Preventing Water Damage in a Vacant Home

When you have to leave a property vacant or unoccupied for an extended period of time, there are steps that should be taken to ensure that water damage does not occur while you are not on the premises. If you own a property that you are getting ready to rent out, or if you have a summer home you’re closing up for the winter – take these necessary steps to mitigate the chances of water damage while you’re away.

1. Shut Off the Water

It’s a good idea to shut off the home water supply directly at the water meter, as it controls all the water getting to your property. Water meters are typically found in the yard near the sidewalk or the street. However, if you don’t feel comfortable doing this yourself, call you utility company to have them come out and do this for you.

2. Check Your Water Heater

Before you do this step, turn off the electrical or gas service to your water heater. If you drain the water heater but don’t shut off the gas or electricity, you can run the risk of burning out the heating equipment. This would cost you more money down the line. Once you’ve turned off the water heater, drain it completely

3. Open The Lowest Faucetds On The Property

Check for this in your basement or outside your property. After you’ve removed hoses, drain this faucet and keep this open until the rest of the faucets have been drained. Once this is complete, give this faucet some extra protection with a hose bib cover.

4. Check Out Your Basement and Garage

While your bathroom and kitchen are important, it’s important to also do a thorough check of the basement and garage. All faucets and water to these areas should be turned off to prevent freezing or cracking during cold winter months.

5. Turn Off the Dishwasher

Your dishwasher and washing machine hoses should be shut off to prevent major water damage issues. Any water lines that run along exterior walls should be insulated to prevent freezing and potential cracking.

Open cabinet doors to allow the heat to get into usually concealed spaces.

Overall, you want to be certain that your home has the water shut off, and pipes are wrapped for proper insulation to prevent potential freezing or and cracking. Should you experience water damage due to cracked pipes, Alpha-Omega Disaster Restoration is ready to help 24/7.

Our water damage restoration team will quickly assess the damage. We will then work to remove all traces of water, mold, or mildew that may have formed during the leak. Call us today and get the cleanup process started.

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Reviews from Our Clients

"Luckily I have never needed to use a restoration company, but as someone who has worked closely with Alpha Omega, they have treated my clients very well, and have always been honest and very transparent. Although their whole team is very professional and punctual, Carissa and Sonya have been great to work with."

Luke Thurston

"Best service in town! I had water leaking through my basement ceiling from the overflow drain in my upstairs bathtub. They showed up immediately after I called, they were super professional and helped me find the leak and even told me how I can fix it myself. I was so impressed how well the turned my problem around."

Ryan Wilson

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