1. Ensure Flapper Valve Seals Properly

The flapper valve is a simple mechanism in your toilet tank that allows it to refill after every flush. However, sometimes flapper valves can get hung up, causing them to not form a proper seal or close at all.

When this happens, the water will continuously run to fill up the tank. When you’re at home, you can easily hear the water running and quickly remedy the problem. However, if you’re not in your home, the water will continue to run, driving up your water bill.

2. Turn Off Main Water Supply

If you’re concerned about flooding while you’re away, you may also find our guide on how to protect your home from flooding helpful.

If you are going on vacation for several weeks, it may give you extra peace of mind to shut off the main water supply. This will ensure that no leaks will happen while you’re away, preventing that scenario in your head where you come home to find significant water damage. Our water damage contractors want you to avoid leaks whenever possible.

Even if you aren’t going on vacation in the foreseeable future, it’s still a good idea to familiarize yourself with where your main water supply shut-off is and how to use it. That way, during a plumbing emergency, you will be able to easily locate the main water supply and shut it off.

If you return home and discover water damage, read our guide on what to do after your home has flooded to understand the next steps.

3. Turn Off Water Heater

If you shut off the main water supply, make sure you also shut off the hot water heater. If you leave your hot water heater turned on without proper water supply, it will still continue to heat, potentially causing damage.

Hot water heaters are used to heat water for showers, baths, and cleaning dishes and clothes. However, if no one is staying in your home during your absence, there’s no need to keep this system running.

4. Have Someone Check In

No doubt, you have a checklist of things to get done before heading for the airport. For example, when people leave for extended vacations, it’s common to have a friend or family member stop by the house to water the plants or make sure the mail doesn’t pile up.

However, make sure your designated person also checks the house for plumbing problems. A quick walk through the house should suffice to catch any leaking pipes before they become larger plumbing problems. This strategy can save you from needing water damage repair after a relaxing vacation.

5. Install Smart Leak Detection Devices

Modern leak detection systems can alert you to water leaks even when you’re away from home. Many smart water sensors connect to your phone and can notify you immediately if they detect moisture near water heaters, washing machines, sinks, or other high-risk areas.

Some systems can even automatically shut off the water supply if a leak is detected, helping prevent extensive water damage while you’re traveling.

6. Call Our Water Damage Restoration Team

When the unexpected happens and your home experiences flooding or water damage, fast action can help minimize structural damage and reduce the risk of mold growth. Our restoration team provides emergency water removal, drying, and cleanup services throughout Michigan.

If moisture is left untreated, mold can begin growing within 24 to 48 hours. We also provide certified mold remediation services when needed.

Common Vacation Water Damage Risks in Michigan

Michigan homeowners often experience water damage while traveling due to frozen pipes, water heater failures, appliance leaks, sump pump malfunctions, and severe storms. Even a small leak can become a major problem if it goes unnoticed for days or weeks.

Homeowners in Kalamazoo, Lansing, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor can reduce their risk by preparing their plumbing systems before leaving and arranging for someone to periodically inspect the property. To request a quote for water damage restoration, call Camelot Service Company at (833) 252-0488.