Prevent Water Leaks When You're Away - Top Tips

When you plan a holiday as a homeowner one of the concerns you may have is how to prevent water leaks when you are absent and the house is unoccupied. You need to consider a number of options, especially in cold weather climates where your home may be at risk of seasonal water leaks in exposed pipes. Consider having a housesitter to make sure someone is present to make regular checks. Or you can thing about various tools to help you monitor activity in your home when you are not there. In this article we review a number of preventative steps you can take to ward off water leaks in your property. Read on to learn more.

How to Prevent Water Leaks While You Are Away From Home

Water leaks often result in extensive physical destruction when no one is present to observe them. A small amount of moisture under a sink or a slow release from a concealed pipe is capable of saturating floors and walls, which leads to expensive restoration. Properties that are empty for multiple days or weeks are particularly susceptible because water spreads without being seen and the situation becomes worse as time passes.

prevent water leaks with regular inspections — Prevent troubling water leaks damage with regular inspections of your home, lagging outdoor pipes and having a housesitter resident when you are away
Photo credit – Swastik Arora

Preparation is necessary to prevent these problems before you leave. Small adjustments, routine checks and an understanding of the plumbing system are effective ways to lower the chance of an incident. Homeowners protect their property and avoid sudden difficulties upon their return – following a few specific steps.

Inspect Plumbing Before Leaving

A thorough examination of all visible pipes is an effective method to lower the risk of a leak. Common areas where moisture appears include the spaces under sinks, around toilets and near appliances like dishwashers or washing machines. Identifying damp areas, metal decay or loose parts helps homeowners find problems before they become severe.

Checking hoses and fittings that are not in daily use is also important. Rubber hoses on appliances sometimes lose their strength over time and may develop bumps or cracks suddenly. You lower the possibility of water escaping while the house is empty – replacing old parts and tightening any loose connections.

Shut Off the Water Supply

Closing the main water valve is a reliable way to stop leaks during long absences. The risk of pipe ruptures or hidden drips is much lower when water is not moving through the system. Many people choose this method when they go on vacation or long trips.

Opening faucets briefly to remove remaining pressure from the pipes is another helpful step after you close the main valve – this action limits the volume of water that can exit the system if a small opening exists. Some residents test the shut off valve on a regular basis to be certain it is in working order.

shut off the water supply to your home at the main stop cock — Know where you water mains control tap is so you can turn if off to be certain you can prevent water leaks in your absence
Photo credit – Magda Ehlers

Install Leak Detection Systems

Electronic devices are available to monitor water flow and notify homeowners of unusual patterns – these systems recognize irregular water use and react quickly if the plumbing activity changes. Early notifications are useful to prevent water leaks and even small drips from causing major structural harm.

Advanced tools, like FloLogic, are able to stop the water flow automatically if the system detects an abnormality – this technology provides a secondary layer of security when the house is empty. Certain devices also connect to a mobile alarm, which sends a message to a phone so the owner is able to act immediately. Constant monitoring and automatic shut off functions are beneficial for people who travel often.

Protect Appliances & Indoor Risks

Appliances that require water are frequent sources of leaks when they are not monitored. It is best to check washing machines, dishwashers and refrigerator water lines before you leave. You lower the chance of a mechanical failure and so prevent water leaks by making sure hoses are firm and are not pulled tight.

Climate control inside the house is another factor to consider. Seasonal temperature shifts affect pipes, especially during the winter. Maintaining the indoor heat at a functional level and perhaps lag vulnerable outdoor pipes are ways to protect them from freezing and breaking and to seasonal prevent water leaks – these simple actions lower risks that are not always visible during a standard inspection.

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Have Regular Property Checks to Prevent Water Leaks

Property owners are encouraged to have a person visit the home at regular intervals during long absences or better still have a housesitter living in – having someone present is helpful because it ensures that this person is onsite and can identify leaks quickly. A neighbor, friend or family member is able to notice signs like damp surfaces, sounds from the pipes or water on the floor near machines. Prompt detection is effective at limiting the amount of damage that occurs.

Routine visits or in fact having a housesitter resident is one way to monitor the property in ways that electronic devices cannot – these individuals are able to collect mail, inspect doors and walk through the main rooms to ensure that the home is in good condition and so you can prevent water leaks in most instances. Such a habit is a practical addition to other safety measures and is a way to increase the security of the building when it is empty.

Maintenance of Drainage & Sump Pump Systems

Homeowners can lower the risk of water entering an empty house – keeping drainage systems clear. Dirt or debris often block gutters, downspouts and exterior drains – these blockages are the cause of water overflowing and collecting near the foundation. Water that remains near the foundation is likely to seep into basements or lower levels.

Testing the sump pump before departure is a way to confirm that the device is functional and may help you prevent water leaks damage – this process is a check to ensure that the pump starts when water enters the pit plus that the discharge line is open. A backup power source is a useful addition for homes with sump systems – this equipment is helpful during power outages, which are frequent when there is heavy rain and a high requirement for drainage.

How to Prevent Water Leaks in Conclusion

People prevent water leaks when they prepare and identify potential hazards. Homeowners who inspect plumbing, control the water supply plus use modern tools are less likely to experience property damage. Completing small tasks before departure is helpful for property safety.

Water security is higher when manual checks are combined with automated monitoring and alarm systems. You are more likely to experience a calm departure if you plan carefully, as water issues are less likely to occur.