Protect Your Home from Water Damage While You’re Away: Essential Tips to Follow

Water damage is one of the biggest nightmares for homeowners. While many think that storm-related losses are the primary cause, it’s actually leaks in pipes and connections that often lead to water damage due to poor maintenance. This can be especially devastating when it happens while you’re away from home. To avoid the heartache and expenses that come with water damage, consider the following tips:

Use Appliances Only When You’re Home and Awake

Turning on appliances before leaving the house is risky as appliances and their supply lines can fail at any moment. Treat water-related appliances like you would with your stove or oven. You wouldn’t leave your oven on when you go out, so don’t start your dishwasher or washing machine before leaving home either.

Install Leak Detection Sensors

Installing leak detection sensors is an easy and affordable way to get early warnings of potential water problems throughout your home. While more advanced sensors require professional installation, you can find many products that you can install yourself in strategic locations where water leaks may occur. Receive real-time alerts on your smartphone to stay informed.

Set Up Automatic Shut-Offs

Some leak detection systems come with automatic shut-off capabilities, which are designed to shut down water flow when a leak is detected, minimizing water damage to your home.

Know Your Shut-off Valve Locations

It’s important to know the location of your main water shut-off valve and the individual shut-off valves for your appliances and fixtures, such as washing machines, dishwashers, toilets, and sinks. Knowing where the shut-off valves are located can help you isolate a leak when it occurs and prevent further damage to your property.

Keep Your Home Heated in the Wintertime

If you live in a cold climate, make sure to keep your home heated even if you’re away for a while. Pipes in exterior walls can freeze if the heat is not maintained properly, leading to water damage when the pipes thaw. Set your home’s temperature at 55°F or higher to keep the interior of your home above freezing temperatures.

By following these tips, you can keep your home safe from water damage and avoid the stress and expenses that come with it.

Protect Your Property: Shut Off Water Supply Before Leaving for a Long Time

If you’re planning to leave your home for an extended period, shutting off the main water valve is a wise precaution to take. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. However, you should consult a professional to determine the best course of action.

If you can’t shut off the main valve, you can turn off the individual valves to major appliances and fixtures. This can help you avoid the disastrous consequences of a leak or flood.

Regular Maintenance is Key

To avoid water-related losses, homeowners must maintain their appliances and fixtures. Replace supply lines and valves frequently, especially around sinks and toilets, as they have a limited lifespan.

Older homes and plumbing systems are at greater risk of water damage, and most losses stem from general wear and tear. But with diligence and regular maintenance, these risks can be minimized.

Conduct Visual Inspections Regularly

Regular visual inspections can help identify plumbing problems before they escalate. Check exposed pipes and plumbing parts for signs of corrosion, cracks, deposits, discoloration, and other signs of wear and tear.

If you spot a leak or signs of trouble, contact a professional right away. A thorough assessment can help identify other compromised components that may also need to be replaced.

DIY Repairs Can be Tricky

While it may be tempting to tackle small plumbing repairs yourself, improper installation or over-tightening can cause more harm than good. Always follow the instructions carefully, and be aware of the specific requirements for different fittings.

For larger repairs or complex issues, it’s best to consult a professional plumber to ensure the job is done right.

Home Water Safety Checklist: Protect Your Property While on Vacation

When you’re planning to travel and leave your home unattended, taking steps to prevent water-related damage is crucial. Checklists can help you ensure you’ve covered all the bases, from shutting off the main water valve to checking for leaks and setting the thermostat appropriately.

By following a home water safety checklist, you can enjoy your vacation with peace of mind, knowing your property is protected.

  • Don’t Let Water Woes Spoil Your Homecoming: Before you leave your property for an extended period of time, it’s wise to shut off your main water valve or individual valves to major appliances like washing machines and toilets. Always seek advice from a professional before taking any action.
  • Temperature Matters: A Guide to Thermostat Settings: Ensure that your home stays warm and cozy while you’re away by setting your thermostat to at least 55°F if it’s cold outside.
  • Install Leak Detection Sensors: Installing smart leak detection sensors is an excellent way to protect your home from water damage while you’re out. If there’s a leak, the sensors will notify you, and it’s wise to have a trusted neighbor or friend on standby in case of an emergency.
  • Clean Your Sump Pump Pit: Before you leave, make sure your sump pump pit is clean and clear, and test it to ensure that it’s functioning correctly.
  • Keep Your Plumbing Healthy: Perform a quick visual inspection of your exposed plumbing before you leave. If you notice any discoloration, cracking, deposits, or other issues, don’t hesitate to call a licensed professional for assistance.

Water Damage Is More Than a Home Repair Issue

Remember that plumbing issues can uproot your life, not just damage your home and belongings. Protect your home by being proactive and knowledgeable about maintaining and caring for its systems, and contact your local independent agent or Travelers representative to ensure your home is covered in the event of damage.

And remember that at Houston Restore PROS, we provide 24/7 emergency water removal services to help prevent further damage. Our team of experts is equipped with dehumidifiers, exhaust fans, and dryers to handle even the most extensive flood and water damage.

 

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4.9 60 reviews
kendell clark Avatar
kendell clark
4/14/2025
After our house flooded on Christmas we called Houston Restore Pros and they took time from their holiday to come out and assist us and walk us through the next steps. From mitigation to reconstruction the process was seamless and the experience was great. The office worked side by side with our insurance and got all the tough questions answered for us and handled everything on that end. They were able to restore my home to even better than they found it. We’re very happy we choose Houston Restore Pros.
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Carol Smith Avatar
Carol Smith
4/14/2025
Houston Restore Pros worked well with our insurance. Joe and crew were compassionate and highly efficient at the moisture mitigation. Joel was great at coordinating the different phases and letting us know what to expect. Dennis and team Manuel, Daniel, and Alex went above and beyond expectations! Joe and Kirk and their crews carefully moved the furniture out and back. I would hire this group again!
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Derek Pruitt Avatar
Derek Pruitt
4/05/2025
Ben was prompt with communication and they did nice work
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JOEY Avatar
JOEY
4/05/2025
Ben and his team completed this project for us as sewer water backed up into the home. They did the demo which consisted of removing the base boards, tile/wood flooring, sheet rock, shower, etc. They put back the home in a timely and professional manner!
They installed sheet rock, tape and float, installed base boards, painted walls and trim, built a new vanity and painted, installed new plumbing fixtures, completed the tile shower with pan, tile in bath areas, and wood in bedrooms and living areas. Very reasonable pricing and completed a few small extras without hassling for additional monies.
I highly recommend Houston Restore Pro to complete any project you may have at your home or office!
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Van Ho Avatar
Van Ho
4/05/2025
Houston Restore did an amazing job on my property. Got Water damage and they arrived in 3 hours to dry out everything. Then Ben took care the restoration . He finish entire house in 2 months and my house turn out so beautiful .
I would recommend Houston restore to everyone
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Maria Lopez Avatar
Maria Lopez
4/05/2025
These guys are lifesavers. They are available 24/7. They provided excellent, professional service and did not leave until the job was done.Thanks to Joe, Jose, Josue, Joyce, and Joel.
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Danielle Beckcom Avatar
Danielle Beckcom
3/05/2025
Ben and his team at Houston Restore Pros were absolutely fantastic! From start to finish, they demonstrated professionalism, efficiency, and outstanding attention to detail. They went above and beyond to ensure everything was handled with care, and their expertise was evident in the quality of their work. Communication was seamless, and they were always available to answer any questions along the way. If you’re looking for a reliable and skilled restoration team, look no further—Houston Restore Pros is the best in the business. Highly recommend!
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stephen cunada Avatar
stephen cunada
2/05/2025
We had a little flooding inside our house back in July 2024 and when we informed our insurance company, they have suggested Houston Restore Pros as one of the cleanup company. In a matter of few hours, Joe was at the house supervising the mitigation process which they did meticulously. We were satisfied with the results that we decided to let them finish the restoration and reconstruction of the entire first floor under the able watch of Ben who was very responsive to all our questions and making sure that he corrected everything that needed to be addressed promptly. I would highly recommend Houston Restore Pros to anyone who would be in the same predicament. Thanks again Joe, Ben and the entire crew.
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B B Avatar
B B
2/05/2025
Our house flooded in May and needed to be restored from 2 feet up down to the concrete foundation. Houston Restore Pros had us back in our house in December and it looks better than it did before the flood. Ben was very helpful during the process and whenever we needed a repair fixed or changed he was easy to get ahold of and was quick to send out someone to fix it. You can tell that he really cares about his customers. I've added some photos of the demo and the finished home. It really is beautiful.
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Lee Tilley Avatar
Lee Tilley
2/05/2025
Slow water leak ruined my life! These guys put it back together from start to finish. Ben & his team were great to work with. He was always available, this man needs a promotion.
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Cat Ferguson Avatar
Cat Ferguson
2/05/2025
I would like to take a moment to commend Ben Sos, Project Manager at Houston Restore Pros, for his exceptional professionalism and courteous demeanor throughout our project. Ben consistently demonstrated a remarkable ability to effectively manage tasks and ensure that the right team members were assigned to meet our needs.

His patience and understanding were particularly noteworthy; he was always available to address my concerns, even during moments of distress, and handled each situation with grace and empathy. Ben truly goes above and beyond for his clients, and his commitment to delivering outstanding service is evident in every interaction.

I wholeheartedly recommend Ben Sos for any project, as I am confident that his dedication and expertise will lead to successful outcomes.
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Jenny Ryan Avatar
Jenny Ryan
1/05/2025
Houston Restore Pros Joe Contreras and his team expertly handled the water mitigation in my home after my attic leaked, and Ben Sosa and his team beautifully restored my floors and the ceiling and sheetrock damage. They respond promptly to communication and guide their customers through each step of the process. Their care for their customers shows in all aspects of the company. I would recommend Houston Restore Pros to anyone.
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Rasheed Bangee Avatar
Rasheed Bangee
11/05/2024
Mr. Ben Sosa stayed on the top till the job is complete. Joe, Isaac Escobar and all are excellent along with Ben.
Worry free for one. They took care of all including contacting insurance company. Pictures are before and after.
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Helen Castillo Avatar
Helen Castillo
11/05/2024
Ben did a fantastic job him and his crew. They did repairs to my house and also painted it great job Ben
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Satish Mani Avatar
Satish Mani
10/05/2024
HRP were awesome. They came, understood our challenges and resolved each and every one of them. Ben their Project Manager especially understood our concerns and went way beyond to resolve our issues. Highly recommend HRP for any House restoration issues.
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