeze of a water pipe and a break.

Get Your Water Systems in Order

This is a good time to perform routine checks on all of your household water systems so that you’ll have no worries while you’re trying to relax. Clear debris from your rain gutters and check your downspouts for any blockages. Inspect the hoses that connect to your major water-using appliances. Finally, make sure that your sump pump is in good working order.

Don’t Miss These Additional Considerations

Here are some other things you should consider before leaving on vacation to help protect your home from water damage:

• Turn off the water supply to the washing machine and refrigerator.
• Take time to ensure all windows and doors are shut tight.
• Find a reliable person to check on your home while you are away. Make sure the caretaker has a number for a plumber so that they can address any water damage issues immediately.