How to Protect Your Home from Water Damage When Leaving Town

The Worst Water Damage Happens When Nobody Is Home

The most devastating residential water damage events share a common factor: the homeowner was away when the leak started. A supply line failure, water heater rupture, or toilet valve malfunction that would be caught and controlled within minutes when someone is home can flood a house for hours or days when the property is unoccupied.

Every time you leave for a trip, whether it is a long weekend or a two-week vacation, a few minutes of preparation can prevent a catastrophe.

Shut Off the Main Water Supply

This is the single most effective step you can take. No water supply means no water damage, regardless of what fails while you are away. Your main shutoff valve is typically located where the water line enters your home, often in the basement, crawl space, garage, or utility closet.

Practice operating it before you need to. Some older valves become stiff or corroded from disuse. If yours is difficult to turn, have a plumber service or replace it.

If shutting off the entire water supply is not practical, such as when you have an irrigation system or pet sitter who needs water access, at minimum shut off individual supply valves to the washing machine, dishwasher, and water heater. These are the most common sources of catastrophic leaks.

Inspect Before You Leave

Walk through your home and check for any active or potential leaks. Look under every sink for drips or moisture. Check the water heater for any signs of leaking. Inspect washing machine hoses for bulging, cracking, or wear. Look at toilet supply lines for any moisture.

Address anything you find before you leave. A slow drip that you have been meaning to fix becomes a serious problem when left unattended for a week.

Set Your Thermostat Appropriately

In winter, keep your thermostat at 55 degrees or above to prevent pipes from freezing. In summer, keep it running to prevent excessive humidity buildup, which can cause mold growth and condensation damage.

Do not turn off your HVAC system entirely. The energy savings are minimal compared to the potential cost of damage from frozen pipes in winter or mold growth in a hot, humid house during a Georgia summer.

Ask Someone to Check Your Home

Having a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member check your home every day or two while you are away provides an early warning system that can save thousands. A leak caught on day one is a manageable cleanup. A leak that runs for seven days unchecked is a catastrophic restoration project.

Give your home checker a key, show them where the main water shutoff is, and ask them to do a quick walkthrough checking for any water on floors, unusual sounds, or musty smells.

Install Leak Detection Devices

Smart water leak sensors placed near water heaters, washing machines, under sinks, and near sump pumps can alert you via smartphone when they detect moisture. Some advanced systems can automatically shut off your main water supply when a leak is detected.

These devices cost between 20 and 200 dollars and can prevent tens of thousands in damage. For homeowners who travel frequently, they are an excellent investment.

Check Your Insurance Before You Travel

Review your homeowner's insurance policy to understand what is covered if water damage occurs while you are away. Most policies cover sudden and accidental damage but may limit or deny claims if the damage resulted from a known issue you failed to address or if the home was left unoccupied for an extended period without reasonable precautions.

Some policies have specific vacancy clauses that reduce coverage if the home is unoccupied for more than 30 or 60 consecutive days. If you plan an extended absence, discuss it with your insurance agent.

When Damage Happens Despite Preparation

If you return home to find water damage, act immediately. Shut off the main water supply if it is still on. Document all damage with photos and video before touching anything. Contact your insurance company within 24 hours. Call a professional restoration company immediately.

Champion Cleaning Systems provides 24/7 emergency water damage restoration across Sharpsburg, Stockbridge, Buford, Newnan, and all of metro Atlanta.

Call Champion 24/7 at (404) 282-6821.