Peace of Mind Starts with a Twist: Turn Off Your Water Before You Go

August 09, 2024

When you head off to your second home for a few months, it's easy to forget about the house you're leaving behind. But while you're enjoying the sunshine and relaxation, your other home could be facing some serious issues if you don't take the right precautions. One of the most important things you can do before leaving is to shut off the water supply to your house. It might seem like a small task, but it can save you from a lot of headaches—and costly repairs.

Why Shutting Off the Water Matters

Water is essential for our daily lives, but it can also cause major problems if things go wrong. Imagine a pipe bursting in your home while you're away. Without anyone there to stop it, water could pour out for days or even weeks, leading to extensive water damage. Floors, walls, and furniture could be ruined, and mold could start growing, creating an unhealthy environment especially in SWFL.

Another common issue is toilets. If a toilet float gets stuck or a seal leaks, it can cause the toilet to overflow. This might not sound like a big deal, but if it happens while you're away, the water can keep flowing and cause significant damage to your bathroom and beyond.

And let's not forget about appliances like your ice maker. During a power outage, an ice maker might defrost, causing water to leak. We suggest always emptying the ice maker and shutting it off when you plan to leave for an extended time. This way there is no leak and if the power comes back on, the ice maker doesn't try to refill itself, leading to a bigger mess.

How Turning Off the Water Helps

By turning off the main water supply to your home, you prevent any water from flowing through the pipes. This means that even if a pipe were to burst, a toilet were to malfunction, or an appliance were to leak, there wouldn't be any water to cause damage. This simple step can save you thousands of dollars in repairs and give you peace of mind while you're away.

Our Home Watch Service Has You Covered

At Cover Your Assets Home Watch we understand how important it is to keep your home safe while you're away. That's why we offer regular check-ins every two weeks. Our team will visit your home to make sure everything is as it should be. We look for any signs of trouble, such as water leaks, broken windows, or other issues that could go unnoticed.

But even with our service, shutting off the water is still a crucial step. We can't always predict when a pipe might burst, or an appliance might malfunction. By turning off the water, you're adding an extra layer of protection to your home.

A Simple Task with Big Benefits

Shutting off your water is easy. Most homes have a main shut-off valve located near where the water line enters the house. It might be on the side of your home, near the street if you have city water, in the garage, or even in a utility room. Before you leave, simply turn this valve to the "off" position. If you're unsure where it is or how to do it, you can ask a plumber to show you.

Final Thoughts

Leaving your home for an extended period doesn't have to be stressful. By taking a few simple steps, like shutting off your water, you can protect your property from unexpected disasters. And with our home watch service, you'll have the added reassurance that someone is keeping an eye on things while you're away.

So before you head off to enjoy your extended stay away, remember to turn off the water in your home. It's a quick and easy way to keep your home safe and sound until you return. If you are interested in our services give us a shout at 941-888-4820.