During summer vacation, All Nation Restoration experiences an increase in the demand for water damage and flood restoration services. The team of water damage professionals is sharing tips for preventing flooding and water damage in Austin, TX, homes during summer vacation.
A home is most vulnerable to water damage when the homeowners are away at work, shopping, visiting friends and family, or on vacation. If the washing machine supply line springs a leak, the results are not so bad if the water release is immediately discovered. However, if the residence is vacant for several days or worse, a couple of weeks, the flooding can be disastrous. If the flooding is caught within a few hours, cleanup and restoration can begin immediately, preventing advanced secondary damage, including mold growth. Imagine water pouring into the home for days or weeks. A burst water pipe or washing machine supply line can flood a home with as many as seven gallons of water per minute or over ten thousand gallons per day. After a day or two, the entire house may be affected. If the leak is on the second floor, the devastation is doubled.
This scenario is unfortunately not that uncommon. The second most frequently filed insurance claim is for a water damage disaster in the home. The typical home is filled with numerous potential leak points, including:
- Leaky water heater
- Dripping supply lines to the icemaker, water filter, faucets, and toilets
- Ruptured washing machine hoses
- Burst water pipes in the crawl space or ceiling
- HVAC condensate drain pan issues
Opportunities for a water damage disaster abound. However, by implementing several simple steps, catastrophic water damage can be avoided.
A few tips to ensure the home stays dry while everyone is away on a summer vacation or extended trip:
Tip: Install new supply lines to major appliances.
Upgrade the washing machine supply lines to braided stainless steel. The ice maker and dishwasher should also be on the inspection and upgrade list. A twenty-dollar upgrade can prevent a twenty-thousand-dollar water damage disaster.
Tip: Conduct a thorough inspection a week or two before departure.
About two or three weeks before departure, closely inspect the home for any leaks. A last-minute inspection may uncover a situation that cannot be remedied at the last minute. Here are some prime potential leak points to inspect:
- Look at and feel the valves and pipes under the kitchen and bathroom sinks.
- Check the water heater for cracks, rust, and leaks around the base. Make sure the leak pan drain is secure and not clogged.
- Inspect windows and doors for signs of any leaks.
- Inspect the attic for roof leaks. Look for water stains on the ceiling and for bubbling paint and peeling wallpaper.
Tip: Shut off the main water valve for total peace of mind.
Make sure the water is off by checking the faucet. The homeowner should be certain that the power to the water heater is off. Remember to turn the power on upon returning. If the water valve cannot be turned off due to a sprinkler system, then close the valves at the supply lines to faucets, toilets, and appliances. The additional inconvenience is worth the effort and the peace of mind.
Tip: Bring gutters and downspouts up to par.
Clean, free-flowing gutters are especially important when going away on a summer vacation. A stalled thunderstorm can overtax gutters and downspouts. Shingle granules, leaves, twigs, and mud can significantly reduce the gutters' capacity to transport rain from the roof to the downspouts, where the water is directed away from the foundation. Clogged rain gutters and downspouts can result in the eaves and attic being flooded. Water stains and wavy sheetrock may indicate that the gutters are clogged. A moldy, musty smell signaling a mold issue may ultimately be linked to a gutter issue. This matter needs to be resolved before leaving on the month-long Alaskan cruise or the family trip across the United States. Severe water damage and a mold infestation may greet the returning vacationers if the gutters are not functioning at full capacity.
Tip: Have a family member or friend walk through the home.
Having a trusted friend, family member, or neighbor perform a scheduled walk-through of the house is a good idea. Any water intrusion issues that are discovered can be resolved, and a plumber can be called in if needed.
People are taking long-awaited vacations after being cooped up due to pandemic restrictions. By following a few simple tips, vacationers can get away for rest without worrying about a water damage disaster in the home.
In the event of water damage or flood damage disaster, contact the experts at All Nation Restoration. The team at All Nation Restoration is knowledgeable, IICRC-certified, well equipped, and uses the best cleaning techniques and environmentally safe cleaning products. An unswerving commitment to customer service reflects the core principles of the company. The water damage restoration company in Austin, TX, can take on the entire project, bring it to completion, and provide the necessary documentation that work has been completed.
For more information about flood restoration services in Austin, TX, call the All Nation Restoration office at (512) 934-8180 or email info@AllNationRestoration.com.
