Avoiding Water Damage Cleanup Costs During The Summer Months

Summer is upon us, and, with travel opening up again after the COVID19 pandemic, many of us are excited to travel again. If you’re planning on being gone from your home for a while this summer, traveling during a several-week stretch or on and off, you probably have a lot of things on your mind. Preventing water damage while you’re gone probably doesn’t crack the top 100 on the list of things to think about and get done! But, perhaps (unfortunately), that’s why so many homeowners come home to water damage and major cleanup after vacations. Here are a few things you can do in the months and weeks before you leave to make water damage while you’re away less likely, and the cleanup costs almost invisible: 

Water Damage Cleanup In Naperville

1. Check on your gutters and downspouts. Make sure everything is in healthy, working order by clearing blockages of garden matter and replacing areas that are eroded or dented, so that there is no standing water anywhere in your drainage system. Make sure downspouts point away from walls and other surfaces of your home’s structure, and that they discharge at least 10 feet from your home.
2. Conduct a leak-check. Take a look under your sinks, and at any exposed pipes. Also look at appliance hoses, around windows, at your water heater. Have things examined or parts replaced if you find signs of wear and tear (which could be rusting, bulging, cracks, discoloration, brittleness, etc.) 
3. Call a family member or friend who lives nearby and ask them to check in on your home while you’re away. If anything drastic were to happen, they would see it before you would and could alert you so prompt action could be taken. 
4. Replace supply lines. If you have any supply lines that are plastic instead of stainless steel, now is the time to make the switch! Doing so is usually really budget-friendly (we’re talking, like, $20) and can prevent leaks. Hooray for easy fixes! 
5. Turn off the main water valve. Before you go, turn off your water. If the water still needs to be on (for watering the yard or to have a neighbor come and water plants inside), turn off water supply to common water damage culprits or unnecessary areas, like toilets, ice makers, washing machines and dishwashers, etc. 
6. Test the sump pump. Fill the sump pit with water and watch to make sure it is pumping correctly. Watch a YouTube video for instructions if you’ve never done this before. 

It’s finally summer time and we don’t want anything to ruin the good weather, traveling, and memories with loved ones in the making! Follow these tips to ensure that water damage cleanup isn’t part of your welcome home party after a summer vacation. Of course, in the event that water damage does occur, be sure to call in an expert for restoration right away, so the good times can roll on. In the Naperville area, go with GC PRO! We’d love to come help you out, and can be there right away.