Preparing Your Home for an Extended Absence

6/28/2021 (Permalink)

Turn off the water supply to your house.

How Do I Prepare My Home For Extended Absence?

Are you thinking of ditching your Chamblee, GA, home for a two-week getaway on white-sand beaches? Perhaps you want to leave your home unoccupied for an entire winter to escape the cold. Whatever your plans, you should do what you can to prepare your house for an extended absence. If you fail to do this, you may come home to a flooded kitchen thanks to the unnoticed need for water pipe repair.

• Have it inspected. You may think all your plumbing is in working order, but leaks can be hidden within the depths of your walls. Calling in a plumber or residential water repair expert can help you make sure there are no hidden problems. Don't forget to have someone check your sump pump and other equipment to make sure your home is ready for heavy rain.

• Clean your gutters. No matter what time of year you're leaving, you should clean out your gutters before departing. Clogged gutters can allow rainwater to sit on your roof, which can increase the chances of leaks into your attic space and the rest of your house.

• Turn off the water. If you're going to be gone for a long time, you could turn off the water supply to your house. This can help protect you from a major water pipe repair as soon as you get back.

• Protect your pipes. If you are leaving for the winter, you need to make sure your pipes are well-insulated. This is especially true if you plan on turning off or lowering the heat. A frozen pipe can quickly turn into a broken pipe while you are away.

• Hire a sitter. Ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by your home every few days. If the basement becomes flooded after heavy rain, a house sitter can catch the problem before it turns into a moldy issue.

Taking vacations is a great way to relieve stress. You can prepare your house for a vacancy to reduce the need for a water pipe repair when you get back.