Everyone loves a little time away after being couped up for the winter. Whether traveling near or far, for a few days or a few weeks, there are some important things you’ll need to do to protect your home while you’re gone.
Do a Pipe Check
With winter temperatures it is always a good idea to prep your pipes for your best shot at preventing water damage. If you are planning a trip and have not yet winterized your systems, it would be wise to do so.
Be sure pipes are protected with added insulation like foam pipe sleeves or insulation tape. Common areas to check are crawl spaces, basements, and attics.
Outside faucets and sprinkler systems should be winterized by shutting off water, disconnecting garden hoses, and draining excess water from all pipes.
If you have a sump pump be sure to check the pipes for any outer blockage like ice or snow to avoid backup from entering the home.
Shut off and drain any water lines to swimming pools, garden ponds, or fountains.
Be sure you check the forecast for the time you will be away. That may help you further your home damage prevention strategy. If there are freezing temperatures, you may want to leave a cold-water drip from faucets to relieve pressure on pipes. Opening cabinet doors will also help to circulate warm air.
Set the Thermostat
Your thermostat should be kept consistent even when you are away.
In winter temperatures, the thermostat should never be set below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Plan a Check-In
It is recommended that you have someone watch your home while you are away. A periodic check in will give you firsthand communication of changes, signs of distress, or action taken if there is an emergency.
Water can do a lot of damage in a very short period. The last thing you want is to come home to a disaster. Taking a little bit of time to prep your home before you leave for that winter vacation can make a big difference when it comes to water damage prevention.
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