How to Protect Your Home from Damage During Summer Vacation

7/23/2021 (Permalink)

If "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," these tips will help you prevent water, fire or mold damage from ruining your summer vacation!

There's nothing worse than returning from a relaxing vacation to find water, fire or mold damage to your home. Here is a quick checklist of things you can do to reduce that risk before you leave.

Water Damage Prevention Tips

The simplest way to avoid water damage inside your home is to shut off the water main while you're gone. If there's no water, there's no risk of a burst pipe or leak.

But if you need to irrigate your lawn or garden, shutting off the water main isn't an option. Instead, turn off the valves under sinks, by toilets and appliances like washing machines to stop leaks. Then double-check sprinkler settings to mitigate excess water from flooding around your home.

It doesn't often rain in Los Angeles during the summer months. But cleaning out gutters and downspouts helps reduce the risk of flooding during a freak storm. Got a sump pump? Test it out to ensure it can do its job should rain be in the forecast while you're away.

Turn air conditioning units down or off. This saves both electricity and money if there's no one home to enjoy the cool air. And before you go, inspect your HVAC system for leaks. Overflowing drip pans or condensation buildup can cause both water damage and mold if left unchecked.

It's also a good idea to inspect your water heater. Look for worn or loose drain valves where water can leak out. For extra peace of mind, have a local plumber check the pressure release valve and flush out sediment buildup.

Fire Damage Prevention Tips

Wildfires are a year round concern in Los Angeles and across Southern California, but especially during the dry summer months. Ensure there is a defensible area around your home by trimming trees, shrubs and other naturally flammable landscaping. Store lawn chairs, shades and other materials that can burn away from your home.

Unplug TVs, ovens and other appliances and devices that won't be in use while you're gone. Test and replace the batteries in smoke detectors so that the alarm will sound should something cause a spark to flame.

Last, but not least, ask a friend or neighbor to check on your home. They can look for potential problems, pick up mail and help make your home appear occupied to deter theft or vandalism.

Got Property Damage? Call SERVPRO of North Hollywood!

While "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," property damage can happen to even the most diligent homeowner. If you return from your summer vacation to find water, fire or mold damage to your home, give us a call at (818) 754-0050. Our highly-trained and professional damage restoration team is here to help anytime, 24/7. We can be on-site anywhere in Los Angeles in as little as one hour to clean up your damaged property quickly.