Many of us had to cancel much anticipated trips and adventures last summer. So a lot of families are in the process of making travel plans, and greatly looking forward to vacationing this summer, though perhaps slightly altered.

We, at Joe Taylor Restoration, want you to have the most enjoyable experience possible with friends and family. So here are some tips to prevent water damage while traveling this summer and beyond.

According to the USA Today, and the professionals at Joe Taylor Restoration, property owners in the state of Florida can and should take the following steps to prevent water damage while on vacation:

Step 1
Check your home for leaks before you leave. Look at the pipes under all sinks. The seals around your windows should be in good condition, and check that there are no dislodged or damaged shingles on your roof. Re-caulk seals and replace shingles if needed.

Step 2
Inspect the hoses that connect to major appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers and refrigerator ice-makers. Make sure there are no kinks; replace any old or damaged hoses. Consider upgrading supply lines by replacing plastic/rubber with stainless steel.

Step 3
Clear all the debris out of your rain gutters, and check the downspouts for any blockages.

Step 4
Examine your sump pump and check that it is in good condition and clear of debris by filling the sump pit and running the pump. Listen to the motor for strange sounds and watch that the water is going outside. Install a battery-powered backup source in case there is a power outage while you are gone.

Step 6
Ask someone to check your house periodically while you are gone, especially for an extended period of time. Either hire a service or give a trusted friend/ neighbor a key, any security alarm information, and a number where you can be reached just in case your property experiences an event while you are away.

Step 7
Turn off the water at the main. Using the emergency cut-off valve outside your home (usually located in a home’s basement, garage or outdoors near the foundation), shut the water off from the source. Then, turn on your sink and bathtub valves until no water comes out and all air pressure is released from within the pipes.

Step 8
Set Your Air Conditioning at 75 – 80 ̊. DO NOT turn your air conditioning off. This step has less to do with water damage and more to do with mold, but it is worth adding. Setting your air conditioning will reduce electric bills and prevent mold build-up on walls and carpets. In older homes with humidistats, change the setting to read 60, which will pull the humidity out of the air and protect against mold and mildew.

http://traveltips.usatoday.com/prevent-water-damage-vacation-1660.html

The above tips will hopefully help, but do not guarantee that your home will not experience some type of water damage, or even mold or fire damage, in your absence. If you find yourself in need of water, fire or mold remediation services, whether home or away, contact Joe Taylor Restoration immediately. We will see to it that your home is restored, so you can get back to enjoying your travels and your summer.