Tru Steam Carpet & Upholstery | Savannah, GA | Call 912‑295‑5925
When many people think about protecting their home while on vacation, burglary or fire come to mind first. But the truth is, water damage is far more likely to occur in your absence.
It is estimated to be about seven times more likely than a fire and six times more likely than a burglary. Between 2004 and 2008, water damage was the second-most frequent homeowner’s insurance claim, with claims often ranging from $2,700 to $7,500—not including ruined belongings and major inconvenience.
So, how can you safeguard your Savannah‑area home when you head out for the holidays or an extended trip? Below are steps recommended by the professionals at Tru Steam Carpet & Upholstery to reduce the risk of water damage while you’re away.
1. Shut Off the Main Water Valve
One of the best preventive measures is to turn off the main water supply for your home—even if you’ll only be gone a night. Without water flowing, leaks and floods become far less likely.
- The main shutoff is often located outside near the front of your house or in a utility room.
- You may encounter two types: a ball valve (which turns 90°) or a gate valve (which opens and closes fully). Be sure the valve is completely off—not partially.
- If your home uses a well, turn off the electric switch for the well pump (not your entire house).
- Before leaving, run a faucet to confirm the water is off inside the home.
2. Inspect Appliance Hoses Before You Depart
Many household water leaks start from aging or damaged hoses connecting appliances. Before leaving:
- Inspect your dishwasher, washing machine, refrigerator (ice-maker), and water heater hoses for cracks, bubbles, or signs of wear.
- Consider replacing hoses every 5 to 7 years, even if they look fine—wear happens gradually.
- If possible, shut off water feeds to those appliances or unplug them while you're away.
- Check that bathtub, shower, and toilet caulking is intact; re-caulk if you find gaps or deterioration.
3. Test Your Sump Pump (If You Have One)
For homes with a basement or crawlspace, a working sump pump is critical.
- Pour water into the sump pit before you leave and confirm the pump activates.
- Verify that the discharge hose leads outside, is intact, and is free of kinks or leaks.
- If your pump is old or unreliable, consider upgrading it before your trip.
4. Consider a Water Flow Monitoring or Auto-Shutoff System
For added peace of mind, install a water flow monitoring system or automatic shutoff valve. These smart systems attach to your main water line and:
- Monitor normal water usage patterns in your home
- Detect unusually high or steady flow (which may indicate a leak)
- Automatically shut off the water supply to prevent flooding
It’s especially useful for Savannah-area homes where humidity, storms, or freeze-thaw cycles can stress plumbing.
5. Call Tru Steam for Post-Trip Inspection & Restoration
Even with precautions, accidents happen. If you return home and find signs of water damage—wet carpets, soggy baseboards, musty odors—contact Tru Steam Carpet & Upholstery immediately. We provide emergency water damage restoration in Savannah, GA, and surrounding areas including:
- Rincon
- Effingham County
- Guyton
- Richmond Hill
- Bryan County
- Hinesville
- Tybee Island
Our team will:
- Extract standing water
- Dry and dehumidify affected areas
- Treat for mold, mildew, and odor
- Restore your carpet, upholstery, and flooring
Final Thought
Water damage is a serious risk—possibly more so than theft or fire—especially while you're away from home. Taking preventive steps like turning off your main water valve, checking hoses, and having a smart shutoff system in place can save you thousands and protect your home from devastating damage.
Call 912-295-5925
For advice or emergency water restoration
Serving Savannah and the surrounding Lowcountry.
Call Tru Steam Carpet & Upholstery today at 912‑295‑5925 for advice, preventive service, or emergency water restoration in Savannah and the surrounding Lowcountry.