One of the messiest (and most expensive) home claims we see is water damage.
Water damage is often caused by flooding and could be results of:
- A pipe bursting
- A wash machine, water heater, toilet, water softener, the icemaker in your freezer malfunctioning
- Valve on a faucet breaking
- Vandals (remember the movie Home Alone?)
Most plumbers say you should turn your water off at the main water valve to prevent plumbing mishaps while you’re gone. You’ll find the valve on the lowest level of your home—either in the crawl space or basement, or near the street. Order your Water Main Shut Off Valve tag!
- Don’t wait until it’s time to leave before turning off the water. An old, stiff valve could break if you turn it off for the first time in years.
- Turn off your water heater. If you have a gas water heater, you can set it to “vacation” mode.
- Some plumbers recommend leaving the water on if a caretaker will be checking on the house. That way, the caretaker can flush the toilet every now and then. Because our water is so “hard,” water that dries out in the toilet can leave a calcium ring.
Now is a great time to take one small step that could save you a lot of heartache and pain. R&R offers bright yellow tags that you can attach to your water valve. After you receive the card, attach it to the valve and show your entire family. If you have anyone that watches your home when you are out of town, you should show them as well.
