How to Prevent Water Damage Before Leaving for Your Summer Vacation

7/10/2019 (Permalink)

A broken pipe caused this roof to cave in while the homeowner was on vacation.

Summer is here - sun, fun, and summer vacations! Lots of people go away on vacation during the summer. 

In between packing, checking flights and reservations, and other last minute details, water damage is probably the last thing on your mind. But according to Insurance Information Institute, water damage is the 2nd most common insurance claim, and the damage can be much more extensive if you are not home to notice it.

Here at SERVPRO of Piscataway, we have unfortunately seen this happen many times. One instance, was a job we recently completed in Green Brook, where the homeowner was on vacation for 3 weeks and returned to immense water damage in their home. A pipe had burst and caused the ceiling to fall down. (Luckily we were there to restore their home back to normal, and make it seem 'Like it Never Even Happened'!) 

Preventing water damage before leaving for vacation is possible with a couple preventative measures:

• Close- Turn off the water main valve. Drain out excess water by continuously running the water until it runs out. 
• Check- Check the hoses on all appliances for leaks (refrigerator, washer/dryer, dishwasher). If you have a sump pump, listen to the motor to make sure the water is flowing outside.
• Clear- Look at your gutters and downspouts to make sure they are clear. If they are clogged, have them cleaned.

These simple steps will protect your home from water damage because who wants to come home from a relaxing vacation to a house ruined by water damage? No one! 

If you have water damage- SERVPRO of Piscataway is here for you 24 hours a day - 7 days a week. Give us a call at 732-752-4445.