You are in the process of loading up the car for your holiday get away and it is making you a touch apprehensive to think of an empty house. The prospect of a burst pipe or a kitchen in flood when you return has given you pause. Then there is the question of what one is to do if things go wrong and you are a few hundred miles from home.
Such concerns are only natural and call for some straight answers. We at United Water Restoration Group of Port St. Lucie have been putting homeowners on the Treasure Coast back on their feet after water damage since 2019. Our team is available whenever you require us, at (772) 268-9443.
Ideally the holidays are for getting some rest and being with family over good food. But an unoccupied home can be where minor leaks escalate. A drip under the sink is left to its own devices for days; there is no one to put a stop to a water heater that has given out. You may find the damage is already done before you are back through the door.
With some forethought prior to your departure, however, you can stave off most of the trouble that comes with travel. Here is how to make a difference.
Check Your Plumbing First
Do not wait until the morning of your trip to put up a good defense. Put in the time a day or two beforehand to identify and remedy any issues.
A tour of the house will reveal warning signs:
- Any drips, be they slow, around faucets or under sinks
- Discoloration or softness by the appliances
- Toilets running of their accord
- Rust on an aging water heater
- Corrosion at the pipe joints
- Stains on the walls or ceiling
Deal with anything you are in doubt about while you still can. It is a lot less costly to make a repair than to undertake a restoration down the road.
Turn Off the Water
For all its simplicity, shutting the main supply to your home is hard to beat. With no water to flow, a pipe will not burst and inundate your floors in your absence.
Should you wish to leave the water on, then at least close off the lines to the dishwasher, washing machine and ice maker. They are prone to failure and doing so takes the risk out of the equation.
Then There is the Florida Weather
In Port St. Lucie and the rest of the Treasure Coast one must always factor in the weather. Storms and a good deal of rain can come your way even when it is cool. We are familiar with the local flood patterns in the canal neighborhoods and on the barrier islands.
So before you head out:
- Make sure the gutters and downspouts are clear to let the rain run off
- Inspect the roof for shingles that are loose or gone
- Grade the yard so water is directed from the foundation
- Put away any outdoor things that might obstruct drainage
- See that your sump pump is in working order
Left clogged, a gutter will send storm water into your house.
Stay in Touch From a Distance
There is no need to be in the dark while you are away. Have a friend or neighbor you can trust to put in an appearance every other day with a key and your number.
Smart leak detectors or water sensors are worth having near the water heater or behind the washer; they will put an alert on your phone at the first sign of moisture. And set the heat to something sensible. Turning off the climate control in an empty house is an open invitation for condensation and humidity.
When the Unexpected Occurs
All the planning in the world will not preclude the occasional surprise. If you receive the unwelcome news that your home is taking on water, there is no point in panicking. A prompt response limits the extent of the damage.
We are here 24/7, 365 days a year, holidays included. Our technicians are IICRC and OSHA 30 certified and we hold a Florida State Mold License. We will also see to it that your claim with your insurance provider is handled without you having to wade through the paperwork.
Let the water damage put a crimp in your holiday? Get in touch with United Water Restoration Group of Port St. Lucie at (772) 268-9443 for a free estimate. We will have you back to normal in no time, whatever the hour.
