Away from Home for the Holidays? Protect Your Eldersburg, MD Home from Water Damage

According to the Insurance Information Institute, water damage is the second most common insurance claim for homeowners. Storms, freezing weather, and leaking pipes and appliances are believed to be the usual culprits when it comes to pricey water damage.

It's never a nice situation to have to deal with water damage. When you're on vacation, however, it can rapidly become a full-fledged mess.

Water can stay for days if a pipe bursts while you're away, damaging carpets and furnishings and threatening the structural integrity of your home. Additionally, the excess moisture can aid in the spread of hazardous mold.

Fortunately, there are a number of steps you can do to assist prevent water damage from occurring in the first place. While it may be tempting to put these tasks at the bottom of your pre-holiday must-do list, you'll be sorry if you come home to a flooded Eldersburg, MD home.

Ways to Prevent Water Damage in Your Home While You Are out of Town

• Think About Temperatures- Make sure your home has frost-proof faucets if you live in a location where the temperatures often drop below zero. Insulate your exposed pipes as well to avoid them freezing and breaking. Most hardware stores provide foam rubber or fiberglass sleeves that will fit over your pipes without difficulty. It's also a good idea to set your heater on low if you're gone during the winter to prevent pipes from freezing.
• Turn Off the Main Water Valve- The simplest way to avoid water damage is to turn off your home's water supply at the main valve. After you've shut off the water, run the faucets and flush the toilets to keep the pipes from freezing and breaking in cold weather. Remember that here is where the water that enters your home is controlled, so tell your family or neighbors where it is in case of an emergency.
• Examine Your Sump Pump- Check your sump pump before leaving for the holidays to make sure it's in good working order and free of debris. Fill the sump pit and turn on the pump to accomplish this. Make sure there are no weird sounds coming from the motor and that the water is flowing outside. If your home experiences a power loss while you're gone, it's a good idea to install a battery-powered backup supply.
• Check Your Gutters- Before you pack your luggage, do a complete 360-degree gutter inspection. Check your gutters for material such as sticks, feathers, leaves, and other anything that could clog them and cause them to overflow or become blocked. Also, make sure that all downspouts are at least 10 feet away from the exterior of your home. If they don't, substantial flooding near your home may occur during the rainy season.

If water damage occurs while you are gone, you will need to rely on a team of professionals who can respond promptly and effectively. We can not only repair any water damage but also cure any mold infestations on your property. Restoration 1 of Central Maryland is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (including holidays!) to restore your house to its pre-loss condition. We'll take care of the water damage so you can focus on your family's well-being. Please contact us straight away!