Preventing Water Damage While on Vacation: Precautionary Steps to Take
websitebuilder • May 28, 2024
Ah, vacation! A time to unwind, recharge, and create lasting memories. But the last thing you want to return to is a home ravaged by water damage. Unfortunately, unforeseen leaks and plumbing issues can occur while you're away, turning your joyous homecoming into a stressful situation.
Here at PUDDLES Restoration Services of Ocala & The Villages, we understand the importance of peace of mind during your well-deserved break. This comprehensive guide equips you with valuable information and precautionary steps to minimize the risk of water damage while you're away, ensuring a smooth return to your haven.
Understanding the Risks
While water damage can strike anytime, vacant homes are more susceptible due to the lack of immediate attention to potential leaks. Here are some common culprits for water damage during vacations:
- Burst Pipes: Freezing temperatures, aging pipes, or sudden pressure changes can cause pipes to burst, leading to a significant and rapid release of water. This risk is particularly high in winter months when water expands as it freezes.
- Leaking Pipes: Worn-out connections, loose fittings, or corrosion can lead to slow leaks that may go unnoticed for a long time, causing significant damage before you discover them.
- Appliance Malfunctions: Malfunctioning hoses, loose connections, or a faulty pump in your washing machine or dishwasher can lead to overflows or leaks, causing water damage in the laundry area or surrounding rooms.
- Faulty Water Heater: A failing water heater can leak from the tank, pressure relief valve, or supply lines, leading to water damage in the basement, utility closet, or wherever the water heater is located.
- Heavy Rain or Storms: Heavy rainfall or severe storms can overwhelm gutters and drainage systems, causing water to back up and seep under the roof, leading to leaks in the ceiling or upper floors.
- Clogged Gutters: Gutters clogged with leaves, debris, or ice can prevent rainwater from properly draining, causing it to overflow and potentially seep under the roof or fascia boards.
Taking Precautionary Steps
By taking proactive measures before your vacation, you can significantly reduce the risk of water damage and ensure peace of mind during your trip. Here are some key steps to consider:
- Turn Off the Water Supply (if necessary): This might seem extreme, but for particularly long vacations or if you have concerns about aging pipes, consider turning off the main water supply valve. However, weigh the risk of potential leaks against the inconvenience of having no running water upon your return. Important Note: If you have a refrigerator with an ice maker or other appliances requiring a constant water supply, consult an appliance specialist before turning off the main valve.
- Address Potential Leaks: Before leaving, address any known leaks or dripping faucets. Tighten loose connections, replace worn-out hoses, and schedule repairs for any identified plumbing issues.
- Empty and Disconnect Appliances: Drain and disconnect washing machines, dishwashers, and ice makers from the water supply lines to prevent potential leaks from malfunctioning appliances.
- Shut Off Unnecessary Appliances: Turn off electronics, TVs, and other appliances that could malfunction and cause electrical damage in the event of a water leak. Unplugging these appliances also helps conserve energy while you're away.
- Alert a Trusted Friend or Neighbor: Inform a trusted friend or neighbor about your travel plans and provide them with a spare key in case of emergencies. Ask them to check on your home periodically, especially after heavy rain or storms.
- Invest in Smart Leak Detection Systems: Consider installing a smart water leak detection system with remote notification capabilities. These systems can alert you to potential leaks even while you're away, allowing you to take immediate action by contacting a qualified plumber or restoration company.
Additional Tips for Different Seasons
Depending on the season of your vacation, a few additional precautions can be beneficial:
- Summer: Turn off the ice maker in your refrigerator and empty any water softener tanks to prevent overflows.
- Winter: In addition to adjusting the thermostat, consider insulating exposed pipes in crawlspaces or unheated areas to minimize the risk of freezing.
- Spring and Fall: Clean your gutters thoroughly before your trip to ensure proper drainage of rainwater.
Returning Home to Water Damage: What to Do
Despite your best efforts, unforeseen circumstances can still lead to water damage in your absence. Here's how to react if you discover water damage upon returning home from your vacation:Despite your best efforts, unforeseen circumstances can still lead to water damage in your absence. Here's how to react if you discover water damage upon returning home from your vacation:
- Don't Enter if Unsafe: If you suspect electrical hazards due to water damage, do not enter your home. Contact a qualified electrician to assess the situation and ensure safety before entering.
- Turn Off the Water Supply: Locate the main water shut-off valve and turn it off immediately to prevent further water flow and potential damage. If you're unsure of the location, consult a trusted neighbor or refer to your home's plumbing manual.
- Assess the Situation: From a safe distance, take a preliminary assessment of the damage. Look for visible signs of leaks, the source of the water (if possible), and the extent of the water damage. Take pictures or videos of the damage for documentation purposes.
- Open Doors and Windows (if safe): If weather permits, open windows and doors to promote ventilation and drying of the affected areas.
- Contact a Trusted Friend or Neighbor: Inform your friend or neighbor about the situation and request assistance if needed.
- Contact a Professional Water Damage Restoration Company: Don't attempt to handle extensive water damage yourself. Contact a reputable water damage restoration company like PUDDLES Restoration Services of Ocala & The Villages. We are available 24/7 to respond to emergencies and can quickly assess the damage, locate the source of the leak, and initiate the restoration process.v
Why Choose PUDDLES Restoration Services of Ocala & The Villages
Here's why PUDDLES Restoration Services of Ocala & The Villages is your trusted partner in water damage restoration:
- 24/7 Emergency Response: We understand the urgency of water damage emergencies and offer 24/7 emergency response services to minimize further damage.
- Experienced and Certified Technicians: Our team comprises highly trained and certified technicians equipped with advanced equipment and expertise to handle all types of water damage restoration projects.
- Comprehensive Restoration Services: We offer a comprehensive range of services, from water extraction and drying to deodorization, content restoration, and structural repairs, ensuring a complete restoration of your home.
- Insurance Claim Assistance: Our team can assist you with navigating the insurance claim process for water damage repairs, making a stressful situation less overwhelming.
- Commitment to Customer Satisfaction: We prioritize clear communication and keep you informed throughout the restoration process, ensuring your satisfaction with our services.
Don't Let Water Damage Ruin Your Vacation Memories
By following the precautionary steps outlined above and partnering with PUDDLES Restoration Services of Ocala & The Villages, you can minimize the risk of water damage while on vacation. Should the unexpected occur, our team is here to provide prompt, professional, and comprehensive restoration services, ensuring a smooth and stress-free recovery process for your home.
Contact PUDDLES Restoration Services of Ocala & The Villages Today!
Call us at 352-722-3790.
Remember, a little preparation before your vacation and a trusted partner like PUDDLES Restoration Services of Ocala & The Villages by your side can go a long way in ensuring a smooth return to your dry and comfortable home.
What Happened A contractor in Williston, Florida stopped his team from “removing” the “mold problem” by, as they suggested, "spraying it with bleach." The contractor insisted that the mold remediation be done correctly and called PUDDLES . Upon completion of the work, PUDDLES insisted that the client retain an independent company to conduct a post remediation verification test to confirm that the mold remediation was done correctly. We were "lucky" to pass a PRV with a gaping hole in the floor.
What Happened The gaps between the ceiling drywall and the light fixtures allowed dirty air from the attic to mix with the air conditioner air, resulting in mold growth in the ceiling. CAN’T YOU JUST WIPE IT [MOLD] OFF! PUDDLES: No We get that a lot for mold removal, except it is usually said as a statement rather than a question. CALLER: Why not? PUDDLES: For many reasons: (1) the lab results confirmed it is mold, (2) it is on drywall, (3) the affected material is a popcorn ceiling, (3) …, (4) …, but more importantly, we don’t do that -- “wipe off drywall.” CALLER: But I was told you can. PUDDLES: You can, but we don’t; and we understand if you wish to call another company who would do that. No hard feelings. CALLER: Two days later: Caller agrees to us removing the affected material starting at 6:30 AM the next business day. Typically, the mold you cannot see is worse than the mold you can see. The same thing applied here.
Not calling PUDDLES will cost you more $$$$. Tarping your roof immediately after it is damaged will minimize secondary damages which ultimately saves you (the property owner) and your insurance company a significant amount of money. In this case, both the homeowner and their public adjuster chose a different (cheaper) company. That company never showed, never called, never emailed, never text; they did nothing. What Happened Hurricane Helene happened in Belleview, FL.
Tarping your roof immediately after it is damaged will minimize secondary damages, which ultimately saves you (the property owner) and your insurance company a significant amount of money. What Happened Severe winds in Ocala, FL bent numerous shingles allowing water penetration when it rains.
What Happened Ocala, Fl: An elderly mother’s cat repeatedly urinated throughout the house, including on the carpet. When the mother passed away, the daughter inherited the house. Unfortunately, the daughter was unable to sell the house because prospective buyers complained about the odor . Given Florida’s temperature and humidity levels, it was not surprising that the odor remained in Ocala, FL. PUDDLES is often asked if we use an ozone machine to remove odors. According to the EPA, “When inhaled, ozone can damage the lungs. Relatively low amounts can cause chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath and throat irritation.” See https://www.epa.gov/.../ozone-generators-are-sold-air... “Manufacturers and vendors of ozone devices often use misleading terms to describe ozone. Terms such as "energized oxygen" or "pure air" suggest that ozone is a healthy kind of oxygen. Ozone is a toxic gas with vastly different chemical and toxicological properties from oxygen.” Id. “There is a large body of written material on ozone and the use of ozone indoors. However, much of this material makes claims or draws conclusions without substantiation and sound science. … Often the vendors of ozone generators make statements and distribute material that lead the public to believe that these devices are always safe and effective in controlling indoor air pollution. For almost a century, health professionals have refuted these claims … Some vendors suggest that these devices have been approved by the federal government for use in occupied spaces. To the contrary, NO agency of the federal government has approved these devices for use in occupied spaces.” Id. Because ozone can kill living things, such as plants, pets, and YOU; we do not use ozone machines. What We Did Removed the glued down carpet Utilize chlorine dioxide Implemented a Hydroxyl Machine Added a HEPA Air Scrubber with a charcoal filter Sprayed the entire house (walls and floors) with an EPA-approved plant-based anti-microbial Fogged the entire house with an EPA-approved plant-based anti-microbial approved for fogging Even if you do not plan to be in the property while the ozone machine is operational, ozone also breaks down organic substance, and rubber, plastics, fabrics, paint, and metals. That Gucci or Louis V handbag you love can deteriorate.
What Happened After removing the old flooring from a home in Belleview, Florida , the flooring company uncovered water on the slab that was trapped under the underlayment. Unbeknownst to the homeowner, water was slowly penetrating the vertical exterior walls via hairline fractures. Both the cracks in the stucco and in the concrete slab itself were resolved, but the flooring company wanted the concrete slab moisture levels below a specific percentage. What We Did Florida tends to have elevated levels of humidity, including Belleview, Florida. To increase the drying efficiency, we sealed all the windows throughout the house with 4 mil plastic to prevent any moisture penetration. We placed a Phoenix DryMax XL Pro dehumidifier and a Dri-Eaz Stealth AV3000 axial air mover in each room. We also implemented the use of a heater to increase the internal temperature slowly to draw the moisture out of the concrete.
Homeowners in Crystal River and West Central Florida dealing with insurance claims related to water damage and mold can trust PUDDLES Restoration for assistance. Learn about the complexities of the process and how we can help in this blog article.
WE REMOVED AND DISCARDED THE AFFECTED MATERIALS, CLEANED THE SUBSTRATE, THEN ENCAPSULATED RESULTING IN A CLEAN PRV.
The Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician (FSRT) certification covers scoping, mitigation, cleaning, deodorization, subrogation, spoliation, documentation of residential and commercial fire and smoke damaged structures and contents. Upon completing this certification, you demonstrate that you are prepared to perform and document cleaning and deodorization of typical residential or commercial fire and smoke damage projects. PUDDLES Restoration Phone: (352) 722-3790 Email: Info@ PUDDLES restoration.com Website: www. PUDDLES restoration.com
The Health and Safety Technician (HST) certification covers occupational health and safety. This certification demonstrates competency in cleaning, maintenance, and restoration industries concerning the Global Harmonized System (GHS) and health and safety principles. The certification covers engineering and administrative controls, work practices, and personal protective equipment used in each specific industry or trade. The certification promotes the importance of hazard and risk assessments and implementing controls on the identified hazards. The hierarchy of hazard controls is emphasized so that eliminating, reducing, and controlling hazards will become the focus of health and safety instead of just regulatory compliance. Upon achieving the certification, the technician demonstrates the skills, knowledge, and awareness needed to save lives and prevent work-related injuries and illnesses and recognize and appreciate the value of health and safety on the job. PUDDLES Restoration Phone: (352) 722-3790 Email: Info@ PUDDLES restoration.com Website: www. PUDDLES restoration.com
